Revamped Kindles Turn Pages Better Than Ever: Why I’m Loving It

Have you ever been so engrossed in a book series that you forget the details of a character’s development or how the previous book concluded? With the new AI-powered summary tool on Kindle devices, you’ll quickly get up to speed.

Termed as Recaps, this feature functions similarly to a “Previously on…” segment you might see on TV, providing readers with a swift recap of plots and characters before they dive into the subsequent installment of a series. However, it is important to note that this facility is only available for titles that are either borrowed through Prime Reading or Kindle Unlimited, or purchased directly from the Kindle Store, and specifically for series of ebooks.

To access Recaps, users need to install the 5.18.1 update on their 10th generation or newer Kindle device. After updating, readers can find the “View Recaps” button on the series page in their Kindle Library or under the three-dot menu associated with the series. If you do not see the “View Recaps” button, then the feature is not available for that particular series.

A gentle tap to flip the page

Included in the latest software update is another useful feature called Double Tap to Page Turn. As indicated by its name, this function allows users to enable an option in the Kindle settings to double-tap the device’s frame instead of the screen to turn pages or scroll—useful on the Home or Library screens.

This addition is particularly helpful for those using Kindles without physical buttons, facilitating easier one-handed reading. The only drawback is that this feature allows you to move forward in the text with double taps, but you’ll need to use standard screen taps to navigate backwards.

Both features significantly enhance the Kindle reading experience, aiding those who need a quick refresher of the previous book or prefer a smudge-free screen while flipping through pages. Currently, the Double Tap feature is available worldwide, while Recaps is only offered on Kindles in the US and on the iOS app. Amazon has yet to announce when it will be available internationally.

Understanding the Recaps Feature

Although the official press release did not specifically mention AI use in this new Kindle feature, a statement to TechCrunch confirmed its involvement. According to an Amazon spokesperson, “we utilize technology, including GenAI and Amazon moderators, to generate concise recaps that faithfully represent the book’s content”.

Amazon’s venture into AI isn’t limited to Kindle; it extends across its product range. Kindle Scribes feature AI-driven summaries and handwriting recognition, and Ring cameras have introduced a Smart Video Search for premium users, employing text-to-image prompts to review saved videos.

Despite these advancements, some users on Reddit have voiced concerns about the potential inaccuracies of these AI features and how Amazon ensures the thoroughness of its moderator reviews. Although Amazon assures that the recaps are accurate representations of the books, further verification of these processes is ongoing. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.