[prvc]

>Amazon said it had supported the devices for 14 years or more and could not keep doing so indefinitely. "Technology has come a long way in that time," said a spokesperson.

Wasn't the original concept of the Kindle that it shouldn't need to be replaced by newer models?

[kuboble]

I can and will still use mine to read files.

What is discontinued is integration with Amazon account. Which seems fair to me to be fair.

[wrxd]

Less fair when they sold an integrated device and store

[literalAardvark]

It'd be fair if they unlocked them.

[devilbunny]

The device isn’t locked, and you can continue to read anything on it. You just can’t put new things on it directly from Amazon via its built-in interface.

An original-model Kindle has more of its original functionality than an original-model iPad.

[hoppyhoppy2]

The OS is locked, no? That's why people have to jailbreak it to install software like KOreader?

[devilbunny]

Yes, the OS is locked. I misunderstood the point of your statement.

But all you are losing is the ability to use the Amazon store and borrowing that requires DRM. It still works fine as an e-Ink reader.

Anecdotally, the OSes on the really old ones are easily jailbroken. They have never updated them to an unbreakable one that I am aware of.

More than I can say for my first-gen iPads, which would still be wonderful devices for reading books today. I have a Kindle because it is, and long has been, the cheapest e-Ink device. It’s my reading-outdoors device; I don’t use it except at the beach/pool.

[alok-g]

> Amazon said it had supported the devices for 14 years or more and could not keep doing so indefinitely.

Why -- Aren't they also claiming productivity enhancements with AI? ;-)

And did they calculate how much environmental damage may result the decision?