Amazon has officially unveiled its first color Kindle e-reader, the Kindle Colorsoft, marking a significant milestone after years of development. The new device, priced at $280, enters a competitive market where similar devices range from $149 to $330.
The Kindle Colorsoft utilizes LED technology to achieve its vibrant color display, departing from Amazon’s previous attempts to implement color e-ink technology, which is employed in its standard Kindle models known for their long battery life. The Colorsoft boasts a battery life of approximately eight weeks, which is shorter than the up to three months offered by the latest generation of Kindle Paperwhite e-readers.
In addition to the Colorsoft, Amazon introduced an updated Kindle Paperwhite with a slightly larger 7-inch screen and an enhanced Kindle Scribe e-reader. The Scribe features a stylus that allows users to take notes directly on the screen, which can be converted into more readable text. Furthermore, Amazon’s new AI technology can summarize users’ notes, transforming pages of handwriting into concise bullet points.
Despite fierce competition, Amazon remains the dominant player in the e-reader market, holding over 75% of the share. The company emphasizes durability in its devices and operates on a low-margin sales model, profiting primarily from the sale of books and other reading materials.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased e-reader usage, as many libraries shifted to offering e-books during closures. Kindles often see discounts during events like Prime Day. The Kindle Colorsoft is set to ship to customers on October 30, while the updated Scribe will be available starting December 4.
Related topics:
BlackBerry Weighs Options for Cylance Amid Strong Fiscal Outlook
South Korea Enhances Measures Against Technology Leaks Amid Global Competition