Amazon introduces new Kindle, Paperwhite, and Colorsoft e-readers
The lineup includes four main models: the 16GB Kindle, 32GB Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Colorsoft. At the same time, Amazon updated two kids’ versions: the Amazon Kids Kindle and Amazon Kids Kindle Colorsoft.
The main external change in the new series is a flat front panel with no gap between the screen and the frame. All new models are also thinner than their predecessors.
Kindle Lineup Features
The new series includes the standard 16GB Kindle, 32GB Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Colorsoft. All models are thinner than the previous generation, and the power button has been moved to the top right corner. According to Amazon, this placement reduces the risk of accidental presses when holding the device with one hand.
The base 16GB Kindle is lighter, and book opening speeds have increased by approximately 30% compared to the previous model. For the first time, the Kindle is offered in a 32GB version with an aluminum back panel.
The Kindle Paperwhite retains IPX8 water resistance and provides up to 12 weeks of battery life on a single charge. The Kindle Colorsoft features a 7-inch color screen, supports text highlighting in five colors, and lasts up to eight weeks on a single charge. The color display only shows color in compatible content and does not convert black-and-white materials into color.
Signature Edition versions with 32GB of storage are also available for the Paperwhite and Colorsoft. They additionally feature automatic front light adjustment, a double-tap page-turning function, and charging via a proprietary dock.
New Page-Turning Remote
Along with the readers, Amazon introduced the Kindle Click, a separate Bluetooth remote for turning pages forward and backward without touching the screen. The accessory is compatible with the new devices and Kindle models released from 2024 onwards.
In addition, a magnetic cover with physical page-turning buttons has been released for the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. It connects via pogo pins.
Pricing and release date
The new Kindle models are now available or up for pre-order in the US and European countries. The prices for the main models are as follows:
| Model | Storage | US | Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle | 16 GB | $150 | €155 |
| Kindle with aluminum back panel | 32 GB | $190 | €195 |
| Kindle Paperwhite | 16 GB | $200 | €210 |
| Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition | 32 GB | $250 | €260 |
| Kindle Colorsoft | 16 GB | $290 | €300 |
| Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition | 32 GB | $320 | €330 |
Kindle Kids starts at $180 in the US and €190 in Germany. The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is priced at €240, and the Kindle Colorsoft Kids at €310.
Kindle Click costs $35 in the US and €35 in Europe. The magnetic Page-Turn Cover with physical page-turning buttons is priced at $80 / €80, and the charging dock for the Signature Edition at $60 / €55.
The standard Kindle and the 32 GB version are already on sale in the US and several European countries. The Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Colorsoft are available for pre-order, with shipments starting later depending on the market.
