The usual problem with AI persists in that it can't promise accuracy. I tried summarizing a page about my workout schedule on the new Scribe Colorsoft, but the AI managed to remove one of my day's plans and had mixed results translating words like “lift” and “hoop” thanks to my cursive-like handwriting. As someone who writes a lot of notes, I usually don't find myself reaching for these summary tools. Maybe they're of interest to you, but to me, they're just bloat. I'm looking forward to seeing the summarization tools, but I'm hesitant to trust them.
Marginal Limits
Expanded margins, sticky notes, and Active Canvas features Photograph: Nena Farrell
What's not different is my primary complaint about the Kindle Scribe compared to other e-readers that have digital notebook capabilities: You can't write in the margins or directly on the pages. Instead, the Active Canvas feature, which allows for notes around but not on the text, is still the only way to write notes in your ebook of choice. It was something we didn't love about the previous model (8/10, WIRED Recommends), and I'm sad to see that the new edition didn't fix it. I'd personally rather see that ability than all these AI features. You can also add a sticky note or use the expanded margins feature, but it's not the same as how fun it is to write right on the page of my Kobo e-reader. Maybe the fourth generation will fix that for us.
Ultimately, if you already have the second-generation Scribe, I don't think you need to upgrade. The older Scribe will also get the new homepage added to it in 2026. It also bears mentioning that at this price point, you might as well upgrade to a reMarkable tablet, which has more capabilities and accessories to transform it into an e-paper laptop of sorts. What was once a great deal for an e-reader and limited digital notebook is now a pretty big investment for a still-limited device when compared with the competition. I'm sure the pared-down Scribe due next year (without the front light) will bring the price down, but having no front light is a pretty irritating cost if you're someone who uses their device at night or in a darkened classroom or airplane. Neither of the new Kindle Scribes is a bad device, but if you're looking for a great e-reader that doubles as a digital notebook, neither of them would be my go-to pick.