Amazon’s Kindle is synonymous with the e-reader, operating as one of its most well-known and popular products for over a decade. It’s such a simple yet effective device, so much so that Amazon has long been desperately trying to upgrade it in order to get people to buy new ones. Most people only need a basic e-readerthat looks good and holds books, but new features keep coming out that you may or may not need on your reading journey in order to entice you into buying another Kindle.
Today, Amazon announced some major changes to its popular line of e-readers as it looks to generate some excitement ahead of the holiday shopping season. There are new versions of each of its Kindles as well as some first-of-their-kind e-reader accessories. Here’s everything you need to know about this big announcement.
A new pocket-sized Kindle is now available
The basic model is smaller and lighter
The first big change to the Kindle lineup involves the standard Kindle. The new Kindle is notable due to its size: it now boasts a 6-inch display, making it a more convenient e-reader to carry around, perhaps in your back pocket. So, while there is a lack of actual paperbacks as companies have halted production of the beloved pocket-sized physical books, at least now they are now being replaced by a digital version.
This Kindle boasts 16GB of storage and a battery that can last for up to six weeks, as well as a flush-front design. Amazon also notes that it opens books 30% faster, which I’m not sure I ever really thought about or can really comprehend. You can also opt for this Kindle with an aluminum back, lending a more stable feel to the e-reader.
The Kindle is available starting at $149.99. It comes in Ube and Graphite, which I’m told are colors.
The Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft are getting an upgrade
Improved displays and thinner designs
Amazon is also introducing a new Paperwhite, thinner and lighter than previous versions, with waterproofing and an adjustable warm light. It will come with a higher contrast ratio in addition to a battery can go for 12 weeks. You can opt for a Signature edition of the Paperwhite, which offers more storage, and auto-adjusting front light, and dock charging.
The Paperwhite is available starting at $199.99 while the Signature version starts from $249.99.
Meanwhile, the Kindle Colorsoft is being upgraded with a supposedly better display that makes colors feel more natural and lifelike while maintaining brightness that doesn’t wash out any images. The display removes glare and seeks to create a uniform look across the entirety of the screen regardless of ambient light. There is also a Signature Edition available that welcomes the same features as the Paperwhite Signature.
The Colorsoft is available starting at $289.99 with the Signature Edition starting from $319.99.
Kids can enjoy their own Kindle, too
Amazon is appealing to young readers with child e-readers
Each of these three Kindles will be available in a Kids version. Amazon boasts that the Kids model features “kid-friendly covers designed by real artists,” which I’m curious to see in physical form. A purchase also comes with 12 months free of Amazon Kids+, which is Amazon’s collection of games, videos, and books for children.
It’s not clear if there are any notable physical or technological differences in the Kids version. Or if the free service for one year is truly worth it. The subscription and the cover seem like the main differences.
These Kids Kindles start at $179.99.
Amazon is introducing Kindle accessories
Perhaps the most curious part of this announcement is a batch of Kindle accessories that are now available, marking the first time Amazon has sought to create add-ons and extras with its e-reader lineup. In all, there are four new products that you can purchase to enhance your reading experience.
There is the Kindle Click, a small Bluetooth remote that allows you to turn the page of your Kindle when it’s not convenient for you to touch the screen. This seems like it will be helpful in very specific circumstances, and I’m not yet sold on it. The Click retails for $34.99. There is also the Page-Turn Cover, a magnetic cover with physical buttons allowing to turn the page. Again, I need to see this in practice to see if it’s worth it. This accessory works with the Signature versions of the Paperwhite and Colorsoft, and costs $79.99.
Amazon is also introducing a charging dock that is basically a stand for your Kindle that charges it as you use it. After boasting about how long the batteries last in these devices, I’m not sure if this dock is exactly worth it. This costs $59.99. Lastly, Amazon is welcoming a new line of covers available in knit-fabric, plant-based leather, and pebble premium leather. These covers are designed to be seamless and match colors across the lineup. Covers start at $39.99.
All these new products are now available.
