For the second time, Barnes & Noble has restructured their agreement to purchase and resell Nook-branded Samsung tablets — with the parties finally admitting the market is much smaller than planned and agreeing to a far more modest goal of selling $10 million worth of units. We had reported discussions on the renegotiation that were mentioned in the bookseller’s March SEC filing. When the partnership was first brokered in 2014, BN agreed to buy at least 1 million devices within a year. An extension gave them until June 30 of this year, but device sales for the bookseller had continued to […]
eReaders
New Kindle Is A $290 Oasis
Exactly as previewed by Amazon’s Canadian and Chinese sites, on Wednesday morning the company officially unveiled their new Kindle Oasis ereader — premium priced, starting at $290 with ads. (Removing ads costs another $20; adding 3G is another $70.) Per our report yesterday, the new model is thinner and lighter than ever, as long as you are not counting the charging cover, which almost doubles the weight. That self-charging cover is actually “a new dual-battery system” that charges the reader once it is connected to the cover. “The battery in the cover uses a custom cell architecture that optimizes power and energy […]
Based on Leaked Images, Kindle Returns to Ugly Roots with New Oasis
The original Kindle reader was one of the odder-looking pieces of consumer electronics, and with the new eighth-generation “top of the line” Kindle reader that Jeff Bezos tipped on Twitter last week, Amazon appears to be returning to its roots. Called the Kindle Oasis according to early posts spotted on Amazon’s Canadian and Chinese stores, the asymmetrical device is thicker on one side, to allow for page-turning buttons. As the WSJ noted, it sports a removable “rechargeable protective case for extended battery life” (even though battery life is hardly a complaint about current devices) — which is supposed to make the […]
New Kindle Reader Due to be Announced Next Week
Recent Tweeter Jeff Bezos leaked himself on Monday afternoon. He wrote: “All-new, top of the line Kindle almost ready. 8th generation. Details next week.” Meanwhile, Amazon Prime members are being offered $30 to $50 off the three existing Kindle devices right now.
Nook Unveils The GlowLight Plus
Following a premature leak on their own web site a month ago, on Wednesday Nook formally launched its first new ereader in two years, the GlowLight Plus. The new 6.9-ounce device — slightly heavier than its predecessor — is hailed as the company’s “first waterproof and dustproof device,” and therefore perfect “for worry-free reading anywhere – including the bath and the beach.” As in the past, a promotion offer that runs through the end of the year gives device buyers three free ebooks from a selection of 20 participating titles, three free magazines and a $5 content credit. “We’re excited to introduce the best ever Nook eReader […]
Amazon Confirms Release of New Tablets, From Small $50 Unit to New 10.1-Inch Screen
As indicated by the WSJ and others, Amazon announced a number of new devices on Thursday morning. At the bottom end is a new $50, 7-inch Fire tablet. (If for some reason one is not enough, they will sell you a six-pack of tablets for $250.) In the middle is a revised version of their special tablet for kids. Launched last year at $150, the new Fire Kids Edition is down to $100. At the higher end are their Fire HD tablets, now thinner, larger (in the screens), and HD-er. The 8-inch display sells for $150, while the 10+-inch display goes for $230. […]