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 […]
eReaders
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. […]
New Devices from Nook/Samsung and Kobo
Following Samsung’s release of the Galaxy Tab S2 8-inch tablet, as expected Barnes & Noble has announced their parallel release of a Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK version. As with earlier co-branded tablets, Nook’s $400 device includes an offer for free ebooks and magazines, and in-store at BN stores. Earlier in the week, Kobo announced a refreshed version of their eInk reader, the Touch 2.0, promising “a sleeker design with more internal storage memory and a battery life that lasts up to two months depending on individual usage.” The $90 reader goes on sale next week in the US and Canada, and rolls out elsewhere “later […]
eNews: New Kindle Paperwhite, Oyster’s Lumin
Amazon has refreshed its Kindle Paperwhite device, whose screen now has a 300-pixel-per-inch resolution, a new “Bookerly” font, and a $119 price. The device is available for pre-order and ships on June 30. Oyster has launched Lumin, a new feature designed to improve the quality of the in-app reading experience by automatically adjusting to the natural sunlight outside based on the time of day and the user’s location. The company says that Lumin “gradually filters the blue light from your screen, replacing it with a warm, soft amber light” as the sun sets.