New Kindle Scribe: Unboxing and First Impressions + Update 5.17.2 Features Overview

[@stephenharbaugh2856]

I kind of hate to share this, but will anyway as it may be helpful. I hope the new Kindle Scribes aren't the refurbished original models in a newer case. I say this because, when I pre-ordered the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition in Agave green in February 2023, I received a refurbished kindle. Although it was pre-ordered, was listed as new. the Kindle I received was already registered to another account and had files from 2022. So clearly, it was a refurbished kindle, being cased in a new color and sold as a new product that was just released.

[@Termonia]

The Kindle Paperwhite is the same model every year since ... I don't know, maybe 10 years or more. So ...

[@stephenharbaugh2856]

@@Termonia My point was I paid for new, but was sold a refurbished. If they advertised it as a previously returned model 6 months ago, now enclosed in a new color case, that would have been different. I have to wonder if the returned original Scribes are now being re-cased to appear as a newer model. Also, they should have factory reset mine before sending it. Perhaps you misunderstood what I was saying. It was a point about dishonesty.

[@pcti4106]

The quality of your reviews are excellent. I hope you don't change too much in 2025 either!! Thank you!

[@JanaV-x9x]

Hi Voja, I recently purchased the used previous version of the Scribe to join my growing family of e-ink note taking devices😅For my taste, I acually prefer the dark bezels to the white ones and I didn't see any meaningful difference otherwise. I am surprised how much I like using it despite of the limitations. For my personal use it's fully sufficient and I very much like the new annotating functionality. The writing feel is not as good as on the Boox NA3C, but still pleasant enough for me and I love the option to use the button for highlighting and erasing with the top of the awesom pen. For work I use the Supernote Nomad, where I love all the functionalities in the notebooks. My dear Boox NA3C probably remains for reading news and content I cannot read on Kindle. Otherwise, all my books are on Kindle, so from this perspective, the Scribe makes a lot of sense. I would be very happy, if it were possible to view the notebooks and a Kindle Paperwhite which I use for reading in bed or for travelling. Thank you for all your work!

[@WritersLike]

I also thought Refine Writing was going to do something more useful or exciting. It's basically the text recognition it had before but with font options. I did actually learn how to use the canvas by watching this video! I have gen 1 and have been playing with these features on mine, but had not realized what the canvas actually did other than allowing a visible note. I didn't know I could do something like highlight text, put a nice big box under it, and then write quite a bit and use all the pen tools. That's actually useful for exporting annotations if I'm commenting on someone else's work (as I often do in my job). Amazon could have done a better job explaining/introducing the features.

[@ScaleProAi]

Hi Voja, Greetings from California! I hope this message finds you well. I’ve always appreciated your insightful analysis and have been eagerly awaiting your video comparison on the latest Kindle Scribe models-your attention to detail makes all the difference! I was wondering if you could shed some light on the screen surface differences between the 2022 and 2024 Kindle Scribe. I’ve heard rumors that the 2024 model has a matte film over the screen, which supposedly makes it slightly rougher and more “paperlike.” However, I also came across comments suggesting that this matte film might make text appear a bit blurrier on the newer model. Additionally, some Amazon reviews mentioned that writing on the 2022 Kindle Scribe felt smoother compared to the 2024 version. My own experience aligns with this-I had the 2022 model for about 10 days and loved the writing feel, but I decided to return it when I heard a newer version was on the way. The 10 days I had my 2022 Kindle Scribe were Amazing. I felt myself just wanting to write on it all the time. I loved the screen texture. I loved just doodling on it while on a conference call. It felt like a very subtle fine mesh screen even. The writing surface itself felt a very slightly lower than case of the unit, which did not bother me at all. Recently, I visited a Best Buy here in the U.S. to check out the 2024 Kindle Scribe on display to see if the screen was different. Yes I know the specs are the same but if they have a different film over it then it is different. While it was in demo mode and I couldn’t try writing on it, the screen surface did seem a little different. The flush design of the 2024 Kindle Scribe gave the impression that writing on it might feel more like writing on a frisbee rather than paper. There was not this sunken mesh feel that I recall from the 2022 model. The writing surface and the case seemed to be at the same level. Can you confirm or comment on this? I also heard reports about backlight bleed on the 2024 model in dark rooms, particularly from the right and bottom edges of the screen-something that wasn’t an issue with the 2022 version. If you’ve noticed this or can confirm these differences, it would be incredibly helpful. To summarize: 1. How is the writing experience side by side between both versions? I know the specs are the same but like I said I think the films coating them are different. 2. Is the 2022 screen sunken below the case slightly like I remember? Is the 2024 screen flush with the case? 3. Does the 2024 screen feel more rough to the surface? 4. Do you see the backlight bleed on the 2024 model? Thank you so much for your time and for the effort you put into your content. I’m really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these comparisons! Best regards, Brett.

[@ScaleProAi]

Hi Voja, I reordered a new 2022 Kindle Scribe and unboxed it today. I swear it is not the same screen as the 2022 Kindle Scribe I had 3 months ago and returned. Same model -- 2022 Kindle Scribe 16 GB. That old one had a mesh feel to the screen. I loved loved loved just rubbing it constantly. I mean, I just wanted to cuddle it constantly. This new one is smooth, like a Frisbee. The writing experience is nice, don't get me wrong. I would imagine it is the same technology now as the 2024 Kindle Scribe which, as I mentioned above, I had seen at Best Buy and the screen surface was smooth like a Frisbee. So I think Amazon has put new film on all their Kindle Scribes. But considering you have had your 2022 Kindle Scribe for a while, you may have the other version like I had. Now I am thinking I will just return this one and see if I can buy a used 2022 Kindle Scribe. I swear the screen is different and I prefer that slight mesh texture. It shouldn't be the same model if they are making these fine adjustments that are changing the user experience. Please check your 2022 Kindle Scribe's screen texture vs 2024 Kindle Scribe screen texture when you get a chance. Best regards, Brett.

[@justjonoutdoors]

I guess it’s a matter of taste - I like the “2-tone” jade colors. Not that I’m shopping for a Kindle at this point, and I have no clue what other colors there are, but I’ll be interested in looking when it comes time to get a new one… (Though I do agree the white border is a bit distracting - almost garish.)

[@Bruceneuman]

New software features available for original Kindle Scribe as a software update.

[@blitherithicus]

I haven't seen the previous premium pen, but it seems that the "eraser" end is different on the current version, more like a real eraser in texture.

[@gidi1899]

I love listening to your design reviews, there is so much in there. Sometimes I'd like to see how all tablets compare on one 'thing' that you look at. I have a request, Make more 'tournament videos' where tablets race on a single design aspect. Aspects like: 'color maching' , 'edges sharpness and feel', 'the menu system'. To be clear, you allready did that work! just didn't group it like so, well you did I think for writing response, the chart is amazing. but there are more interesting aspects to select from your work.

[@Warement]

From what it writes at their site it says "Redesigned flush-front display with uniform white borders and upgraded Premium Pen"

[@paulus4294]

I was looking for an e-reader in "paperback" format to read comfortably at home, and the Kindle Scribe meets this expectation. The reading comfort in landscape mode with two columns is particularly pleasant, and the possibility of annotating directly on the pages of the books is a significant advantage. However, to read in your bed, the Kindle Scribe is not handy with its weight which is not appropriate.

[@stlredbird]

I’m reading Caves of Steel right now too!

[@5idi]

11:10 MAGNETIC FORTHES! My Boox NA2+ green is much nicer 😋

[@MrsBennett67]

Thank for covering this. I had one previously and sold it because it didn’t have the functionality I needed. When I found out they made some upgrades, I was excited, but there’s still one thing missing… Bluetooth keyboard functionality. I really need that to be a feature even more than the other changes they made, so now I know not to spend the money on the new Scribe, and just get a Boox device instead. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@MyDeepGuide]

Hmmm, but what changes have been made between the Gen1 and Gen2 versions of the Scribe?

[@abdulla9345]

I think regarding adding that white frame it is good thing, as the frame white color makes the page look larger, so would be more comfortable for eyes when reading. It is been a month that i have it, i really like it and i use it on daily basis for my master program studies ( reading and note taking). Before this kindle scribe, i bought Bigme I returned back as the performance was really bad, there was a lot of ghosting on the screen, and its pen was not comfortable for writing. Moreover, having a colored E-ink affects the screen clarity a lot, it was not comfortable neither for reading nor writing.

[@richardnoble3989]

I've just updated my Kindle Scribe (1st edition) to 5.17.2 and there's no sign of the AI tools options in notebooks - so they basically updated the appearance but ring-fenced new software features to the 2nd Generation - I wonder if/how long before they release the new software features to the first generation which must also be capable of running those features??

[@jonathannorth531]

on the amazon page for the kindle scribe it says that AI is only available for US English at the moment - no indication of when this will be improved.

[@MyDeepGuide]

The AI functionality is dependent on the region I think. So some regions allow it, others don't. I have them exactly the same on my old Scribe as well after the update.

[@kuba_wasikowski]

Hi Voja, could You please review new Radiant RLCD 24 inch monitor, can't wait for Your opinion, Thank You!

[@Warement]

Hello Voja, I would be interested to know if you have tried the kindle scribe new pen in the Note Air 2, and how you would describe the writing feel in comparison to boox and remarkable nibs on the Note Air. Thank you in advance

[@AndrewH57]

How does the internet browser work on this device? Can you browse web pages similarly to how it’s done on Boox devices? Can you access your email and download attachments from emails? Does annotation work on PDF files created by scanning paper documents? Can you utilize split-the-screen mode on this device, such as by opening two PDF documents side by side?

[@MyDeepGuide]

It works poorly, to sum it up.

[@jayvansickle7607]

I really thought it was going to say that you selected too many pages.

[@selenocystein]

Are you going to make a pproper deep guide to the Supernote A5X2 (soon)?

[@DerComputerist]

He said it would be arriving by the end of January

[@masoudsakha9331]

does it have front light? if so it is dark

[@BrianHall-Oklahoma]

I don't like the white band around the screen. I prefer the look of my original Scribe and see no reason to "upgrade".

[@AndreaGangemi]

It looks nice, however I am not a big fan of kindle devices, I may be wrong but all the features seems to me a way to get hooked on the Amazon ecosystem which I hate.

[@MrBonesO]

Onyx 4c better?

[@bogst5579]

I have this device for one week and I'm disappointed. It's only a kindle with note taking feature, nothing else. The "AI" feature is a gimmick. I just submitted the request to return the device. It doesn't worth the money for what you get

[@gracecar5820]

How dare they release a new unit before they release a full featured product. I used scribe 1 for over a year and it was a painful nightmare daily. I just persisted for the backlight. And then immediately jumped ship when RMPP released. It is so stripped down it’s almost not as good as just using paper and not losing your notebook.

[@jayvansickle7607]

I don't think they can have a perfect "white" frame....b/c most people use some Front Light all the time, often with a bit of warmth. I think Black is the best color for the frame.

[@Alburak66]

If you personally don’t like the white frame it does not mean it’s a design miss. I love the new design and I purchased it because of the 2 colour bezel. The old version is ugly and the new one is beautiful. So do not say it’s a miss! Just say you don’t like it.

[@MyDeepGuide]

It's a miss because it doesn't fit the brightness of the screen, therefore affecting the image perception in a negative way. That's why it's a miss, not because of a personal preference.

[@Alburak66]

@ fair enough, it’s not a miss for me though

[@aeonturnip2]

It looks like the only thing that the "old" Kindle Scribe doesn't get is the AI notebook features. Certainly not worth the upgrade for me. (Yes, I checked that I was on the latest software version 5.17.2)

[@jonathannorth531]

I think the AI feature - either 'new' kindle or old - is limited to US only at the moment. That does mean the upgrade is even smaller at the moment, but would expect this to change at some point. (even Apple's new AI is initially limited to US only) New annotations are nice, but I'm looking forward to the page margin feature due soonish. I would expect to read books in landscape mode, so that you would then be able to have half the screen as book, with the other half as margin notes.

[@MyDeepGuide]

It's not limited to the US. I am in Norway and I have it working normally on my 1st gen Scribe.

[@aeonturnip2]

I'm in the UK and it looks like it's an Amazon UK thing. A quick check on the forums shows lots of people moaning about it. Ho hum!

[@blitherithicus]

The previous version of Kindle has access to the same OS update. It can be downloaded manually if the update does not happen automatically.

[@aeonturnip2]

@@blitherithicus Yes, I've got the latest update, but the AI isn't available with an Amazon UK account - seems like lots of people are having this issue.

[@khamisa.5384]

What is this? We don't understand! everytime a new device with the same name!

[@MyDeepGuide]

To be fair, it's not really a "new" device, is it now.

[@nr-xp3dc]

This and other eink tablets not worth the price. Get an ipad

[@MyDeepGuide]

And if a person has a medical condition or an injury, like a concussion where traditional LCD and OLED screens cause migraines and other debilitating issues? Have you stopped for a moment to think about people who have needs that are different to your own? Or, imagine that you were the one who actually was in such a predicament, and then you heard another person saying the exact same thing that you just did to you? How would that make you feel and would you find such a comment and engagement as helpful in any way?

[@nr-xp3dc]

@@MyDeepGuide Apologies if someone has a condition, that was not my intention. XDR ultra retina resolutions on the iPad is very sophisticated and high end .

[@TischTosh]

​@@nr-xp3dc IPad is also a walled garden system and very expensive (especially fancy screen versions) with more expensive and subscription only apps. Can you tell that I'm biased?😂

[@MyDeepGuide]

It doesn't matter at all, as the way LED cells and backlight work, even the best quality will cause issues to people who have such conditions. For some it is impossible to use a regular tablet of any kind and the only way that they can actually use modern technology is via ePaper devices. I agree, they are limited, they absolutely should be better, but currently it is the only thing that is available, and as such, it's important to cover these devices and push the manufacturers to do better, so that people who can't use regular display technology have a viable and hopefully equally good alternative.

[@TischTosh]

@MyDeepGuide yes absolutely. I know that I'm paranoid but I'd rather wait until Samsung comes out with an e ink tab.... I have the boox NA1 and they don't do trade in and their software upgrades are limited. That system seems wasteful to me.