There's an intriguing rumor circulating among enthusiasts and experts in the e-reader community, and I'm part of it: Amazon may be planning to release a new entry-level Kindle e-reader soon.
Of course, we should take this information with a grain of salt! However, it's worth noting that some countries have run out of Kindle e-readers for sale, as seen on the official French Amazon.fr website, where the e-reader is listed as out of stock.
See this picture:
It's quite surprising for a device that was released just two years ago and remains a bestseller for Kindle.
One can't help but think that Amazon must have a good reason for not having this e-reader in stock and that they may be preparing to launch a new version soon.
What Can We Expect?
A Color Entry-Level Kindle E-Reader
One key topic is color. Clearly, Amazon is lagging behind on this front since the Kindle line does not currently offer an e-reader with a color E Ink display.
Especially considering that competitors have already made significant strides in this area, seemingly achieving great success with devices that have already won over many readers:
It seems logical that Kindle should also provide a color e-reader, possibly an affordable entry-level model, to compete directly with Pocketbook and Kobo.
Why is this Plausible?
Again, this is just a rumor (which has been circulating for a while). However, it’s one that has gained traction.
Since this summer, I have come across some new information that may interest you and seems to support this claim.
It appears that the company manufacturing E Ink displays, E Ink, is strongly encouraging its clients to switch to color. They are using 3 main strategies:
- They have reduced the quantity of black and white screens being produced.
- They have launched a new HD black and white screen called Carta 1300 (found in the Kobo Clara B&W).
- They are offering the Kaleido 3 color screens at a competitive price, only slightly more than the black and white screens.
These combined conditions make it advantageous for major clients of E Ink, including Amazon, to order Kaleido 3 or Carta 1300 screens.
It will soon become increasingly difficult to obtain the older screens currently used in the Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Oasis.
This also explains why various e-reader manufacturers have been releasing new devices over the past few months.
In any case, I truly hope the rumors are true, as I believe a color Kindle could reignite interest in e-readers among the general public, especially since the brand holds a leading position in the minds of readers.
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