In 2025, Kindle services in China have undergone significant changes, leading many to ask: Will Kindle still be usable? The answer is yes, but the way it's used and how resources are accessed have changed.
What makes the Kindle so great?
- Excellent reading experience: The Kindle uses an e-ink screen, the most notable feature of which is that it simulates the reading experience of a paper book. Unlike mobile phone screens, it reflects ambient light to display content, making it clear even in sunlight and less prone to eye fatigue after prolonged reading, a feat unmatched by other devices like phones and tablets.
- Lightweight and portable: Its slim and compact design makes it convenient to carry in a backpack for daily commuting or on trips, allowing you to read anytime, anywhere, truly putting a library in your pocket.
- Ultra-long battery life: The Kindle's battery life is exceptional. Because the e-ink screen itself consumes very little power, under normal use, it can last for weeks on a single charge, eliminating the need to worry about battery life affecting your reading experience.
- Massive Storage: Even the basic Kindle has a generous storage capacity, capable of storing thousands of e-books. It's like a small personal library, freeing you from the worry of having no space for books at home.
Kindle Supported Formats
- Common Formats: Generally speaking, the Kindle natively supports AZW3, TXT, PDF, MOBI, and EPUB. AZW3 and AZW are Amazon's proprietary formats, offering the best compatibility with Kindle and optimal display quality. TXT is highly versatile, but may not fare as well as specialized e-book formats in terms of formatting. PDF is primarily used for reading documents and scanned books, but text-heavy PDFs may not be as good on the small Kindle screen. However, larger Kindle devices offer much better reading experience. However, Amazon has adjusted its policy: EPUB, PDF, and txt files can be transferred via email, while MOBI, AZW3, and AZW3 files can only be transferred via a data cable.
- Format Conversion: For unsupported formats, such as EPUB, you can use tools to convert them before transferring them to the Kindle for reading. Calibre, a free and powerful ebook management software, can easily perform format conversions.
Why Use Kindle?
- Focus on Reading: Today's phones are overloaded with features, and various messaging and entertainment apps can easily distract you. The Kindle, on the other hand, has no extraneous features; its sole purpose is reading. When you open your Kindle, it's like entering a world dedicated solely to books, allowing you to immerse yourself in reading and absorb knowledge more efficiently.
- Eye Protection: As mentioned earlier, the e-ink screen is easy on the eyes, which is crucial for frequent readers. This is especially true for students and office workers who spend long hours reading daily. Reading on a Kindle can effectively reduce the strain on the eyes.
- Abundant Book Resources: Although Amazon's service in China has changed, you can still access a vast library of e-books through other channels. Whether it's classics, best-selling novels, or specialized texts, you can find e-versions.
