Amazon Addresses Kindle Paperwhite Memory Upgrade and Model Confusion
In July, I was able to confirm for the first time that the Kindle Paperwhite received a memory upgrade. Back then, a second model with an identical product description but a new item number appeared on the international Amazon homepage. The retail giant referenced the new page with the note, “There’s a newer version of this item: Kindle Paperwhite with Wi-Fi (2014).”
The additional year designation naturally fueled speculation that Amazon might continue to keep the Kindle Paperwhite with the memory upgrade in its lineup and introduce an additional device with the next eBook Reader launch, instead of replacing the Paperwhite.
Model 2014 vs. New Product Page
The note for the device with 4 GB storage has been changed. So, no facelift?
Now, Amazon has responded to the coverage by changing the wording of the redirect note. It no longer mentions a 2014 model but simply refers to the “current product page.” Amazon Germany is also using this wording. On the old Kindle Paperwhite product page, it says, “Click here to go to the current product page of the Kindle Paperwhite.”
The reasons for this new wording can only be speculated upon. Perhaps Amazon doesn’t want to reveal their hand for the next generation of models, or the “2014” designation caused confusion, leading customers to think it was a completely new model. It’s also possible that the original assumption was wrong and Amazon might discontinue the Kindle Paperwhite with the next product launch and is currently just selling off an excess of Japanese devices (those always had 4 GB of storage).
Model 2014 with larger storage; Really a facelift or just a clearance sale?
The revelation won’t take much longer to come, as Amazon usually introduces the new Kindle series in September. As reported a few days ago, you can expect an update of the Kindle Fire tablets, as well as the eBook Reader known as “Kindle Ice Wine,” which was mentioned by Techcrunch a few months ago.
The new reading device is expected to feature a higher resolution screen, a brightness sensor, and page-turn buttons. Moreover, it will reportedly have a completely different design, more closely aligned with the company’s tablet range, including a flat front casing.
If the Kindle Paperwhite (2014) remains in the lineup, it’s likely the new model will be offered at a higher price, which could also indicate that a 3G module might be included. This can be inferred from the several months of delivery delays experienced with the 3G model of the Paperwhite, which finally ended in April.
If you’re wondering whether your recently purchased Paperwhite is a 4 GB model, you can check under “Menu -> Settings -> Menu -> Device Info” on the device. The 4 GB version, in its unchanged state, provides about 3,170 MB of usable storage and a serial number starting with “9017.”
