Today Amazon announced their new generation of Kindle Ebook readers that are not just ebook readers but are much more in terms of functionality. The kindle is already the best selling product on Amazon but with the announcement of these 4 new products, it seems Amazon’s really on a roll.
The four new products are – all new Kindle for $79 (basic model), two new touch Kindles – Kindle Touch and Kindle Touch 3G – for $99 and $149, and Kindle Fire – a beautiful full color Kindle for movies, magazines, TV shows, music, books, games, apps, web browsing and more, for $199.
Amazon Kindle Fire
Kindle Fire is not just about boring ebooks, but its about web, movies, games, apps and much more. The possibilities are endless with Kindle Fire. It features access to Amazon’s huge digital content, access to Amazon Appstore which includes thousands of popular apps and games, vibrant color IPS touchscreen technology with extra-wide viewing angle, fast dual core processor, 8 GB internal memory with free Amazon cloud storage, Up to 8 hours of continuous reading or 7.5 hours of video playback and the list doesn’t ends here.
Kindle Fire features:
Display: 7″ multi-touch display with IPS (in-plane switching) technology and anti-reflective treatment, 1024 x 600 pixel resolution at 169 ppi, 16 million colors.
Weight: 14.6 ounces (413 grams)
Storage: 8 GB internal storage with free cloud storage for all Amazon content
Wi-Fi: 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n
USB: USB 2.0
Audio: 3.5 mm stereo audio jack, top-mounted stereo speakers
Supported Content: Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively, Audible (Audible Enhanced (AA, AAX)), DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, non-DRM AAC, MP3, MIDI, OGG, WAV, MP4, VP8.
New Web Browser: Amazon Silk
Access to millions of books, apps, games, songs, movies and other digital content
They should have integrated USB 3.0 and I really wonder why all the newer models still use USB 2.0. Nowadays even Netbooks come integrated with USB 3.0, so why not Kindle ?
Kindle Fire features a new browser named as Amazon Silk. I know you would be thinking not another browser. But for now Silk is available exclusively for Kindle Fire only. Silk is a cloud accelerated browser that uses a “split browser” architecture to take advantage of the computing speed and power of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud. And it also supports Adobe Flash Player.
Kindle Touch
Kindle touch as the name suggests comes with touch screen. The New sleek design is now 8% lighter, 11% smaller, holds 3,000 books. Kindle Touch features an easy-to-use touch interface. Turn pages, search, take notes quickly and easily and shop books. The screen size is 6″ with 600 x 800 pixel resolution. Kindle’s high contrast, advanced E Ink touchscreen reads like real paper, with no glare. This makes it easy to read it even in Sunlight. Kindle touch costs $99.
There’s also a new 3G model. The new Kindle 3G model features free 3G wireless with no annual contracts or monthly fees and lets you download books from anywhere and no more Wi-Fi hotspots required. Kindle 3G costs $149.00.
The new Kindle basic model is also 30% lighter, with an 18% smaller body and the most advanced E Ink display with in built wi-fi and costs $79. The screen size is 6″ just like previous model with a resolution of 600 x 800 pixel. Now this is the most affordable Kindle ever.
Here’s an open letter from Amazon’s Founder and CEO – Jeff Bezos
There are two types of companies: those that work hard to charge customers more, and those that work hard to charge customers less. Both approaches can work. We are firmly in the second camp.
There’s a catch in the pricing though. There are two models available – “With” and “without special offers”. The “with special offers” model comes cheaper but it will display special offers and sponsored screensavers when you’re not reading. Those who don’t want to see any such advertisements can opt for a “without special offers” model which will costs some $30 – $40 more. Well, why not pay more and get rid of ads.
You can pre-order Kindle Fire now and can get it when released on November 15, 2011. Orders are prioritized on a first come, first served basis. Orders are shipped from Amazon Digital Services U.S. only. And just in case if you’re wondering whether Amazon will ship Kindle to India or not, then the answer is yes, Amazon will ship Kindle to India also. Also they will charge additionally for shipping, handling and customs. Eligible countries for shipping kindle are:
Europe, Israel, Japan, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Asia & Pacific, Atlantic & Caribbean, Australia and Canada.
These new products from Amazon really seems promising. Now is the time to see Kindle’s competitor – Nook, and what they can come up with.
(Related: How to buy Amazon Kindle in India)
Jose says
When will we see a Kindle that one can fold and put in the back pocket, just like a piece of paper ?
That will be awesome.
Saqib says
Hope in future, there will be a kindle just like that. For now, try using the non foldable one :)