The inside workings of the book world could really feel unusual and trivial to the common reader, however figuring out how issues work behind the scenes could assist elevate our studying life, resembling serving to us determine between Kindle or Kobo ereaders, warning us how troublesome it’s to migrate our digital library, or serving to us determine whether or not to obtain an EPUB or a MOBI file.
In 2005, Amazon bought Mobipocket and ultimately adopted MOBI, its file format, as an alternative of EPUB, for its Kindle gadgets once they have been launched in 2007.
At the identical time, EPUB was launched in 2007 and remains to be being supported right now, including options which are superior to MOBI. On the opposite hand, when Amazon acquired MOBI, the standard went downhill. Then the software program, in addition to the file format, was ultimately phased out. It’s nonetheless being discontinued in the intervening time as Amazon now focuses its power on AZW3, a resurrected model of MOBI.
As MOBI fell out of favor, EPUB took its place because the business customary. Except for Amazon, nearly all book distributors favor to use it. Since it’s a common file format, each firm that offers with ebooks ought to make use of it, simply because the smartphone business is transitioning to USB-C to standardize charging cables.
With MOBI’s downfall, Amazon will not absolutely help it in any Kindle system earlier than the yr ends, as Send to Kindle for MOBI will not work. Amazon now favors EPUB, slowly integrating it into its ecosystem. When you sideload an EPUB file on a Kindle gadget (which you could possibly not earlier than), nonetheless, the file is transformed into AZW3.
Why is it so troublesome for Amazon to merely help EPUB natively?
Standardizing Ebook Formats
Because EPUB is a common file format, it may be learn by any book studying system, together with Apple, Google Play, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, and others. There are energetic developments that help it and create and preserve requirements, such because the International Digital Publishing Forum. There are organizations that construct it and monitor its progress, resembling W3, which then merged with IDPF. If a file format is being actively developed by governing our bodies, it might probably face up to adjustments within the business.
As an book developer, I discover that EPUBs are simpler to repair than proprietary codecs resembling AZW3 or MOBI. I can break aside an EPUB file utilizing current software program, whereas proprietary codecs are inconceivable to troubleshoot due to their close-door nature.
Furthermore, changing EPUB to AZW3 with a Kindle gadget is just not with out flaws. Some readers have reported issues with it, claiming that the top result’s poorly formatted. Although there are workarounds, the common reader who lacks technological information can be unable to determine it out for themselves. This ends in an underwhelming consumer and studying expertise.
Some folks additionally declare that once they sideload EPUB recordsdata to a Kindle, the quilt disappears. Some customers have issues with the desk of contents, and a few EPUBs turn out to be paperwork on a Kindle. It additionally seems to have points with foreign-language books.
Amazon’s strategy is clearly not ideally suited. So, somewhat than avoiding it, why not help EPUB natively?
Why Amazon Pivots Toward EPUB Support
Perhaps the principle purpose is that EPUB is at present not supported by any Kindle gadgets. However, Amazon may very effectively accomplish that sooner or later for new releases and upgrades. The firm has nigh limitless assets, and it has the flexibility to overhaul its studying ecosystem if it so needs, but it surely chooses to construct a walled backyard round Kindle and make it troublesome for book readers to use gadgets that really help EPUB recordsdata. I consider that Amazon desires readers to use proprietary codecs to additional combine them into the Kindle ecosystem.
Amazon might want EPUB readers to proceed utilizing Kindle gadgets, engaging them with its conversion characteristic so readers would proceed to be within the Amazon ecosystem. If readers add their EPUBs on their Kindle, readers will see ads to buy ebooks. Eventually, Kindle will turn out to be their most popular ereader gadget. Because, effectively, why not? Amazon helps EPUB now (form of!). However, they’re unaware of the lingering results of this.
As a outcome, Amazon will get the final chuckle by attracting extra readers and clients from different retailers, leading to extra market dominance.
The approach in may be very straightforward, however the best way out is just not.
Amazon’s help for EPUB is lengthy overdue, but it surely needs to be applied correctly. If it actually desires to be helpful to book readers, it ought to help EPUB natively and cease holding on to AZW3. There needs to be a approach out, not simply in, in order that book readers aren’t left trapped within the Kindle ecosystem if they alter their minds. Sideloading EPUBs to Kindle converts them into AZW3s, successfully locking readers in. What occurs if they need to transfer their complete digital library to Kobo? Those lots of of AZW3s are unreadable in both a Kobo or an iPad. A backup of EPUB recordsdata would simply remedy the issue, however I can solely hope all readers are so diligent.
For the book business to thrive — and for folks to be inspired to learn extra — ecosystems resembling Kindle should cease establishing walled gardens and as an alternative make file codecs accessible and pleasantly readable to all ereaders.
It’s previous time to abandon proprietary file codecs in favor of the extensively used EPUB. Allow folks to switch their digital library to any ereader they need. Instead of solely letting folks in, give them a approach out.
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