Support Termination for Previous Generation E-book Devices Announced
A popular e-commerce company recently shared that it will halt support for its older e-reader and tablet products. Starting from a certain date, devices made in 2012 and prior will not be able to buy, borrow, or download fresh content from the company's e-book store. The news was shared via an official email from a company representative.
However, users can still engage with books that have already been downloaded on their devices. Additionally, they can also access their accounts and e-book purchases through the mobile app, web version, and newer devices. It's noteworthy that if the older devices are deregistered or returned to factory settings, users won't be able to register them again after the specified deadline.
Which Devices are Affected?
The list of devices that will be impacted by this decision extends back to the very first e-reader launched by the company in 2007. This initial model was notable for its full keyboard and scroll wheel.
Before the deadline, the company plans to send out emails to affected users explaining what their older devices will be capable of doing, and what they will no longer support. Tablets from prior to 2012 will have similar restrictions when it comes to books, though other applications and company services on these devices will remain unaffected.
A Chance to Upgrade
For users who have been using these older devices for a significant period of time, this might be the right opportunity to upgrade to newer hardware. The company has planned to offer a 20 percent discount on new e-readers and tablets, along with a $20 e-book credit. This credit will be added to users' accounts after they upgrade, and it will be valid until a certain date.
One of the key advantages of upgrading is that previous purchases will be readily available on the new devices, given users log into the same account that they've been using all these years.
A Flashback
Looking back, in 2016, the company had mandated users of several e-reader models from 2012 and prior to update their device software. This was a prerequisite to continue accessing the e-book store. But a decade later, it appears that time has run out for those devices.
While the decision might be hard to swallow for some longtime users, it's a common practice among tech companies to phase out support for older devices. This not only helps in focusing resources on newer products but also motivates users to upgrade and enjoy the latest features and services.