Six features Amazon should consider for the next Kindle generation

The most persistent request remains the return of physical page-turning buttons. Since the discontinuation of the Kindle Oasis in 2024, users have flocked to alternatives like the Kobo Libra Colour and the Boox Go 7. Despite Amazon previously stating it had no plans to revive buttons, the vocal community on platforms like BookTok and Reddit indicates a clear market appetite for tactile controls. Integrating a native Bluetooth remote would also be a logical step, as current third-party solutions rely on cumbersome clip-on hardware that physically taps the screen.

Beyond ergonomics, hardware placement requires attention. The current location of the power button on the bottom of the device is a frequent frustration, leading to accidental shutdowns during workouts or when the reader is propped against a surface. Moving the power button to the top or side would resolve this design flaw instantly. Furthermore, there is a gap in Amazon’s lineup for a compact, 7-inch device with handwriting capabilities, similar to current offerings from Kobo and Boox. As interest in portable, notebook-sized e-readers grows, a smaller Scribe model could capture a new segment of power users. Finally, while unlikely given Amazon's walled-garden strategy, the emergence of open-system Android e-readers like the Boox series invites speculation about whether Amazon might one day offer a device with broader app support, or at least a tiny, ultra-portable reader to compete with the niche Xteink X4.