Users turn to jailbreaking their older Kindles as Amazon ends support

Users turn to jailbreaking their older Kindles as Amazon ends support

亚马逊停止支持旧款 Kindle,用户转向越狱设备

Many people are jailbreaking their Kindles following the news that Amazon is ending technical support for older models. On May 20, Amazon will end support for the following Kindle devices: Kindle 1st Generation, Kindle 2nd Generation, Kindle DX, Kindle DX Graphite, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4, Kindle 5, Kindle Touch, Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation, Kindle Fire 1st Generation, Kindle Fire 2nd Generation, Kindle Fire HD 7, Kindle Fire HD 8.9. 随着亚马逊宣布停止对旧款 Kindle 提供技术支持,许多用户开始对设备进行越狱。5 月 20 日起,亚马逊将停止支持以下 Kindle 设备:Kindle 第一代、第二代、Kindle DX、Kindle DX Graphite、Kindle Keyboard、Kindle 4、Kindle 5、Kindle Touch、Kindle Paperwhite 第一代、Kindle Fire 第一代、第二代、Kindle Fire HD 7 以及 Kindle Fire HD 8.9。

The move means users will only be able to use their devices to read content that’s already downloaded. So, naturally, people are jailbreaking them. Jailbreaking refers to bypassing the software restrictions imposed by Amazon on Kindle devices. This process allows users to install custom fonts, new screensavers, alternative reading apps, and even third-party tools that expand the Kindle’s functionality. 此举意味着用户将只能使用设备阅读已下载的内容。因此,人们自然而然地选择了越狱。越狱是指绕过亚马逊对 Kindle 设备施加的软件限制。这一过程允许用户安装自定义字体、新屏保、替代阅读应用,甚至是可以扩展 Kindle 功能的第三方工具。

However, it’s important to note that jailbreaking a Kindle might violate Amazon’s terms of service. In many jurisdictions, jailbreaking isn’t considered a criminal offense for personal use, but it may become a crime if it involves copyright infringement, illegal software distribution, or the sale of modified devices. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always comply with the law and proceed with caution. 然而,需要注意的是,越狱 Kindle 可能会违反亚马逊的服务条款。在许多司法管辖区,个人使用越狱并不被视为刑事犯罪,但如果涉及版权侵权、非法软件分发或销售改装设备,则可能构成犯罪。本指南仅供参考,请务必遵守法律并谨慎行事。

How are people jailbreaking older Kindles?

人们是如何越狱旧款 Kindle 的?

Many Kindle owners who opt to jailbreak view it as a method to gain control over a device they purchased that is still functional, rather than being forced to buy a new device. However, jailbreaking is technical and carries risks, including the possibility of rendering the device unusable if something goes wrong. It also isn’t possible on every Kindle model or firmware version, so before proceeding, Kindle owners should first spend some time researching if their device is compatible. 许多选择越狱的 Kindle 用户将其视为一种重新掌控已购设备的方法,因为设备本身功能尚好,他们不想被迫购买新机。然而,越狱具有技术门槛且伴随风险,如果操作不当,设备可能会变砖。此外,并非所有 Kindle 型号或固件版本都支持越狱,因此在操作前,用户应先花时间研究自己的设备是否兼容。

Once an owner confirms compatibility, they will take a number of other steps: 一旦确认兼容,用户通常会采取以下步骤:

  • Disable Wi-Fi or use airplane mode to prevent Amazon from updating the Kindle and closing jailbreak loopholes. 关闭 Wi-Fi 或开启飞行模式,以防止亚马逊更新 Kindle 并封堵越狱漏洞。
  • Download a jailbreak package from trusted online forums. Only download files from reputable sources, as there is a risk of malicious files from unknown sources. (The MobileRead Forum is widely regarded as a reliable option.) 从可信的在线论坛下载越狱包。请务必从信誉良好的来源下载文件,因为未知来源的文件存在恶意软件风险。(MobileRead 论坛被公认为可靠的来源。)
  • Download the Kindle jailbreak zip file, which includes a hotfix to maintain the jailbreak. 下载 Kindle 越狱压缩包,其中包含用于维持越狱状态的补丁(hotfix)。
  • Connect the Kindle to a computer using a USB cable. Then, copy the .bin files directly to the main folder on your Kindle. 使用 USB 数据线将 Kindle 连接到电脑,然后将 .bin 文件直接复制到 Kindle 的根目录下。
  • After that, either type “;log mrpi” in the search bar on the Kindle or go to the settings and select “Update Your Kindle” to start the installation process. 之后,在 Kindle 的搜索栏中输入 “;log mrpi”,或者进入设置并选择“更新您的 Kindle”(Update Your Kindle)来启动安装过程。
  • Install the Kindle Unified Application Launcher (KUAL) for managing apps and customizations on a jailbroken Kindle. 安装 Kindle 统一应用启动器 (KUAL),以便在越狱后的 Kindle 上管理应用和自定义设置。
  • Users can also install KOReader, a popular open-source e-book reader for jailbroken Kindles. It offers features like support for multiple file types (including EPUB), enhanced PDF handling, and a built-in file browser. 用户还可以安装 KOReader,这是一款广受欢迎的越狱 Kindle 开源电子书阅读器。它提供了多种文件格式支持(包括 EPUB)、增强的 PDF 处理能力以及内置文件浏览器等功能。

Drawbacks to consider

需要考虑的弊端

Jailbreaking has its trade-offs. Running unofficial software can lead to unexpected issues, such as frequent app crashes or, in the worst case, a completely non-functional device. Additionally, jailbreaking and using third-party apps may negatively affect battery life. 越狱是有代价的。运行非官方软件可能会导致意外问题,例如频繁的应用崩溃,或者在最坏的情况下,导致设备彻底无法使用。此外,越狱和使用第三方应用可能会对电池续航产生负面影响。

For those seeking a safer alternative, you can always sideload books onto your Kindle using a USB cable and a computer without modifying the system software. There are also plenty of other similar devices available, such as the Boox Palma, Vivlio e-reader, and even this tiny Xteink X3 that can attach to the back of your phone. 对于寻求更安全替代方案的用户,您始终可以通过 USB 数据线和电脑将书籍侧载(sideload)到 Kindle 上,而无需修改系统软件。市面上还有许多其他类似的设备可供选择,例如 Boox Palma、Vivlio 电子阅读器,甚至是这款可以吸附在手机背面的微型 Xteink X3。