Traditional Kindles with the eInk screen still attract those who prefer a more natural reading experience, similar to what printed paper provides. It's eInk screen not only allows it to have a battery life longer than what's possible with other kinds of screens (like LCDs and OLEDs), but allows it be easily read even under direct sunlight.
However, eInk screens also suffer from some drawbacks: like the lack of color, slow refresh rates... and impossible to read in the dark.
Technology is advancing, making color eInks screens and faster refreshes a reality that will inevitably reach consumers... But for now, it seems that Amazon is working on the other missing aspect: adding light to its kindle ebook readers.
Amazon has acquired a world leading light-guide technology company, which prompts us to believe that the next Kindle will offer a "glowing" screen that will improve its readability when ambient light levels decrease. This light guide technology means that it will only require a small layer over the existing screen, not affecting its touch sensing system.
Handwriting recognition isn't new. It's being done for over a decade in mobile devices like the old "pocket PCs" of yesteryear's. But, some might be surprised to see it show up in an eBook reader like Amazon's Kindle Touch.
It's something that is so logical that makes us wonder why hasn't anybody done it before - but... someone has to be the first anyway. I just imagine that it won't take long before others take the hint and start using the same trick in their own "eBook apps". (And not only on the Kindle, but other mobile platforms as well - I really wonder why there's still so few apps that do this kind of thing on the iPhone, for instance. Particulary for single number/letter input, there's lot of places where this kind of input could be more efficient than popping up the standard touch keyboard.)
Amazon has finally revealed its new Kindles and its first step to grab a hold in the growing tablet market. A step that is strategically done without confronting the current market leader... Apple's iPad.
But first: there are new Kindles coming. The basic Kindle model will now be available for just $79 (ads included, I'm sure - though I don't think you won't mind much)!
Next up the line, a more interesting new model pops up: the new Kindle Touch, which keeps using the same eInk display we all known and love, but adds a IR touchscreen frame (unlike resistive/capacitive layers, this method won't "interfere" with the eInk pearly paper look).
Starting at $99, and being just $20 more than the "basic" model, I'm guessing this will be the one most people will choose! (There's also a Kindle Touch 3G model, for $149.)
But, the one everyone was curious to see it the new Kindle Fire.
With a price of $199.99, this is the one Amazon will use to cleverly position itself in the tablet market.
Being a 7" tablet, and having no camera nor microphone, it can't be compared to the iPad, and that's exactly how Amazon wants it. Its simply a "new kind" of Kindle that gives you instant access to the entire Amazon platform in a very attractive and useful way.
Contrary to what you'd might expect at this price range, you'll find the Kindle Fire to have a high-quality IPS LCD 7" screen (although its multitouch screen can only detect 2 touch points), 8GB memory, and it's WiFi only. Inside, there's a dual-core CPU that makes its completely revamped interface (it's based on Android, but you won't really notice it) fly around without any lag or hesitation whatsoever. Amazon really made its point in creating a pixel-perfect user experience rivaling the iPad's smoothness, as you can see in the following video... [via This is my next]
Unfortunately, you'll only get a 30-day free trial for Amazon Prime - not the 1 year some rumors talked about...
To make it's user experience even faster, the Kindle Fire uses a new Amazon developed browser called Silk. This Silk uses Amazon's own EC2 cloud to speed up the browsing process, letting the immensely powerful cloud to do most of the work and leaving the Fire to just "show" the results.
Opera Mini and SkyFire already use a similar concept, but this Silk seems to push it to the next level, and it will certainly be something to keep an eye on - although, as expected, there are already those that remind us that could potentially become a huge privacy risk, as Amazon will be able to log (and even interfere) what you're doing around the web.
... And let's not forget that a Kindle Fire XL, with iPad like dimensions is expected to pop up soon!
Kindle has always been one of the most popular (and well known) eBook reader devices. With the new Kindle 3 on the market, some people might be tempted between getting a new Kindle 3 device, or maybe opt for a second hand older Kindle.
Here are some photos that show the eInk screen of the new generation Kindle next to its older sibling. Although not earth-shattering, the Kindle 3 eInk display does offer slightly enhanced contrast which will make it easier and more pleasing to the eyes to read.
The eBook market has been growing at an ever faster rate, just look at the iPhone eBook category. The recent lauch of the second generation of Amazon's eBook reader, the Kindle 2, has also relaunched the public interest in these novel devices.
Though you may miss the physical contact with the paper texture and the physical satisfaction of turning the pages, you must admit that an eBook is often more convenient to carry around. How else could you carry your entire book collection with you, in your pocket or backpack, at all times?
That's why I'm not surprised to see Amazon launching the Kindle for iPhone App.
This free App allows you to read ebooks on your iPhone, and even keep it in sync with your Kindle (should you have one.)
Of course, an iPhone is no substitute for a better, larger eBook reader... but I think it's how it really should be done. They should provide ways to reach you content, in as many platforms as possible - and leave the choice to us. If you don't feel comfortable reading in such a small screen, no harm done - just go ahead and keep reading it in your Kindle. But for a whole lot of people, this iPhone App will be extremely useful, allowing them to keep reading their book whenever and wherever they want.
Just one last critic to the unexplainable Apple's App Store rules. Just like my friend Bruno Figueiredo said: Why shouldn't european customers be allowed to download this app? Just the same as, why can't american users download the Sapo News iPhone App (showing portuguese news.)
Aren't there thousands of Portuguese living in America that would appreciate reading news from their country?
Aren't there thousands of European customers buying Kindles?
