The Kindle Oasis was released in 2019, and it’s been a while since Amazon added a meaningful update to the system. So, when I learned that Amazon was rolling out a new system software update this past week, I was quite excited. That’s until I learned that the update closes a long-standing loophole for library books borrowed via Libby that lets you hold onto a book longer than you’d otherwise be allowed. Additionally, it further tightens DRM to ensure buyers can’t offload books from the Kindle.
While the first feature doesn’t affect me much, the latter, as someone who likes preserving digital media, makes the update an instant no-go for me. On paper, these changes protect publishers’ rights and intellectual property. For the end user, though, they are just another reminder that you never truly own your digital library or even the hardware you technically bought.