Help Convince Amazon to Open the Kindle Platform

[Cinisajoy]

Originally Posted by Pizza_Cant_Read

It is fascinating that a mod removed my link to the Kindle Support Forums (as if they are competing social platforms) but not before someone responded over there first to inform that I also posted here, am trying to start a movement, and to reassure that nobody else really cares about the features I am promoting. Also interesting that several of the people participating in that thread all share the same join date. It doesn't make sense why anyone would be against a greater feature set or support a silly limitation in software. I mean sure, if you feel said features would hurt your device then I would understand. But why knock someone else for no other reason?

To return to the point -

As a consumer, I am frustrated that I can't use at least use directories to organize my kindle, nor can I use utilize the metadata that Calibre obtains from Amazon itself. These are little things that wouldn't require any investment whatsoever and are limitations imposed on a device equipped with a dual core processor just to move us towards vendor lock in.

Of course the OS were open source the power of the platform would be infinite. The sophistication of an OS used for an ereader doesn't even compare with that of a smart phone. But that is the point, simple tools and methods of organizing a Kindle - enabling one to conveniently fill a 32 GB device wouldn't require Amazon to take on any crazy R&D costs. It only conflicts with their larger strategy of encouraging a subscription based model based on their platform while limiting the convenience of keeping or obtaining books through other means.

Link removed so we can discuss here not there.

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by Pizza_Cant_Read

It is fascinating that a mod removed my link to the Kindle Support Forums (as if they are competing social platforms) but not before someone responded over there first to inform that I also posted here, am trying to start a movement, and to reassure that nobody else really cares about the features I am promoting. Also interesting that several of the people participating in that thread all share the same join date. It doesn't make sense why anyone would be against a greater feature set or support a silly limitation in software. I mean sure, if you feel said features would hurt your device then I would understand. But why knock someone else for no other reason?

To return to the point -

As a consumer, I am frustrated that I can't use at least use directories to organize my kindle, nor can I use utilize the metadata that Calibre obtains from Amazon itself. These are little things that wouldn't require any investment whatsoever and are limitations imposed on a device equipped with a dual core processor just to move us towards vendor lock in.

Of course the OS were open source the power of the platform would be infinite. The sophistication of an OS used for an ereader doesn't even compare with that of a smart phone. But that is the point, simple tools and methods of organizing a Kindle - enabling one to conveniently fill a 32 GB device wouldn't require Amazon to take on any crazy R&D costs. It only conflicts with their larger strategy of encouraging a subscription based model based on their platform while limiting the convenience of keeping or obtaining books through other means.

We're all excited to know that you find things interesting and fascinating.

Most of us, however, are more than satisfied with our Kindles. Perhaps you should contact Amazon and take up your ideas with them?

[Pizza_Cant_Read]

yessir grand wizard. such useful feedback and responses all around, all while people are discussing similar topics in a dozen other threads. What happened to the kindle collections plugin? Oh yeah, now I need to jailbreak my device if such a loophole exists.

[knc1]

Originally Posted by Pizza_Cant_Read

yessir grand wizard. such useful feedback and responses all around, all while people are discussing similar topics in a dozen other threads. What happened to the kindle collections plugin? Oh yeah, now I need to jailbreak my device if such a loophole exists.

Are you writing about the new Kindle Oasis?

It does exist, unless you have let it update to 5.9.2
If not allowed to update, then you can still jailbreak it.
Do the first section: "Required" now, to keep from updating until the final JB is released:
https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/MyTestPage

[Deskisamess]

Also interesting that several of the people participating in that thread all share the same join date

Many on the new Amazon forums share the same join date because those forums are brand new and launched on that day, or a day or two earlier. Amazon dumped their old forum format.

[Nate the great]

Originally Posted by Deskisamess

Many on the new Amazon forums share the same join date because those forums are brand new and launched on that day, or a day or two earlier. Amazon dumped their old forum format.

yes, exactly

[Pizza_Cant_Read]

Is there a method of rolling back? What are the disadvantages of jailbreaking a kindle? Thanks for your help!

Originally Posted by knc1

Are you writing about the new Kindle Oasis?

It does exist, unless you have let it update to 5.9.2
If not allowed to update, then you can still jailbreak it.
Do the first section: "Required" now, to keep from updating until the final JB is released:
https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/MyTestPage

[kacir]

Originally Posted by Pizza_Cant_Read

... am trying to start a movement, and to reassure that nobody else really cares about the features I am promoting.
...
As a consumer, I am frustrated that I can't use at least use directories to organize my kindle, nor can I use utilize the metadata that Calibre obtains from Amazon itself.

The vast majority of people do not care. It took me a long time to realize that.
I do care. So I got an e-ink reader from different manufacturer that supports features I miss on Kindle.
I was using non-kindle readers until Amazon introduced front-lit Paperwhite.
I was using Kindle Paperwhite 1 for almost a year. I applied every hack that was available for it, including font-size, margins, justification, alternative reader CoolReader (that supported folders), even alternative firmware from China, Duokan. I was still frustrated. So when PocketBook came out with a front-lit reader (the second front-lit e-ink reader on the market after Paperwhite) I sold Paperwhite and got PocketBook.
There are decent Android Powered e-ink readers out there, so you can install whatever reading app you wish. I personally use AlReader and I am happy.

Originally Posted by Pizza_Cant_Read

These are little things that wouldn't require any investment whatsoever and are limitations imposed on a device equipped with a dual core processor just to move us towards vendor lock in.

Those things would require lots of money to develop, test, deploy and support. If they suddenly started to support hierarchical folders, or complicated options, the support lines would be swamped with tens of thousands support calls.

[rem736]

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

I have no problems either.
* actually I have a problem but it isn't Kindle related. If someone has any suggestions on how to make my back room bigger, I am listening. It is what needs to be made accessible.
Also Physical expanding bookshelves would be a help.

you may need to order a TARDIS from Dr. Who.

[Sirtel]

As for me, I am happy with my Kindles and their limitations don't particularly bother me. One of my biggest peeves was the lack of font-weight options and that was added with the latest update.

I do have quite enormous library, but I don't need or want to keep all my books on my Kindle, nor do I feel the need for sophisticated folder systems. I do all the managing part in Calibre, and keep my back-ups in Dropbox and on external drives. I load only the books I want to read most to my Kindles (yes, even that number is a couple thousand). While doing that I also generate a Calibre catalog of those books which I also load on the Kindle. So whenever I want to find something new to read, I browse my catalog, no need to flip hundreds of library pages on the Kindle. I also use Calibre metadata plugboards to send the series info over.

[rogerinnyc]

For me, my greatest frustration is that Amazon doesn't give us the choice to have our book covers used as screen savers (like Kobo does). I would also like more line spacing options and a few more margin size choices.

But it's the lack of the first (book covers) that has kept me from ordering the KOA2. I held off on buying the Voyage until the jailbreak was released and, for now, am pretty happy with my Kobo Aura One (but would love page turn buttons).

Given what Amazon has done with Special Offers, I'd be curious whether another $20 option to have book covers show would be a winner for them....

[issybird]

The link to the discussion at the Kindle forums in the first post has been restored for anyone who might want to read or participate.

[Dr. Drib]

Apparently, Pizza_Cant_Read, when someone disagrees with your stance on the Amazon Forum, you call them trolls and you tell them to go away.

If you want a free and open discussion, then I would suggest you keep it exactly that here: A free and open discussion.

While there are some who agree with your stance, it's important to recognize that some do not agree with you. I'm one of those individuals.

As mentioned by at least one individual here, why not buy a Kobo, since they allow a more open way to fiddle around with your device. (And, if one happens to screw up - as many seem to do - we have all sorts of helpful chaps here who will gladly send you an SD card image.)

Another issue (if that is the correct word to use) is that most of the public who own Kindles seem to be quite happy with them. And, of course, there are some who are not happy.

Personally, I look forward to reading both views here on this thread, as ideas are tossed back and forth.

[shalym]

Originally Posted by issybird

The link to the discussion at the Kindle forums in the first post has been restored for anyone who might want to read or participate.

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

Apparently, Pizza_Cant_Read, when someone disagrees with your stance on the Amazon Forum, you call them trolls and you tell them to go away.

If you want a free and open discussion, then I would suggest you keep it exactly that here: A free and open discussion.

While there are some who agree with your stance, it's important to recognize that some do not agree with you. I'm one of those individuals.

As mentioned by at least one individual here, why not buy a Kobo, since they allow a more open way to fiddle around with your device. (And, if one happens to screw up - as many seem to do - we have all sorts of helpful chaps here who will gladly send you an SD card image.)

Another issue (if that is the correct word to use) is that most of the public who own Kindles seem to be quite happy with them. And, of course, there are some who are not happy.

Personally, I look forward to reading both views here on this thread, as ideas are tossed back and forth.

Looks like the thread got locked over there. Maybe because of the name calling?

Shari

[issybird]

Originally Posted by shalym

Looks like the thread got locked over there. Maybe because of the name calling?

Shari

Ah. Well, then they can go there to read.