Amazon has launched a new artificial intelligence feature in its Kindle app, called “Ask This Book,” that provides spoiler-free answers to questions about the book you’re reading. The company says authors can’t opt out of the feature.
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The “Ask This Book” feature is described as a “special reading assistant” capable of answering questions about plot details, character relationships, and thematic elements, avoiding spoilers by limiting responses to the content of pages the reader has already accessed. It functions as a chatbot within the book, accessible from the book’s menu or by highlighting text.
Amazon spokesperson Ale Irahetatold Publishers Lunch that the responses provided by the feature are “non-shareable and non-copyable” and are only available to readers who have purchased or rented the books. The feature is always active, and there is no option for authors or publishers to opt out of their titles.
First announced in September, the feature is currently available for thousands of English-language books in the US on iOS. Amazon plans to expand it to Kindle devices and the Android app next year, though no timeline has been given for further expansion beyond the US or to additional languages. The feature complements Kindle’s AI-powered Recaps for book series, but its launch comes shortly after Amazon had to remove error-ridden AI recaps from Prime Video.
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Amazon's new feature aims to enhance the reading experience by giving users the ability to delve deeper into the content of their books without the risk of revealing crucial plot details. The artificial intelligence used is designed to recognize where the reader is and provide information that is relevant and useful.
Amazon also says that this feature is part of a broader strategy to integrate artificial intelligence into its services, with the aim of improving the user experience and providing more personalized services. Using artificial intelligence in book reading is a step towards creating more interactive and enriched experiences for readers.
Amazon has not yet announced when the “Ask This Book” feature will be available in other countries or languages, but the intention to expand is clear. The company is closely monitoring user and author feedback to tailor the feature to their needs and expectations.
The introduction of this feature is expected to change the way readers interact with their books, offering a new dimension to digital reading. The ability to receive answers to questions that arise while reading, without having to refer to external sources, can enhance understanding and enjoyment of the book.
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Amazon continues to invest in technology and innovation, seeking to offer its customers the most advanced and useful solutions. The “Ask This Book” feature is another example of the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancement and delivering value to its users.
