As reported in a leak earlier this week, Amazon is updating the Kindle Paperwhite. The fifth-generation Paperwhite (which marks the first refresh in nearly three years) has a larger 6.8-inch screen, compared to the six-inch screen of the previous model. The company claims the 300 dpi display is anti-glare and looks like real paper, allowing “easy reading in all conditions, even in direct sunlight.”
The screen is 10% brighter than the previous model at the maximum setting and there is a white-on-black dark mode. Amazon redesigned the interface and page turns would be 20% faster. The Paperwhite has an IPX8 rating, which means it is water resistant but not dust resistant. Starting at the end of the year, you will be able to configure and change eReader settings using the Kindle app on a paired iOS or Android device.
Amazon is expanding the Kindle Paperwhite line with a few new devices. The Signature Edition has a light sensor that can automatically adjust the screen brightness according to your surroundings. It’s also the first Kindle with wireless charging support (any Qi-compatible charger will do).
Amazon
There is now a Kindle Paperwhite for kids, two years after Amazon announced the first Kindle for kids. The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is largely the same as the other two models in terms of design, although there are plenty of kid-friendly features. On the one hand, there’s a two-year worry-free warranty. If it fails during this time, Amazon will replace it.
There is support for audiobooks and Bluetooth headphones, as well as achievement badges and educational tools to promote reading and writing skills. The kids’ model, designed for readers ages seven and up, has no internet access and no way for kids to accidentally make purchases. Their employees can manage the device using the parent dashboard.
Kindle Paperwhite Kids has more funky color options than the other two devices, which are only available in black. You can opt for this solid, old color or choose the Emerald Forest or Robot Dreams patterns. You’ll also get a one-year Amazon Kids + subscription, which includes access to thousands of books.
Amazon says all three models will run for up to 10 weeks on a single charge. The devices now support USB-C fast charging. With a charger of 9W or more, you’ll be able to fully charge the battery in two and a half hours, according to Amazon.
The $ 140 Kindle Paperwhite comes with 8GB of storage. The $ 190 Signature Edition has 32GB of storage, which should come in handy if you’re an avid audiobook listener. Amazon offers four months of unlimited access to Kindle for a limited time. Kindle Paperwhite Kids, meanwhile, costs $ 160.
Pre-orders for the new Paperwhite and Signature editions are open now. The company will begin shipping the new Paperwhites on October 27.
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