Error on Packaging: Kindle Paperwhite 3 Lacks Self-Regulating Front Light Feature
The delivery of the Kindle Paperwhite 3, which Amazon internally refers to as the seventh Kindle generation, began a few days ago, and the quickest pre-order customers have already received the eBook Reader. In our initial short review, including a video comparison, the new model left a very positive impression, which is not surprising considering the announced improvements (primarily the 300 ppi display).
Apart from the new, high-resolution screen and the enhanced, very good rendering engine (including a new font), not much has changed compared to its predecessor. Overall, it’s a very cautious update. It’s certainly no surprise that Amazon didn’t want to take any risks with its best-selling eBook Reader.
Automatic Lighting on the Paperwhite? No.
Incorrect information on the Kindle Paperwhite packaging – there is no automatically regulated front light here
However, some recipients of the new Kindle Paperwhite might be surprised to find that the packaging promises more than the device can actually do, as it states literally: “Display with 300 ppi with integrated, self-regulating front light” (see image, right).
A self-regulating light? Nope, that’s not featured on the Paperwhite 3. This is actually an error in the German translation of the product description. The packaging includes languages such as English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Portuguese. None of these other languages mentions automatic adjustment.
Only in the German version is there mention of a self-regulating front light; otherwise, the correct term “adjustable light” is indicated. In English: “300 PPI display with built-in adjustable light”.
Interested parties and buyers of the new Kindle Paperwhite should not be confused by the incorrect information. The lighting of the new model is definitely not automatically adjusted. A brightness sensor necessary for this isn’t included.
Earlier Concept with Brightness Sensor?
It would be interesting to know whether Amazon considered integrating such a feature during the development of the new Paperwhite. Maybe the German product description originates from a time when a brightness sensor was still being discussed and later the text was forgotten to be updated accordingly.
Besides, my initial thought was that perhaps the description had simply been copied from the Kindle Voyage – but that’s not the case. There, the passage is formulated differently with “integrated, self-regulating front light”.
It’s also possible that the text was simply adapted carelessly – which can happen.
In any case, this information is found only on the packaging; neither the manual nor the Amazon website mentions an automatic lighting adjustment.
Distinguishing it from the Kindle Voyage
It’s not surprising that Amazon hasn’t made any major technical changes to the Kindle Paperwhite apart from the display, because they have the Voyage in their lineup, which now, more than ever, must prove itself with its remaining unique features.
The main advantage of the Kindle Voyage – the high-resolution display – is now also on the Paperwhite, so the page-turn buttons, brightness sensor, and magnesium casing must convince potential buyers.
Introducing automatic light adjustment for the Paperwhite would have further undermined the Voyage, which wouldn’t make much sense given the different pricing and positioning.
As long as Amazon continues to keep the Voyage in its lineup and refreshes and improves the model annually, the Paperwhite is likely to stay true to its roots (without buttons and a brightness sensor).
Note: In Germany, Amazon sells the new Paperwhite 3 alongside the previous model, with the Paperwhite 2 being available without ads and at a lower price. Why purchasing the older model still makes sense is explained in this article.
