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Kindle Users Face Glitch in Download and Transfer via USB Option
A significant issue has emerged for Kindle users, with reports confirming that Amazon’s “Download and Transfer via USB” feature for Kindle eBooks is currently non-functional. Many users attempting to retrieve purchased eBooks through this option are met with an error message instead of a successful download.
Key details of the issue:
- Attempting to download an eBook initially shows a sign-in request but then redirects to an error message, preventing the file transfer.
- The glitch doesn’t affect delivering eBooks directly to Kindle devices, which works as expected.
- This problem aligns with Amazon’s move to remove the download-and-transfer option for 2024 Kindle models, raising questions about future availability for older devices.
While this may simply be a technical bug set to be resolved soon, it highlights concerns among avid eBook users. Many fear Amazon might fully phase out the feature, limiting access to purchased books for offline usage or device backups. This move also follows other recent changes in Amazon’s eBook ecosystem, such as introducing Kindle Android in-app purchasing, which could suggest a broader shift in how Kindle services are handled.
This situation resonates with a previous decision by Barnes & Noble over a decade ago to discontinue download options for their eBooks, which negatively impacted the consumer experience. Kindle users are now actively discussing backup strategies to secure their digital libraries and exploring alternative eBook platforms. Some are even exploring non-Amazon devices, like the Onyx Boox Note Max, or innovative technology solutions such as TCL’s NxtPaper 4.0, which offers a different approach to e-paper tech.
Additionally, the issues Kindle users are facing tie into broader themes about ownership in digital media. Amazon has previously taken steps such as addressing the problem of fake books on Kindle, and with ongoing debates about the utility of certain features, as seen in unnecessary e-reader features, it’s important for readers to consider what they truly need in their devices.
If you rely on the “Download and Transfer” feature, be sure to monitor its status or download your library once functionality is restored to avoid potential disruptions. For now, keep an eye on updates from Amazon as users await an official response or solution.
