Amazon brings back Kindle page-turn buttons as an accessory

Amazon has reintroduced physical page-turn buttons to its Kindle e-readers, but with limitations. The new "Page-Turn Cover" accessory provides buttons for the "Signature Edition" models of the Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft. This marks a return to a feature that was previously standard on Kindle devices.

The accessory attaches magnetically and connects to the device via pogo pins, explaining the requirement for the "Signature Edition" model. Amazon phased out dedicated page-turn buttons on most models starting in 2011 with the Kindle Touch, with button-less touchscreen devices like the Paperwhite becoming popular.

Later Kindle models, such as the Voyage and Oasis, introduced some form of physical or pressure-sensitive turning solutions, with the Oasis being the last significant model to feature clear, traditional buttons. In recent years, Amazon has focused on making devices thinner and more integrated into the reading experience, favoring touchscreens.

Alongside the new accessory, Amazon is also launching a Bluetooth remote called "Kindle Click" and a charging stand for the Colorsoft and Paperwhite Signature Edition models. These accessories suggest Amazon acknowledges a desire for physical controls, particularly among engaged users, but is offering the solution as a premium add-on rather than a built-in device feature.