Ereader news from all over the world!
The Kobo Libra Color e-reader offers an incredible blend of features to enhance your literary adventures.
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Okay, let's be real for a sec. In a world buzzing with notifications and endless entertainment, it's easy to get distracted. But have you noticed that it feels like people are reading less than ever before?
Well, it's not just a feeling. A recent study dropped a bombshell: a whopping 54% of American adults might be reading at or below a sixth-grade level.
That's definitely something to think about. This drop in reading ability seems to be connected to changes in our schools and the way technology and social media have crept into our daily lives.
(This article is inspired by this great video from Cole Hastings)
So, how did we even get here? Well, way back when, before the 70s, most schools taught reading using "phonics."
You know, sounding out words, matching sounds to letters – the whole shebang. It gave us a solid foundation for understanding what we were reading. But then things changed, and schools started using something called the "whole language approach".
The idea was that reading should feel natural and fun, and that we'd pick it up just by being around books. Sounds nice, right? But unfortunately, it didn't exactly pan out. Kids started struggling with reading comprehension and fluency, and reading abilities across the board started heading south.
Turns out, that old-school phonics stuff actually works! Studies have shown that teaching kids to sound out words helps them read better overall.
Mississippi even went back to phonics in 2013, and guess what? Their reading scores jumped! Go figure.
It wasn't just teaching methods that changed things, either. Remember "No Child Left Behind"?
That law made schools test kids every year, which was supposed to make them more accountable. At first, things seemed to improve, but once "Every Student Succeeds Act" came along and eased up on the pressure, test scores kind of dipped again.
It seems like schools were so busy prepping kids for standardized tests that they forgot to make reading fun or interesting.
And that's a problem! Kids started reading shorter snippets instead of diving into whole books, which hurt their ability to think critically and made them less excited about reading anything longer than a tweet.
Check this out: back in 1984, about 35% of 13-year-olds said they read for fun. Now? It's down to just 14%! Crazy, right?
We can't talk about this without talking about our phones.
I mean, let's be honest, how many times a day do you get sucked into a TikTok vortex or scroll through Twitter (X.com now) or Youtube for way longer than you planned?
It's hard to resist! For a lot of kids, checking social media is way more appealing than cracking open a book.
Plus, all that online noise makes it harder to focus and tell what's real from what's fake.
It's like our brains are getting trained to skim headlines instead of digging into real information.
Okay, so maybe people aren't reading "War and Peace" anymore. So what, right? Well, actually, low reading skills can cause some serious problems.
Studies show that people who struggle with reading are more likely to be unemployed, have health problems, and even end up in poverty.
It's a cycle that's tough to break. On the flip side, boosting reading skills could give our economy a shot in the arm and improve everyone's well-being.
Being able to understand and think critically about what we read is super important in today's world. It helps us make good decisions and be informed citizens.
When people can't read well, it hurts not just them, but our whole community.
Alright, enough doom and gloom. What can we do to turn things around? First off, we need to rethink how we teach reading in schools.
Let's bring back the stuff that works, like phonics, and make sure teachers have the tools they need to do their jobs well. We also need to get kids reading longer stuff, not just snippets, and cut down on distractions in the classroom.
Another big issue is that a lot of teachers are feeling burned out and leaving the profession. We need to fix that by making teaching a more sustainable job. When teachers are happy, they're more engaged and present for their students.
Finally, let's make reading fun again! Encourage kids to put down their phones and pick up a book.
Start with stuff they enjoy, even if it's not super "serious," and gradually work up to more challenging material. The goal is to make reading a habit and something to look forward to.
So, yeah, America's reading rates are a little scary right now. But it's not too late to change things.
By improving how we teach reading, reducing distractions, and making reading a priority, we can help turn the tide.
It's time to get excited about books again and help future generations develop a lifelong love of reading. Let's work together to make literacy a top priority – one awesome book at a time!
Here's some important news for anyone who owns a Kindle e-reader. You need to download your books before February 26, 2025. Yes, you read that right! Amazon is planning to remove the option to save books purchased from the Kindle platform.
How to download your books?
It's pretty simple. Start by logging into your account on Amazon.com using the ID you use for your Kindle purchases.
Once logged in, head to your account and click on "Digital Content Library." (click here) This will take you to all your digital content.
At this point, you need to click on the "Books" tab to see the list of all the books you have. Just a note: if you have any free Prime Reading books, unfortunately, you can't download those. You can just delete them from your device if they’re taking up space. But for the books you've purchased on Kindle, it's time to download them.
To do this, click "More Actions," then choose "Download & transfer via USB." Keep in mind, after the crucial date of February 26, 2025, this option won't be available anymore. You'll still be able to send books to compatible devices, but getting the files back will be a different story.
So, don’t wait! Download your books now to ensure you can access them in the future. Once the file is downloaded, you can find it in the download history, and there you go, it’s saved on your computer in AZW3 format.
If you're like me and love having access to your books even without an internet connection, now's the time to back them up.
I do hope Amazon reconsiders this decision or gives us an alternative way to save our books on our computers.
P.S.: Just to clarify, you'll still be able to buy and send Kindle ebooks to your Kindle e-reader or access them via the smartphone or tablet app. However, you won't be able to download them to your computer's hard drive.
Sometimes, Pocketbook e-readers can get stuck. It can be pretty annoying if you don’t know how to quickly fix the issue. Don’t worry, I’m here to share some tips to get your device back up and running.
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Today, I want to chat about something that can happen to any Kindle user: that annoying bug where your device becomes unresponsive and seems stuck. Don't worry, I’ll share some tips to help you unblock your Kindle in case of trouble.
So, first things first, sometimes our Kindle e-readers freeze. This can show up in different ways:
This is often due to a software glitch. In reality, e-ink screens, like the ones on Kindles, can keep showing information even if the battery is dead. Sometimes, e-readers get stuck displaying a page of text or a book cover when frozen.
So just because your screen shows something doesn’t mean your Kindle is still working.
Here's what to do to unblock your Kindle:
First, plug in your Kindle. Use the USB cable that came with your device or another compatible cable.
Connect it to a power outlet or a computer and let your Kindle charge for at least 5 hours.
It’s super important to fully charge it!
Once your Kindle is charged, keep it plugged in and press the power button for 20 to 30 seconds. This will completely reset the device. Ideally, your Kindle should restart.
Sometimes, nothing seems to happen on the screen, but don't stress. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, then press the power button for 3 seconds for a normal start-up.
This should do the trick and unblock the device.
If it still doesn’t work and your Kindle remains stuck, I’m afraid you’ll need to contact customer service.
Another thing to consider: if your Kindle unblocks but freezes again quickly, it might be a sign that the battery is worn out and doesn’t hold a charge anymore.
Sadly, opening an e-reader today can be pretty tricky because parts are often glued.
In this situation, the best solution might be to buy a new one. If that's the case, feel free to check out the site's buying guide to find a new e-reader.
After over ten years of covering the digital reading world – e-readers and ebooks (mostly in French) – I thought I had seen it all when it comes to DRM. But an important development is shaking things up.
We know that change can be slow, even in the tech world, and even more so in the book industry. The matter of managing digital rights for ebooks seemed settled for a while, with Adobe reigning for about 20 years.
The software that manages an ebook's usage rights is called a "DRM." Think of DRM as a digital lock on a book to: prevent easy copying and free sharing, ensure it's used only on authorized devices (like e-readers, tablets, etc.).
Basically, it's a protection so authors and publishers get paid and to combat piracy. But it can be a bit restrictive for buyers, sometimes limiting where and how you can read the book you bought.
This is why ebooks bought for Kindle on Amazon aren’t compatible with Kobo devices, for example.
The main DRM is from software giant Adobe. It's called ADE (or ACSM) and it's found on Kindle, Kobo, Pocketbook, or Nook devices.
When you buy an ebook online protected by Adobe’s DRM, you can theoretically read it on a compatible device.
But in practice, it’s often a hassle: installing software on your computer, creating an account, authorizing your e-reader to use that account, needing an internet connection, etc. And you go through this again, sometimes worse, when you switch e-readers, redoing everything if you want to keep access to your digital books.
I have lost count of how many issues I’ve cataloged and the numerous emails I’ve received about Adobe DRM problems. Check out this forum post to see just how widespread these issues are!
Note: Contacting me won't help. The best option is to reach out to Adobe, the book vendor, or the publisher. If you're still stuck, get a refund.
Have you heard of NetGalley? It's an online platform that connects authors and publishers with influential readers – like book bloggers, journalists, booksellers, librarians, and teachers – offering free digital copies of books before they’re published. The aim is to spread the word and create positive buzz before the official release.
NetGalley just completely dropped Adobe Digital Edition DRM ("ADE") for a new one called LCP—which isn't that new, as we'll see.
This is interesting since NetGalley has made protecting literary works a key trust point for book professionals. This switch proves there's a simpler alternative to Adobe for managing DRM.
LCP is not new, and I’ve discussed it a lot. A French company called TEA (now Vivlio) was among the first globally to use this DRM widely in 2015, initially called "CARE," (article in French) and more recently, implemented the latest LCP version in all Vivlio e-readers.
The advantage of LCP is that it simplifies user management while still offering strong copy protection.
LCP also supports library borrowing and allows you to use and read the ebook on all LCP-compatible devices.
LCP is already compatible with Vivlio, Pocketbook, and Bookeen e-readers. You can learn more from this short article in English: Readium LCP.
If all e-reader brands switch to LCP, ebooks will be compatible with all devices!
Now, it’s just a matter of convincing Kindle and Kobo to adopt LCP, finally resolving one of the big hurdles in digital reading that still limits e-reader adoption worldwide.
Especially since Kobo users who also use NetGalley aren't happy and are loudly asking Kobo to adopt LCP too (see on Reddit).
Discovering the Past: Free Access to the Video Game History Foundation's Digital Archive
Today marks an exciting milestone for gaming enthusiasts and historians alike, as the Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) opens its digital archive of video game research materials to the public.
Accessible now at https://archive.gamehistory.org/, this repository is an impressive gateway into the world of video game history that is completely free of charge.
Since its inception in 2017, the VGHF has been on a mission to build a comprehensive digital library centered around the history of video games.
Over the years, they have meticulously gathered a treasure trove of materials including development documents, rare publications, magazines, and behind-the-scenes content. This endeavor ensures that the stories of how our favorite games came to life are preserved for future generations.
The initial collection is a remarkable assortment of items that includes:
These resources are invaluable for understanding both the artistic and business sides of video game development.
While the archive offers an incredible amount of content, it is unfortunate that documents cannot currently be downloaded for use on e-readers like Kindle. This limitation makes it less convenient for those who prefer to read on portable devices. Finding a way to transfer documents for offline access remains a challenge for many users.
EDIT: I find a way to download the retro magazines with the short cut keyboard "CTRL + S" on my computer to save the file as PDF.
One of the highlights of the launch is the Mark Flitman papers, a collection of documents from a retired game producer who worked with renowned companies such as Konami and Acclaim.
These papers embody a detailed record of the video game industry's past, offering unique insights into production and marketing practices that shaped the gaming landscape.
Additionally, the archive boasts over 100 hours of footage from the production of the Myst series, featuring behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the original development team. This access not only enriches the narrative of the Myst games but also supports upcoming projects like The Myst Documentary.
The VGHF Library will continue to expand, looking forward to more exciting additions such as:
With so much to offer, the VGHF’s digital archive is not just a resource—it's a celebration of the vibrant history of video games.
The launch of the Video Game History Foundation’s digital library opens up a new chapter in the preservation and study of video games.
Whether you’re a researcher, a developer, or just a fan, having free access to these incredible resources is an opportunity to learn, explore, and appreciate the art and craft of video game creation.
Dive in at library.gamehistory.org or https://archive.gamehistory.org/ and start your journey through the rich history of gaming today!
That's why I love ebooks: one day we'll have all the information we need at our fingertips in a little device like an ebook reader. But, of course, there's still a long way to go before we get there.
Today, I want to talk about a new device that's just made its debut in USA: the BOOX Note Max. With its large 13.3-inch screen and ultra-thin design, it promises an unmatched reading and work experience. But is it really all it seems?
The Note Max is designed mostly for work, and you can tell from its specs.
With its E Ink Carta 1300 technology and 13.3-inch display, it offers excellent screen quality with clearer blacks and whites, reducing eye strain compared to previous models. This is the most advanced e-paper technology available in 2025, also featured in the smaller format Kobo Clara BW.
However, I think its size makes it a bit bulky and somewhat heavy for long reading sessions. This is true for other similar devices like the Kindle Scribe or the Remarkable Paper Pro as well. The Remarkable stands out with a color screen that might appeal to some users.
Looking at the Boox Note Max, its sleek finish and wide screen clearly target professionals who love digital workspaces. It’s more of a work-friendly device rather than a pure reading companion. The "split screen" feature and 2.8 GHz Octa-Core processor make it a versatile tool for taking notes, annotating documents, or handling projects, all while balancing power and ergonomics.
With 6 GB of RAM and access to Google Play Store (Android 13), it’s like having a mobile workstation.
If you choose the optional detachable keyboard, you can turn the Boox Note Max into a modern typewriter. The idea of typing comfortably on an E Ink screen is exciting, though I have reservations about its portability. Given its size and weight, I see it more as a desktop buddy than an e-reader for daily commutes.
In the end, the BOOX Note Max is an intriguing choice for those seeking an e-paper device for work. Still, it probably won’t replace your lightweight, simple reading devices if that’s your main need. Priced at $649.99, it might attract professionals looking for a digital solution for their projects, though it’s less ideal for reading ebooks, in my opinion.
If you're interested, you can find it now on the BOOX online store and Amazon.
What do you think? Could the BOOX Note Max fit into your daily life, or would you prefer a lighter e-reader? Personally, I'm keen to see how this device competes with the already well-established options.
Technical Specifications for this e-reader:
Remember the surprise announcement of the Daylight Computer DC-1? No? Let me jog your memory: it's a tablet featuring a proprietary system called Sol:OS, a "Live Paper" screen, and a minimalist-focused concept. But where has the Daylight DC-1 gone since its announcement?
The Daylight Computer DC-1 was one of the many products unveiled months ago in San Francisco's famous Silicon Valley. Introduced in May 2024, the announcement was quickly followed by a pre-order campaign for this innovative tablet, priced at $729, which is quite steep — something we'll get into later.
As of now, you can still pre-order this tablet with a $100 deposit, but there's no promised delivery date, not even a vague one. The company's lack of communication about its product doesn't bode well.
To understand why this product might flop, we need to focus on the screen technology used: RLCD, or Reflective LCD (see Transflective screen too). This type of screen has been around for years and is even used in well-known electronic devices. It's a further development of screens found in some 90s video game consoles like the Game Boy.
Today, there's also NXTPAPER technology, which closely resembles what's used in the Daylight Computer DC-1.
Although many manufacturers claim this technology is better than e-ink, that's not the case. The advantage is a higher refresh rate (Daylight claims 60 frames per second), but the precision and display quality aren't as good as the e-ink screens found in 2025 e-readers.
Additionally, Daylight Computer seems to have missed the massive arrival of Kaleido 3 color e-ink screens. In recent months, we've seen the release of many digital notebook-style devices that offer color, like the ReMarkable Paper Pro or some Onyx machines like the Boox Air3 C.
The result? Even before the Daylight launch, it's technically outdated and overpriced compared to its competitors!
It seems obvious that Daylight is either revisiting its plans or looking for investors. But, given the technical delays and the limited value of its in-house operating system, Sol:OS (based on Android), convincing investors to pour money into their product will be challenging.
I think the company is looking towards innovation to justify their asking price, either in terms of software or hardware.
It would be interesting, for instance, to offer this tablet with a color screen or include AI-based professional features.
So, what happened to the Daylight Computer DC-1? The product is simply already outdated before its launch, and the company couldn't ride the wave created at its announcement many months ago.
For more information, visit: Daylight Computer
