Amazon Launches ‘Ask this Book’ Feature for Kindle Users

Amazon has introduced a new feature called Ask this Book, which enhances the reading experience for Kindle users by allowing them to ask questions about the books they are reading and receive spoiler-free answers. This feature, which has been rolled out in the United States, is currently available on the Kindle app for iOS devices, with plans to extend to Android and Kindle e-readers in early 2024.

With Ask this Book, readers can inquire about key plot points, character relationships, and thematic elements without losing their place in the text. The feature responds with immediate, contextual information, ensuring that users can continue their reading without interruption. Initially, this service supports thousands of titles in the English language, making it a valuable tool for avid readers.

To access Ask this Book, users must update their Kindle app to the latest version on their iPhones or iPads. The feature can be found in the in-book menu or by highlighting any passage while reading. From there, readers can tap on suggested questions or type their own to receive instant responses. Follow-up inquiries can also be made, allowing for a more interactive experience.

Upcoming Features Enhance Reading Experience

Looking ahead, Amazon plans to launch another feature called Story So Far in early January or February 2024. This tool is designed to help readers catch up on what they have missed in a book without providing any spoilers. Using generative AI, Story So Far will generate a summary of the content read so far, focusing solely on the text that has been encountered.

This feature aims to assist busy readers who may have set aside a book for a period, offering a quick refresher on characters, events, and plot points. Together with Ask this Book, it creates a comprehensive support system for readers, ensuring that they remain engaged with their literature.

Michael Kozlowski, a seasoned writer with over eighteen years of experience in the fields of audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers, notes that these advancements reflect Amazon’s commitment to improving the reading experience. He resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, and continues to follow developments in digital reading technology closely.

As these innovative features unfold, they mark a significant step in how readers interact with literature, making the experience more engaging and user-friendly.