Kindles offer a range of useful features designed to enhance the reading experience. Users can long-press on a word or phrase to access its definition, highlight it, or add notes. Additionally, it is possible to search the entire book for the selected word or phrase or translate it between languages.
A feature known as Word Wise provides short definitions that appear within the text. While not available for every book, when it is, users can toggle it on or off and adjust the number of hints displayed. Clicking on a short definition reveals a more detailed one from Word Wise and either the New Oxford American Dictionary or Oxford Dictionary of English, with options for translations and a link to a Wikipedia page, if relevant.
To customize the reading experience, tapping the top of the screen and selecting “Aa” allows adjustments to the font size and type. This menu also includes a font called OpenDyslexic, which is designed to assist readers with dyslexia, as well as options to modify margin sizes and line spacing.
When a Kindle is connected to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, the VoiceView Screen Reader feature (found under Settings > Accessibility) enables gesture-based navigation and reads aloud the text on the screen. This functionality extends to reading books aloud, though the output is not comparable to professional audiobooks.
Amazon’s ownership of Goodreads ensures seamless integration with Kindles. By pressing the three-dot menu and selecting Goodreads, users with an account can review books, browse their bookshelf, and receive recommendations. Long-pressing a word or phrase also allows sharing quotes directly to Goodreads.
For internet-connected devices, a web browser is accessible via the three-dot menu. Though it may not offer the best performance, it can be used for emergency searches.
