- A relocated power button would prevent accidental shutdowns.
- A built-in kickstand would make reading hands-free and more comfortable.
- Adjustable touch sensitivity would reduce unwanted highlights and page turns.
- Alexa Plus could offer smart summaries and deeper story insights.
Amazon is expected to unveil new devices this week. That likely includes updates to the Kindle, a product beloved by millions of readers. For many people, including long-time Kindle users, the popular e-reader is already close to perfect. Still, a few small design tweaks could turn it into the ultimate reading companion.
Long-time Kindle fan and tech journalist Lance Ulanoff has shared what he wants most from the next model. His suggestions reflect the kind of everyday frustrations many Kindle owners experience.
A Better Place for the Power Button
The Kindle’s sleek design has always been one of its strengths. The thin frame, light weight, and crisp 300ppi screen make it ideal for long reading sessions. However, the placement of the power button remains a constant annoyance for many.
Ulanoff explains that he often loses his spot mid-story because the Kindle accidentally switches off. This happens when the button presses against his leg or another surface. It is a small flaw that can interrupt the peaceful flow of a good book.
He argues that the fix is simple. Moving the button to the back or to the side would make accidental presses far less common. A subtle change like this could make a surprisingly big difference in daily use.
A Built-in Kickstand for Hands-Free Reading
Another suggestion is something most readers will understand immediately. Reading in bed often means trying to prop the Kindle up with pillows or blankets. Many people eventually give up and hold the device in one hand, which can become tiring over long sessions.
Ulanoff believes that a small kickstand built into the Kindle’s body could solve this problem. A lightweight stand that folds out from the back would let the Kindle rest comfortably on a flat surface or chest.
Some readers use protective cases that include stands. However, Ulanoff prefers the bare Kindle for its lighter feel and says a built-in stand would be the perfect solution. Considering that modern Kindles are already durable and waterproof, adding this feature would enhance convenience without requiring extra accessories.
Smarter Touch Controls to Avoid Accidental Highlights
Many Kindle users know the frustration of accidentally highlighting words or flipping pages by mistake. The touchscreens can be sensitive, especially when reading in bed or on a plane.
Currently, there is no way to adjust touch sensitivity or disable highlighting. Ulanoff suggests a software update that allows users to set the sensitivity level to suit their habits.
For those who rarely use the highlight function, a simple toggle to turn it off would prevent unnecessary interruptions. This change would be purely software-based, meaning Amazon could roll it out even to existing models.
Making X-Ray More Helpful for Complex Stories
Amazon’s X-Ray feature is one of the Kindle’s most useful tools. It lets readers look up characters and references without leaving the page. But it has limitations.
Sometimes X-Ray fails to recognize nicknames or alternate mentions of a character. This forces readers to scroll back through pages to find context.
Ulanoff proposes that Amazon make X-Ray a permanent presence at the bottom of the screen. A scrolling list of characters could appear as the story unfolds, with those currently in the scene pinned at the top.
Tapping a character’s name could take the reader directly to the first mention in the book. This would be especially helpful in dense novels with large casts.
Alexa Plus Integration for Deeper Reading Insights
The final idea is more ambitious. Amazon recently gave its Alexa voice assistant an AI-powered upgrade called Alexa Plus. Ulanoff suggests integrating this into the Kindle as a reading companion.
With a single tap, Alexa Plus could summarize the current chapter, explain subtle references, or remind readers of past events. It could even provide cultural or historical context for certain scenes.
He imagines it acting like a personal book club, offering insights as you read. While this feature would require more processing power, it could run online when connected to Wi-Fi or in airplane mode when offline.
For readers who love digging into complex plots and character arcs, such an AI-powered guide could transform the reading experience.
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