In its reaction to reports that its Kindle business is exiting the Chinese mainland market, Amazon said customers can still buy Kindle devices through online and offline, while some of its devices have been sold out in the mainland.
No one knows whether customers bought all its products or the company produced too few, leading to the sellout, but it is obvious that Kindle has shut down several online sales channels, forcing many in China to put their Kindles up for sale.
On the other hand, Data shows the number of digital readers was higher than before. The total market value of the digital reading industry grows 21.8 percent over that in 2019.
The reason for the industry’s growth even as Kindle drops is the Smartphone existing everywhere. When it can meet most daily needs, why would one want a Kindle device? In fact, all electronic devices that specialize in single functions are fading out, be it Kindle, MP3 or MP4 players. Even tablets account for only one-tenth of mobile devices sales because one cannot use one to make a phone call.
Besides, Kindle itself has problems. The electronic books that can be bought are expensive, while Kindle Unlimited, a program that allows customers to read any number of eBooks for a monthly subscription (订阅) fee, seldom includes new titles.
In a nutshell, while electronic reading is a booming (繁荣的) market, the market for electronic reading devices is shrinking. That’s why many jokes that the only function left for a Kindle device is to act as a cover for a steaming cup of instant noodles.
Of course, Kindle offers some very good professional resources for scholars, while also allowing users to install an electronic dictionary to let them read in different languages. That’s why many users are saddened and hope Kindle does not disappear forever. Maybe Kindle can find a way to reinvent itself and continue serving its customers.
【小题1】Why have the Kindle devices been sold out according to the passage?| A．The reason is unknown. | B．Too many offline private deals. |
| C．Kindles are out of stock presently. | D．The government takes some measures. |
| A．Tablets provide call function. | B．MP3 and MP4 are more popular. |
| C．Smartphones are multifunctional. | D．Kindles are equipped with the latest books. |
| A．Increasing. | B．Disappearing. | C．Promoting. | D．Decreasing. |
| A．Users are disappointed with Kindle. | B．Kindle must reinvent itself to get back. |
| C．Kindles will quit from market for ever. | D．Electronic dictionaries can’t be got in Kindle. |
