In a move that’s set to thrill avid readers and technology enthusiasts alike, Amazon has announced a major refresh to its Kindle lineup. This 2024 release includes four revamped Kindles, each with unique upgrades and features. The lineup boasts Amazon’s first-ever color Kindle, an updated entry-level Kindle, a redesigned Scribe, and the fastest Kindle yet with a newly upgraded Paperwhite. This announcement signals Amazon’s most comprehensive overhaul of its Kindle series to date.
Let’s dive into what makes these new Kindles stand out, when they’re available, and their pricing. Also, in a bittersweet move, Amazon confirmed that it will be retiring one of its fan-favorite models.
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Kindle Oasis Discontinued
The Kindle Oasis, Amazon’s premium device beloved for its physical page-turn buttons, waterproof design, and free cellular connectivity, is being phased out. This high-end model set a benchmark for ebook readers, providing features that other Kindles later adopted, such as the flush front display and waterproofing. Stocks of the Oasis are dwindling, and once they’re gone, they won’t be restocked.
According to Kevin Keith, Amazon’s Vice President of Devices and Services for Kindle, much of what made the Oasis special has been integrated into the new Paperwhite model. He explained that while the Oasis set the bar high for quality and innovation, the Kindle team had always hoped to bring color capabilities to Kindle—a goal that the newly announced Kindle Colorsoft achieves.
However, the discontinuation of the Oasis also means the end of one highly valued feature: free cellular connectivity. For those who treasured this feature for downloading books on the go without needing Wi-Fi, now may be the last chance to pick up an Oasis before it disappears from Amazon’s shelves.
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft: The First Kindle With Color
Release Date: Available for pre-order, shipping Oct. 30 Price: $279.99 (U.S.), £269.99 (U.K.) Amazon’s Kindle Colorsoft represents a significant leap forward for Kindle technology. This is the first Kindle to feature a color screen, a feature that has long been requested by fans, especially for graphic-heavy content like comics, cookbooks, and travel guides.
Unlike other color ebook readers that can appear dull or washed-out, the Kindle Colorsoft displays vibrant but subtle, hues that are easy on the eyes. This keeps the Kindle’s reputation as a comfortable alternative to tablets for reading long texts. Kevin Keith noted that new technology—specifically the oxide backplane and advanced light guide—enabled Amazon to introduce color without compromising the Kindle’s classic reading experience.
Though the Colorsoft isn’t as vivid as an iPad’s screen, it strikes a balance that Amazon hopes will appeal to readers who enjoy an immersive and visually engaging experience.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: Faster, Sleeker, and Still the Fan-Favorite
Release Date: Available now Price: $159.99 (U.S.), £159.99 (U.K.) Signature Edition: $189.99 (U.S.), £189.99 (U.K.)
Often considered the “Goldilocks” Kindle, the Paperwhite has received a facelift in this latest update. Amazon has increased the display size slightly to 7 inches, without compromising the device’s easy-to-hold, one-handed design. In addition to aesthetic changes, the Paperwhite’s internal performance has been supercharged, making it the fastest Kindle in terms of page turns, boasting a 25% increase in speed over the previous generation.
This Kindle also introduces a new page-turn feature: press and hold the display, and pages will turn at high speed, allowing users to “flip” through pages to quickly find their spot, similar to riffling through a paperback. For added personalization, the Paperwhite is available in black, jade, and raspberry colors.
For readers looking for additional storage and a touch of luxury, the Signature Edition includes wireless charging and a metallic finish, complete with flecks of aluminum.
Amazon Kindle Scribe: A Reader and Digital Notebook in One
Release Date: Dec. 4 Price: $399.99 (U.S.), £379.99 (U.K.)
With its 10.2-inch display, the Kindle Scribe is the largest Kindle model, blending a reading device with the functionality of a digital notebook. Designed for note-taking enthusiasts, the Scribe comes with an upgraded Premium Pen stylus that mimics the feel and sound of writing on paper. The Scribe introduces a new feature called Active Canvas, which allows users to annotate directly on a book page. The printed text automatically reflows to accommodate handwritten notes, which can be stored within the text.
For tech-savvy users, the Scribe brings the addition of generative AI features that can help summarize notes, among other capabilities, offering a taste of artificial intelligence within a Kindle device.
The new Scribe will be available on Dec. 4, priced at $399.99 in the U.S. and £379.99 in the U.K.
Amazon Kindle: The Affordable, Redesigned Entry-Level Model
Price: $109.99 (U.S.), £94.99 (U.K.)
For users who want an affordable yet reliable ebook reader, Amazon has updated the entry-level Kindle. This model is now available in an eye-catching “matcha” color, which Amazon believes will resonate with the younger, Gen Z demographic. The new Kindle also comes in a classic black option for readers who prefer a more traditional look.
It sports a 6-inch display with 300 pixels per inch resolution, an improvement that provides a clearer and more comfortable reading experience. The device is brighter than its predecessor, making it suitable for various lighting conditions.
Kindle Design Details: A New Button Placement, But Why?
One notable design choice has raised some eyebrows. The power button on the new Colorsoft and Paperwhite remains on the underside, a location that can lead to accidental shut-offs while reading. According to Keith, this placement was dictated by design constraints in expanding screen size and reducing bezels, with the button needing to be near the light guide in the device’s interior. This may be a small trade-off for the Kindle’s enhanced visual experience, but users may find it slightly inconvenient.
A New Era for Amazon’s Kindle Lineup
Amazon’s 2024 Kindle lineup marks a transformative moment for its ebook readers, introducing color, enhanced speeds, and even AI-powered note management. These updates reflect Amazon’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital reading technology while staying true to the Kindle’s minimalist, reader-focused roots.
Whether you’re a fan of immersive novels, graphic-rich cookbooks, or prefer to jot notes in the margins of a nonfiction text, Amazon’s latest Kindles offer something for every reader. With each model designed to elevate the reading experience, Kindle fans have much to look forward to this fall.