Amazon is about to shut down a handy feature that lets you download your Kindle books to a computer and transfer them via USB. This feature was originally designed for Kindle users with older devices that lack Wi-Fi connectivity. It has also been a lifesaver for those who want to keep a backup of their e-books, just in case Amazon makes changes or removes them from the store.

The "Download & transfer via USB" option on Amazon's site will disappear on February 26. If you want to download your e-books to your PC easily, you need to do it within the next couple of days. This change only affects downloading files directly from Amazon's website to a computer. If you've already downloaded your books, you can still load them onto your Kindle via USB. You can also use third-party software or the Send to Kindle service to get EPUB files and other books onto a Kindle. It is important to note that this change will not affect typical Kindle users who buy their books from Amazon's store and download them to modern Kindle devices over Wi-Fi.

This change will mostly impact those who use third-party software like Calibre to manage their local e-book library. It will also affect those who have switched to other e-reader platforms and want to download their Kindle purchases to strip them of their DRM so they can be read elsewhere.

The download-and-transfer option was popular among DRM haters because the files are delivered in the older AZW3 file format. The AZW3 file format is used by older, pre-Wi-Fi Kindles, and its DRM is generally easier to remove. This makes it easier for users to have more control over their e-books.

If you're trying to download your Kindle purchases to your PC or Mac before the deadline, you'll need to have a somewhat older Kindle or Fire device attached to your account. If you only have one of the 2024 Kindles associated with your Amazon account, you won't be offered the download option. Amazon's site will only allow you to download a single book at a time, which could take quite a while, depending on the size of your library.

This change is a big deal for those who value having a local copy of their e-books. It's a reminder that digital content is often at the mercy of the platforms that provide it. While this change might not affect many users, it's a good time to think about how you manage your digital content and whether you have backups in place. It's also a good time to think about the role of DRM in digital content and whether it's a fair trade-off for the convenience of digital platforms.

Kindle Fans, Time to Act Fast!

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