Amazon Kindle Adds Text Spacing for Better Accessibility
▼ Summary
– Amazon released a new software update (5.18.3) for several recent Kindle models, including Kindle Scribes, Kindle Colorsoft, and 11th/12th generation basic Kindle and Paperwhite models.
– The update improves text and line spacing customization, enhancing legibility and accessibility, though Amazon’s release notes only mention general performance improvements.
– Users can manually download and install the update if they don’t want to wait for the automatic rollout, following Amazon’s provided instructions.
– The update moves spacing options to the “Font” section, adding controls for line, paragraph, word, and character spacing, along with a reset-to-default option.
– While Kobo devices still offer more font and margin adjustments, Kindle’s new spacing controls make it a stronger option for users with visual impairments or dyslexia.
Amazon’s latest Kindle update introduces enhanced text spacing options, significantly improving readability and accessibility for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties. The new features go beyond basic line adjustments, offering precise control over paragraph, word, and character spacing, a notable upgrade from previous versions.
The 5.18.3 software update currently supports Kindle Scribe, Kindle Colorsoft, and 11th/12th generation basic Kindle and Paperwhite models. While Amazon is gradually pushing the update automatically, impatient users can manually install it by downloading the appropriate file from Amazon’s support site and transferring it to their device.
Previously limited to three basic line spacing choices in the Layout menu, Kindles now provide four adjustable settings accessible through the Font section. Users can fine-tune line spacing, paragraph gaps, word spacing, and even the space between individual characters. A reset option conveniently returns all settings to their defaults with a single tap.
This advancement helps close the gap with competitors like Kobo, which previously offered more font and margin customization. While Kobo devices still provide greater font size flexibility, Amazon now leads in granular text spacing controls, particularly valuable for dyslexic readers or those with low vision. The update demonstrates Amazon’s commitment to making e-readers more inclusive without requiring specialized hardware.
For readers who’ve struggled with dense text blocks or needed precise formatting adjustments, these new tools could transform the Kindle experience. The changes reflect growing industry recognition that accessibility features benefit all users, not just those with specific needs. As e-readers evolve, such thoughtful software improvements prove hardware upgrades aren’t always necessary to enhance functionality.
(Source: The Verge)
