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Amazon has started to roll out a new version of its Kindle operating system, and it's well worth clicking the "Install" button. Dubbed Version 5.19.2, it's now available for 11th and 12th-generation models, which means any Kindle that's been released since 2022 will be able to take advantage. For most devices, you're looking at the usual package of performance tweaks, bug fixes, and general improvements.
However, this newest software update version may also be quietly laying the groundwork for two upcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools Amazon has been promising to roll out — getting everything ready behind the scenes before the US retailer flips the switch to enable them.
Upgrade to new AI features when you buy the Kindle Scribe from Amazon
Enjoy the latest features with the Kindle Scribe, which combines a Kindle and a notebook in one compact device. Its 10.2” glare-free display and Premium Pen deliver a natural, paper-like writing experience. Jot notes directly in books, expand margins with Active Canvas, and organise journals or to-do lists in the built-in notebook. Convert handwriting to text, summarise with AI tools, and enjoy distraction-free reading and writing in any light, too.
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The first, called Ask This Book, lets you ask the chatty AI about the plot, characters, and more, so you won't have to spend hours re-reading various chapters. Then there's Story So Far, which gives you a handy plot summary when you pick up a book after a break.
It's particularly useful if you've stepped away from a lengthy series and need a quick refresher on what's happened. While they've already launched on the Kindle iPhone app in the US, they haven't made it to actual Kindle devices or expanded these features to other regions yet.
Amazon has already rolled out a similar feature on Fire TV for TV shows.
After highlighting text in a story, you can ask related questions using the new Ask this Book feature from Amazon
|AMAZON PRESS OFFICE
Amazon has also confirmed that these AI reading features are definitely on the way. The listing for the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft on Amazon states that "AI reading features Story So Far and Ask This Book, will roll out in 2026 via software updates."
When Ask This Book was first announced in late 2025, Amazon said: "The feature will be enabled on Kindle devices and Android OS next year."
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However, if you own a Kindle Scribe, there's a bit more in store for you.
Scribe owners can now connect their devices to Google Drive and OneDrive through new settings, making it easier to manage their documents and notes across different cloud services.
There's also a new Send to Alexa+ functionality baked in, which could be a great new addition if you're keen on voice features. Alexa is Amazon's Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, similar to Google Gemini, that has been enabled across several of its devices — including Echo Speakers, Fire TV Sticks, Fire TVs, and Fire Tablets.
You can tailor your reading experience by taking notes in your books and documents directly in your Kindle Scribe.
| AMAZON PRESS OFFICEAlexa+ is Amazon's next-generation version of the AI tool, designed to bring you a more personalised and conversational experience across its devices. For Kindle Scribe specifically, it enables voice-activated organisation of notes, summarises documents, and can answer questions about your written content.
One thing to keep in mind, though – Alexa+ is another major feature currently only up and running in the US and Canada. If you're in the UK, you'll have to sit tight while Amazon plans to expand its availability to other areas.
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