Amazon's Kindle line seems to be lasting longer and longer between updates. While e-readers are no longer the consumer electronics darlings they once were, the retail giant is still investing in the category. After all, according to estimates, Amazon controls more than 80% of the US market.
Along with the long-awaited addition of a color Kindle, Amazon announced an update to the entire line. That includes updates to the basic Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and the Kindle Scribe with stylus.
Amazon had to incorporate AI sooner or later, which is why the Kindle Scribe is the first to take the honors. Taking advantage of the note-taking capabilities of the larger Kindle, Amazon is adding text summaries, courtesy of a new tab in the notebook. The device will also clean up messy text scribbled with the Premium Pen stylus, making it legible while still looking like a script.
The Scribe's design language has also evolved a bit, with the addition of white borders, while the resolution remains 300 dpi. The device will also receive a new side panel feature, which will allow users to write and hide notes as needed.
The new Scribe will cost $399 – that's a $50 premium over the already high price of its predecessor.
The Kindle Paperwhite, the best-selling model, will increase its screen from 6.8 inches to a full seven inches. The device is also getting a processor boost, and Amazon promises 25% faster paper rotations. The company rates the Paperwhite's battery life at an impressive three months on a charge, despite a slimmer design.
The reader will receive the same new oxide back panel found on the Colorsoft device, allowing for faster page turning while also increasing normal battery life.
The standard Paperwhite includes 16GB of storage and is priced at $160. Another $30 will get you the Signature Version, which includes 32GB of storage, wireless charging capabilities, and an auto-adjusting front light.
The entry-level Kindle follows suit with faster page turns, a higher contrast ratio, and a 25% brighter front light, putting it in line with the Paperwhite when set to maximum. Amazon is also adding a “matcha” green color. The basic reader starts at $110.
The Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite are now available. The new Kindle Scribe starts shipping on December 4.
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