On October 16, 2024, Amazon introduced its first-ever color Kindle e-reader, named the Kindle Colorsoft, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of its e-reading devices. Priced at $280, the Colorsoft is designed to compete with similar devices from various manufacturers, which range from $149 to $330. According to Amazon, the Colorsoft utilizes LED technology and other innovations to deliver a vibrant color display, a departure from previous attempts that relied on eInk technology known for its minimal battery consumption.
The Colorsoft boasts an estimated battery life of approximately eight weeks, shorter than the up to three months offered by the latest generation Paperwhite model. This new device features a 7-inch display and is waterproof, allowing users to read in various environments without concern for damage.
In addition to the Colorsoft, Amazon also announced an updated version of its Kindle Scribe, which allows users to write directly on the screen with a stylus and convert handwritten notes into more legible text. The company stated that artificial intelligence software can summarize users’ in-book annotations, transforming extensive notes into concise bullet points.
Amazon continues to dominate the e-reader market, holding over 75% market share. The company emphasizes the durability of its devices, claiming they are sold near production costs while generating profit primarily through book sales. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated interest in e-readers as many libraries offered digital downloads while remaining closed.
The Kindle Colorsoft is set to begin shipping on October 30, while the new Kindle Scribe will ship on December 4.
For more information and direct quotes from experts, you can refer to the original article by Greg Bensinger on Reuters here.
Sources:
[1] https://www.dailysabah.com/business/tech/amazon-introduces-its-1st-color-kindle-after-years-of-development
[2] https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2024-10-16/amazon-reveals-its-first-color-kindle-e-reader-after-years-of-development
[3] https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-just-launched-four-new-kindles-including-a-full-color-model-heres-whats-new/
[4] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/amazon-launches-first-color-kindle-e-reader-heres-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/114288606.cms
[5] https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-kindle-color-scribe-paperwhite-entry
[6] https://www.reuters.com/technology/amazon-reveals-its-first-color-kindle-e-reader-after-years-development-2024-10-16/
[7] https://www.republicworld.com/tech/amazon-reveals-its-first-color-kindle-e-reader-after-years-of-development
[8] https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/16/24271632/amazon-kindle-colorsoft-specs-price-hands-on