Amazon launched the present Kindle Paperwhite mannequin in October of 2021, so it’ll be turning 3 years outdated in a number of months, and Amazon normally comes out with a brand new model each 3 years.
Provided that, there’s probability of a brand new Kindle Paperwhite getting launched later this 12 months, and contemplating the truth that Amazon didn’t launch any new Kindles in any respect final 12 months, the odds are good one thing new will get launched this 12 months, and for the reason that different Kindle fashions had been launched in 2022, the Paperwhite is the almost certainly one to get up to date.
However the extra I give it some thought, the extra unsure I’m of what sort of “upgrades” a brand new Paperwhite might get, given how slowly ereaders evolve.
The present Kindle Paperwhite 5 introduced essentially the most modifications to the Paperwhite line; most different model updates solely modified a number of particulars.
With the Paperwhite 5, Amazon modified to a bigger 6.8″ E Ink display, whereas all the sooner fashions had 6″ screens, they usually additionally added a frontlight with heat temperature management, together with a USB-C port, assist for dual-band WiFi, they usually added a Signature Version mannequin with wi-fi charging and an auto-brightness sensor. In addition they made the Paperwhite 5 20% sooner than the earlier mannequin.
At this level, what would they alter with a Paperwhite 6 mannequin?
Potential Upgrades
The 6.8″ display dimension appears to be a success with prospects so I don’t see Amazon altering that on a brand new mannequin, and the brand new Carta 1300 screens from E Ink have worse distinction than Carta 1200 screens, in order that they actually aren’t the improve that individuals had been hoping for (frankly, I’d relatively see them persist with Carta 1200 screens).
The one factor Amazon might do to enhance the display is to make use of a greater flush layer. The previous two Paperwhite fashions have a plastic entrance layer that’s not a transparent as glass, and it’s extra fingerprint and smudge susceptible. The display would look higher in the event that they went again to utilizing glass like on the Oasis and Voyage.
Amazon might add stylus assist too, like Kobo did with the Libra Color. I feel some individuals could be all for that, and Amazon might make numerous extra cash promoting the stylus individually.
One factor Amazon actually wants to repair is the placement of the ability button. It’s at all times been on the underside fringe of Paperwhite fashions and it’s simply too straightforward to unintentionally press.
I feel the Paperwhite may gain advantage from having exterior audio system as properly, for those who hearken to audiobooks or text-to-speech (VoiceView). A whole lot of ereaders have exterior audio system today, however Kindles don’t.
I do know lots of people would love Kindles to get expandable storage, however that’s not going to occur so there’s no use hoping for it. I might additionally prefer to see Amazon launch a Paperwhite with web page buttons or web page button sensors just like the Voyage had, however that’s not prone to occur both.
What new options would you prefer to see on the subsequent Kindle Paperwhite?
