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Amazon recently unveiled a new version of the Kindle Scribe 2, improving the Amazon e-reader and writing tablet. The new device introduces internal changes, design elements, and AI-related features to improve user experience.
The second version has the same slender build as the first Kindle Scribe but offers different color options. Two models are available: the first has a teal green bezel with a rectangle surrounding the screen, and the second has a ‘tungsten’ dark grey form. However, minor changes contribute to the device's updated appearance without compromising ergonomic design.
However, this model has undergone some changes and improvements, such as the Premium Pen with a rubbery top that mimics the feeling of a traditional eraser. This haptic addition gives a nostalgic feel, which makes erasing much more reflexive. The pen also has one programmable button that can be used to switch between tools, such as a highlighter, marker, or eraser, by pressing the button.
One significant enhancement in the Kindle Scribe 2 is that the Notebooks section introduces generative AI tools. The new buttons conveniently allow users to "Summarize" and "Refine" lengthy or messy handwritten notes. Both these options are very helpful as the device takes the content and formats it neatly, which one may use to arrange ideas or share notes with others. The AI is usually good at its function and can read clear and messy handwriting, though sometimes some letters might be illegible, which creates errors.
Additionally, Amazon has renewed how users may be marginal in a given e-book using its Active Canvas. This makes it possible to write directly on the pages and the writing automatically adjusts to accommodate annotations. Users can change the size of annotation boxes, and text is also possible. However, certain limitations have been found, like software bugs, such as the appearance of unnecessary boxes while underlining the text and lagging while dismissing them.
However, Kindle Scribe 2 is promising apparent improvements, although it can miss opportunities to meet the needs users expect. While being an enhancement, the Active Canvas feature has not been without controversy over recent problems ranging from frequent glitches to less intuitive functionality as perceived by rivals’ devices. Some other e-readers, such as those from Kobo, provide an easier way of making annotations without struggling with the layout of the text.
