Kindle Colorsoft: Kindle with Color Unveiled + 3 More Models
Amazon has revamped its Kindle lineup and introduced four brand new devices. The standout here is the Kindle Colorsoft, Amazon’s first color eBook reader. But the new Kindle Basic, Paperwhite, and Scribe also bring some interesting updates to the table.
Kindle Colorsoft: Amazon’s First Color E-Reader
With the Kindle Colorsoft, Amazon is introducing an E-Ink device with a color display for the very first time. The name “Colorsoft” already hints that the colors on this device are somewhat pastel, much like other color E-Ink devices. The “Soft” in the name is a clear indication—even for those less familiar with the eReader market—that the new Kindle Colorsoft isn’t going to deliver the vivid, vibrant colors of a tablet or smartphone.
Instead, the Colorsoft relies on the proven Kaleido 3 technology, which is already used in many color E-Ink devices, like the Tolino Vision Color and the PocketBook InkPad Color 3.
The device offers 300 ppi resolution for black-and-white content and 150 ppi for color. While the colors are rather muted compared to LCD screens, Amazon has developed a new frontlight technology to make the colors look more intense than the competition. Whether this really works, I’ll find out in my review.
With the introduction of the Kindle Colorsoft, it’s become less likely we’ll see a Kindle version with Gallery 3 technology—using color E-Ink particles and already featured in the Remarkable Paper Pro—anytime soon. After all, Amazon doesn’t typically update the Kindle models on a yearly basis.
Technical Specs and Design
Kindle Colorsoft with wireless charging functionality
The Kindle Colorsoft features a 7-inch display and, just like the new Kindle Paperwhite, is waterproof to the IPX8 standard.
The device’s full name is “Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition” and, like the Paperwhite Signature Edition, it comes with familiar upgrades: 32 GB of internal storage, automatic frontlight adjustment, and wireless charging.
Wireless charging with the compatible dock could prove especially handy in daily use, since the Colorsoft’s battery life—like that of other Kaleido 3 devices—is a bit shorter. Amazon states it will last about eight weeks on a single charge, while the Kindle Paperwhite manages up to twelve weeks.
With a price tag of around 290 euros, the Kindle Colorsoft is more expensive than competing models like the Tolino Vision Color and the PocketBook Era Color, which also use 7-inch Kaleido 3 displays. So Amazon isn’t trying to start a price war with its first color Kindle.
Kindle Scribe: A Better Writing Experience
Kindle Scribe with a new color scheme, familiar technology
The Kindle Scribe has also received an update, though it still features the same 10.2-inch display with 300 ppi. The most noticeable (and only hardware) change is the design: the frame is now white, with the grip area available in dark gray or green.
Another change is the included stylus: the standard pen has been discontinued, so all versions of the new Scribe will now come with the premium pen. The eraser on the back has been improved and is supposed to provide a more “analog” feel—closer to a real eraser.
New Software Features
The real highlight of the new Kindle Scribe is the updated software. With the new “Active Canvas” feature, users can now jot down notes directly onto a book’s pages, and these notes are seamlessly integrated with the text. This even works if you later change the text layout.
There’s also a new AI-powered feature that lets you automatically summarize notebooks. This could be especially interesting for students, although there are still some open questions around privacy—how and whether Amazon uses this data to improve its AI models remains to be seen.
Kindle Paperwhite: Larger Display and Faster Performance
The bestselling Kindle Paperwhite now comes in a 7-inch size
The Kindle Paperwhite has seen some improvements as well. It now features a 7-inch display, making it slightly larger than its predecessor (6.8 inches). With this update, it’s clear Amazon probably won’t be releasing a Kindle Oasis successor in this size anytime soon.
Amazon promises even better contrast than the previous Paperwhite, which was already well known for its excellent display quality. Other upgrades include 25% faster page turns and rounded corners for a more elegant look. As always, the Paperwhite is available in both ad-supported and ad-free versions, as well as a Signature Edition with 32 GB storage, automatic brightness adjustment, and wireless charging capabilities.
Kindle Basic: Modest Updates to the Entry-Level Model
The entry-level Kindle gets an update too
The entry-level Kindle Basic has also received a small update. The new screen offers better contrast and faster page turns. Amazon also points out that the new frontlight is brighter, which is a bit surprising, since Kindle devices rarely suffered from dim displays in the past.
An interesting addition is the guaranteed minimum brightness of 94 cd/m², which Amazon now specifies for all new models. My guess is this is meant to help the Kindle Colorsoft, with its somewhat dimmer Kaleido 3 E-Ink screen, fit in a little better with the rest of the Kindle lineup.
Conclusion
With the launch of the Kindle Colorsoft and updates to the Kindle Scribe, Paperwhite, and Basic, Amazon is once again offering a broad selection of e-readers to meet different needs. The Kindle Colorsoft stands out as Amazon’s first color e-reader, while the Scribe continues to focus on writing and note-taking. The Paperwhite now has a larger display and faster performance, and even the Kindle Basic has been further optimized with a better screen.
The Kindle Colorsoft and Kindle Scribe are available for pre-order now, while the new Paperwhite and Kindle Basic are already in stores. I’ll be taking a close look at all the new models in the coming weeks.
