Sunday, October 27, 2013

Review: Kindle Fire HDX - Washington Post

You might be thinking about picking up your pumpkins right now, but companies are already gearing up some fierce competition for your holiday gift dollars. With the new Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon is refreshing its play in the tablet world, with an eye toward smaller, reading-focused tablets such as the iPad mini and Nexus 7.

Amazon loaned The Washington Post a review unit of its most basic model: a 7-inch, 16 GB Kindle Fire with WiFi connectivity. Here's how it stacks up:

Hardware: Physically, the Kindle Fire HDX is a major improvement over previous models. Amazon apparently took heed of earlier feedback about hardware, cutting a good deal of bulk from the tablet and making such changes as moving the volume and power buttons to more logical spots on the device. The Fire HDX also has angled edges that make it easier to hold the tablet with one hand or two hands.

Internally, the tablet has a faster processor that mostly eliminates the lag that affected older models, though I found its keyboard is still not as responsive as its competitors'. It's still not a tablet I would choose for work — though Amazon is marketing the Fire HDX and its security features to businesses.

The screen is bright and crisp for video, and users get a 30-day free trial of Amazon's Prime Service, which includes access to Prime Instant Video. The Fire is slightly easier to read in bright light (there's been little direct sunlight to test in D.C. lately) than other tablets, such as the iPad mini. Those who want a dedicated reading device are still best off with an e-ink reader.

Software: Amazon has made some revamps to the tablet's appearance (it looks a little more Apple, with the shape of its icons). But ,looks aside, the navigation here is designed to make it smoother to get from your most recent apps, to all your apps — and back. The effect, overall, is that it is easier to get from place to place on the tablet.

The firm's Silk browser has also been improved, though it's still not as smooth as Apple's Safari or Google's Chrome. But the redesign makes it easier to juggle multiple sites and move more quickly to most-used sites.

There's also a new interface for Amazon shopping on the tablet, allowing consumers to save items they're interested in buying without having to put them straight into their cars. Make no mistake, this tablet is designed to help Amazon sell its own goods.

Where the Fire continues to falls down, however, is in its app selection. Because Amazon uses its own version of Android, only a limited number of programs run on the Kindle. That's fine if you're using the tablet mostly to read, shop and watch video on Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Prime. But if you want to use the tablet for much more, you won't have nearly as many choices as you would on other tablets.

Usability: There's clearly been a lot of attention paid to making the Fire more intuitive. But if you still haven't quite caught on, you can get help with in-device access to a customer service line by swiping down from the top of the screen and hitting the "Mayday" button. That will call up a customer service representative, live, on the screen.

Kindle Fire HDX: Release date, price and specs - PC Advisor

 

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Amazon takes on Nexus 7, iPad mini and Tesco Hudl with Kindle Fire HDX tablets

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX tablet

Amazon’s Kindle Fire HDX tablet range is making its way to the UK in time for Christmas with new hardware and software features. Here’s all the Kindle Fire HDX release date, price and specification details you need. Updated on 17/10/13.

See also: Kindle Fire HDX review – hands on with Amazon’s smart new 7in and 9in tablets.

We’ve been expecting new Kindle Fire tablets from Amazon for a while and they have been unveiled. The Kindle Fire HDX range will take on the Google Nexus 7, iPad mini and Tesco Hudl among others.

“It’s been just two years since we introduced the first Kindle Fire, and the team is innovating at an unbelievable speed,” said Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon. “2.2 GHz processor, 339 ppi display, new 34% lighter design, Fire OS 3.0, and new exclusive features like the Mayday button, X-Ray for Music, Second Screen, and Prime Instant Video downloads. We've worked hard to pack this much hardware, innovation, and customer obsession into these prices.” 

A lot of the details we have at the moment are US specific so we’ll update this article when we get UK details.

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX: Release date

The 7 in Kindle Fire HDX will be released on 18 October in the US and a 4G version will be released almost exactly a month later on 14 November.

The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 will come a little later than its smaller brother on 7 November with a 4G model on 10 December. These are also US dates so we’ll let you know as soon as we have UK specific details.

Update: Amazon has now made the Kindle Fire HDX range available for pre-order in the UK. The Kindle Fire HDX 7 in will be released on 13 November followed by the 4G model on 27 November. The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 in will arrive on 19 November with the 4G model coming on 13 December.

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX tablets

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX: Price

Both are available to pre-order now, in US. Here’s a table of pricing with conversions which we’ll update when we get wind of UK pricing.

Note: Prices are ‘with special offers’, add £10 to the price to remove special offers.

Storage

Kindle Fire HDX

Kindle Fire HDX 8.9

16 GB Wi-Fi only

£199

£329

32 GB Wi-Fi only

£229

£369

64 GB Wi-Fi only

£259

£409

16 GB Wi-Fi + 4G

£269

£399

32 GB Wi-Fi + 4G

£299

£439

64 GB Wi-Fi + 4G

£329

£479

Amazon has dropped the price of its Kindle Fire HD to £119, matching the Tesco Hudl.

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX: Specs

The Kindle Fire HDX range is the third generation of Amazon’s tablets and come in either 7 in or 8.9 in models. The devices feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processors, double the memory (2 GB), up to 11 hours of battery life and dual stereo speakers with Dolby Digital Plus audio.

The Kindle Fire HDX matches the Nexus 7 in screen size and resolution – 7 in and 1920 x 1200 (323 ppi). And the 8.9 in edition has an even higher resolution of 2560 x 1600 (339 ppi). The latter is 34 percent lighter than its predecessor, according to Amazon.

All the tablets come with Fire OS 3.0 ‘mojito’, the latest version of Amazon’s heavily customised Android operating system. This brings “hundreds of new and upgraded features, Amazon-exclusive services, platform updates” according to the firm. It includes a ‘Mayday button’ for online support.

See the full specifications for both HDX models and the new Kindle Fire HD.

 

Kindle Fire HD (2013)

Kindle Fire HDX

Kindle Fire HDX 8.9

Screen Size

7 in

7 in

8.9 in

Resolution

1280 x 800 (216 ppi)

1920 x 1200 (323 ppi)

2560 x 1600 (339 ppi)

Processor

Dual-Core 1.5 GHz

Quad-Core 2.2 GHz (Snapdragon 800)

Quad-Core 2.2 GHz (Snapdragon 800)

Battery Life

10 hours mixed use

11 hours mixed use
17 hours when reading

12 hours mixed use
18 hours when reading

Audio

Dolby Audio,
Dual Stereo Speakers

Dolby Audio,
Dual Stereo Speakers

Dolby Audio,
Dual Stereo Speakers

Wi-Fi

Dual band Wi-Fi

Dual band, dual antenna
(MIMO) Wi-Fi

Dual band, dual antenna
(MIMO) Wi-Fi

4G

None

Optional

Optional

Camera

None

Front-facing HD camera

Front-facing HD camera +
8 MP rear-facing camera

Storage

8 or 16GB

16, 32, or 64 GB

16, 32, or 64 GB

Dimensions

191 x 128 x 10.6 mm

186 x 128 x 9.0 mm

231 x 158 x 7.8 mm

Weight

345 grams

Wi-Fi—303 grams
4G—311 grams

Wi-Fi— 374 grams
4G—384 grams

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Saturday, October 26, 2013

Review: New Kindle good contender for Amazon users - Arizona Daily Star

Amazon's new Kindle Fire HDX tablet resembles Google's Nexus 7 in many ways — from its light weight to its sharp display. Both tablets run a version of Google's Android operating system, and they even have the same starting price of $ 229.

The similarities end when you turn them on.

Amazon.com Inc. modifies Android so much that it no longer resembles Android. The company calls it Fire OS 3.0, or Mojito. Amazon's services are front and center on the Fire, and Google's are nowhere to be found. It's the other way around on the Nexus 7 and other Android devices. For a day or two, I even forgot the Kindle Fire can do much more.

Regular customers of Amazon will appreciate that integration. A row of tabs at the top of the screen offers quick access to various Amazon services?. Another tab gets you Amazon's shopping site?. The Kindle is already tied to your Amazon account, so it's easy — perhaps too easy — to click and buy.

You also get Amazon's excellent recommendation technology. Browsing the e-book section, "The Great Gatsby" came up, likely because I had just added a movie version to my video watch list. Kindle versions of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" comic books came up, likely because I own the entire television series on DVD. Under music, digital copies of physical CDs I had purchased were waiting for me?.

If you spring for Amazon's $ 79-a-year Prime membership, you also get quick access to thousands of free movies and television episodes and the ability to borrow one e-book a month from a select list. For the first time, you can download the free Prime video to watch on a plane or anywhere else lacking an Internet connection. On older Kindle Fires and other devices, you're limited to streaming, which requires a constant Internet connection.

Amazon started shipping the smaller version of the Kindle Fire HDX on Oct. 18. Like the Nexus 7, it has a 7-inch screen, measured diagonally. An 8.9-inch version is expected Nov. 7 and starts at $ 379. Amazon is also updating last year's 7-inch HD model, lowering the price to $ 139 but cutting a few features including the camera.

All three models expand on an X-ray feature that Amazon introduced last year. While watching a movie or TV show on older Fires, you can get a list of actors appearing in that scene. Click on one for more information, mostly culled from Amazon's IMDb celebrity-database service. With the new devices, you also get summaries on major characters and opportunities to buy songs played during the show. You also get trivia ?.

My favorite new feature is Mayday on the HDX. It's free, live technical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A tech adviser appears in a small window on your Kindle, but the adviser can only hear you and see what's on your screen. Advisers can guide you by highlighting certain settings and buttons with a virtual orange marker. Advisers can also take control of your device and do the task for you?.

I tried three times to stump the tech advisers. For the most part, I found them patient and knowledgeable. It appeared to me they were really thinking through the problem, rather than following a script, as I typically find with my cable company. That said, one late-night staffer was willing to give up easily and dismiss my issue as a device malfunction, until I nudged him to walk me through the steps to discover one I had inadvertently skipped.

I'll wait until the support center is fully staffed and trained before making a final judgment, but I'm pleased with what I've seen so far. I particularly like the security protocols; the adviser made sure to pause the screen sharing whenever I typed a password.

As devices get complex, we could use more of this type of offering. I'm hoping Amazon's approach to customer service gets adopted by Apple, Samsung and other rivals.

As for the hardware, the 7-inch HDX has a screen resolution of 323 pixels per inch, which is the same as the Nexus 7 and better than Apple's iPad Mini and Samsung's Galaxy Note 8.0.

For streaming video, I didn't see much difference in video quality, largely because of limitations in what's being sent over Wi-Fi. The differences are more pronounced with video downloads and e-books. Text on the HDX and the Nexus 7 is sharp, whereas letters bleed on the iPad and the Note.

The Apple and Samsung tablets do have slightly larger screens, about an inch longer diagonally. But both are also heavier and more expensive. The Nexus 7 is the lightest at 10.2 ounces, while the HDX weighs 10.7 ounces.

The HDX's front-facing camera is 1 megapixel, which is comparable with the Nexus 7 but much poorer than phones and tablets with rear cameras. The HDX does have one of the fastest processors for a tablet, but unless you're playing games or doing other data-intensive tasks, it won't make much difference.

One area where the HDX falls short is in app selection. The iPad Mini reigns with access to the thousands of apps adapted for tablets. But even compared with other Android tablets, the HDX doesn't have as wide a selection, as Kindles work only with Amazon's app store, not Google's broader Play store.

But I was surprised to see one Amazon video rival, Hulu Plus, available. And Netflix is supposed to get an update that works with the HDX by the time it ships. You won't find everything at Amazon's app store, but you'll find plenty to keep you busy. And if an app isn't available, you might still be able to access the service through Amazon's Silk Web browser.

I've been skeptical with the Kindle Fires in the past because they don't do everything other Android tablets can do. But after trying out the HDX, I find it a worthy contender. It comes down to whether you regularly buy from Amazon and want to make its content work easily on your device.

Amazon taunts Apple's new iPads, advertises smaller Kindle Fire HDX as ... - Apple Insider

In response to Apple’s new iPads, Amazon took a direct shot at its competitor on the front page of its website Wednesday, saying the Kindle Fire HDX is “lighter than Air” — even though the new Kindle achieves that weight with a smaller display.

Amazon


The advertisement is a not-so-subtle jab at Apple’s new iPad Air, which shaves nearly a half-pound off the weight of its predecessor to drop to just one pound.

While the Kindle Fire HDX weighs in at 0.82 pounds for the $ 379 Wi-Fi-only model, it achieves that weight with a screen size of just 8.9 inches. Apple’s iPad Air, in contrast, has a larger 9.7-inch Retina display with more screen real estate.

Both devices are also unsurprisingly heavier than Apple’s new iPad mini with Retina display, which sports a 7.9-inch screen. Apple’s smallest tablet weighs 0.73 pounds in its Wi-Fi-only variety.

Amazon also offers a

Friday, October 25, 2013

Kindle: Ruskin Seafood Festival showcases best of South Shore - Tbo.com

Like thousands of other South Shore residents, I always look forward to the beginning of November. It's an exciting time of the year for us because it brings with it the annual Ruskin Seafood Festival.

What began as a community party for Ruskin residents 25 years ago has grown into a regional festival attracting about 25,000 visitors. It's the largest annual event in southern Hillsborough County, one that draws not only locals but also throngs of visitors.

Because I wasn't living here in 1988 when the whole thing started, I did a little research to provide some background. I talked with folks who actually lived its history and learned some interesting tidbits.

Like this one: Designed to be a fundraiser for the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce, the event was originally supposed to be a boat show. But when that plan fell through organizers went back to Cargill, the original corporate sponsor, and requested the funding be used for a seafood festival. I got that jewel of information from Frances Hereford, who was Cargill's community liaison at the time.

The festival's first site was Ruskin's Bahia Beach — now the home of Little Harbor — which was a popular gathering place for locals 2 1/2 decades ago. The event began small, with about 30 food, arts and crafts and business vendors, and an attendance of around 5,000 people.

Everyone I talked with described it as laid-back, almost party-like in atmosphere — an event where everyone knew everyone. It was a celebration of Ruskin, an annual reunion of sorts, for the people who lived here.

The festival used to be held in October but many complained the weather was still too hot, and organizers wanted to set a date that could accommodate the community's winter visitors. So in 1994, the first weekend in November was selected as an official date, and it has been that way ever since. Admission was free back then; food and drink tickets were 50 cents each.

In 1996 after the Seminole Indian tribe purchased the Bahia Beach property and spent about $ 4 million in renovations to make it a resort, officials at the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce decided the festival would need more space and worked with Hillsborough County to move it to E.G. Simmons Park the following year.

Fast forward to 2013 …

This year's Ruskin Seafood Festival will feature more than two dozen food vendors alone, with interesting names like Taste of Boston, Gypsy Fish, Hammerhead's, Mullet Shack and Laughing Crab Catering. If you like seafood, there's plenty of it — prepared pretty much every way known to man. And if you don't, no worries, there's plenty of traditional festival fare, as well.

Although it's significantly larger than what it used to be, what I like about the seafood festival is that it still has a laid-back, almost homey atmosphere. There are now more than 100 commercial, nonprofit and arts and crafts vendors, including a boating and outdoor expo, but you won't find a midway or carnival-style attractions. While it's become more than just a party for Ruskin, the festival is still very much about families and community.

Children have plenty to do at this event. The Guppies R Guppies Kids Area is bigger than ever, with Silly Sam the Music Man, Jumbo the Magic Pirate, pony rides and a petting zoo, the Fritzi Brothers stage show and Home Depot's children's workshop. It also features a Euro-reverse bungee jump, bounce houses, a trackless train and all kinds of interactive activities.

For music lovers, Saturday's live entertainment will include the Doby Elementary Little Kids Rock Band, Spy vs. Spy reggae band and Ladyhawke. On Sunday the headliner is local blues and rock band Kosmic Pearl.

Honestly, folks. If you've never been to the Ruskin Seafood Festival, grab the wife, the kids, your neighbor, your friends — even your dog — and come on down to see what South Shore's all about. And for those of you who have been before, there's always something new.

Like I said, I'm really looking forward to it. Hope to see you there.

Lois Kindle can be reached at lkindle@tampatrib.com or (813) 731-8138.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review (2013): a superb, if pricey, ereader - PC Advisor

When we reviewed the original Kindle Paperwhite, were impressed with the reading experience. As with any E Ink screen, the Paperwhite is easy to read in bright sunlight. However, the addition of a backlight meant that you could also read it in the dark without needing a clumsy clip-on light.

See all ereader reviews

The 2013 Paperwhite looks exactly the same as the original with the same soft-feel black plastic back that makes it so comfortable to hold. The only external change is the logo on the back: Kindle has been switched for Amazon.

Paperwhite side view

Kindle Paperwhite 2013 review: screen

The main changes are the improved backlight, which Amazon says reduces eyestrain. Put the new Paperwhite next to the old and the difference is easy to see (although not in photos!). The new backlight is much more even and (at the max. setting) even brighter.

You'll rarely need the backlight at more than 50 percent, though, and if you stick to around 40 percent (and read for half an hour per day) the battery should last for two months, just like the original Paperwhite.

Kindle Paperwhite old (left) vs new (right)

Above, the new version is on the right – the eagle-eyed will spot the large bottom bar which you can tap to access the new Page Flip feature (see below).

Paperwhite brightness slider

Kindle Paperwhite 2013 review: speed

That's impressive since the processor has also been upgraded. Pages turns are marginally quicker but where you'll really notice the extra speed is when browsing the Kindle store or using the Paperwhite's menus.

The new Kindle is literally seconds quicker at displaying listings and menus, making it a less frustrating experience. Of course, if you're used to a tablet, an E Ink screen can still be painfully slow.

Amazon says there's new touch technology that's '19% tighter', allowing the new Paperwhite to respond more accurately to light touches.

It's hard to tell the difference, though. Entering your email address and password, or using the keyboard to search feels no different on either device – both are surprisingly responsive.

Kindle Paperwhite 2013 review: features

As you'd expect, the new Kindle gets the latest software update which brings some new features. Our favourite is Page Flip which brings up a slightly smaller page on top of the one you're reading. You can then use the slider at the bottom to jump around in the book without losing your place.

Kindle Paperwhite Page Flip

You can also see a list of words you've looked up in the dictionary in the new Vocabulary Builder, and see the words in context using 'flashcards'.

Existing Kindle owners will recognise X-Ray where you can see all the sections in a book which mention places, people, characters and ideas. For example, if you tap and hold on a prominent character's name, X-Ray will give you short bio explaining who they are and other background information.

If X-Ray isn't available (it’s only in certain books), you can still get a dictionary definition or view the Wikipedia entry.

If you have the Kindle app installed on other devices such as your smartphone, tablet or PC, the Whispersync function means you can jump to the last page you read regardless of which one you choose to use. Bookmarks and annotations are also synched.

Kindle Paperwhite 2013 review: file support

As with all Kindles, you're locked into Amazon's world. If you want to buy content (as well as books there are newspapers and magazines) you buy it from the Kindle store.

Kindle Store

It's far from a bad thing: Amazon usually has the best selection and prices, but there's always a chance that the obscure book you're looking for won't be there.
We still like the fact that you can email files to your Kindle email address. This means you can read PDFs, Word documents and a few other common files on your Paperwhite without much hassle.

Kindle Paperwhite 2013 review: bottom line

The new Kindle Paperwhite offers subtle improvements to the original – not enough to warrant upgrading, mind you.

Plus, if you want to watch videos, browse the web and email as well as reading books, you might be better off spending an extra £10 and buying the Tesco Hudl.
However, if you want the best reading experience, a dedicated ereader is still the way to go.

The Paperwhite's price remains the same as ever at £109, so it's hardly a cheap option when rivals such as the Nook Simple Touch GlowLight cost just £49. The 3G version (which allows you to purchase and download books from just about anywhere in the world) costs £169.

The selection of books available on the Nook store is pretty much as good as on Amazon's and most big-name titles are price matched, so those on a budget could save money by buying the GlowLight.

However, the Paperwhite's better, higher-resolution screen and slick interface make it a better ereader overall.

Amazon jabs at Apple, says Kindle Fire HDX is 'Lighter than Air' - GeekWire

October 23, 2013 at 1:43 pm

HDX-Light-GW-US-660x180-LTA._V353718847_Visitors to Amazon's homepage today were greeted with a subtle jab at Apple's new iPad Air tablet. A banner advertising the new Kindle Fire HDX came with the tag line "Lighter than Air," a clear nod to Apple's newly-announced lightweight tablet.

While it's true that the Kindle HDX is lighter than Apple's iPad Air, weighing .82 pounds to the Air's 1.0, there's a bit of a problem with Amazon comparing the two tablets: they're not actually the same size. The iPad Air comes equipped with a 9.7 inch screen, while the Kindle Fire HDX's screen only measures 8.9 inches from corner to corner, which may account for some, if not all of the weight savings between the two devices.

And while the iPad Air is heftier, it's actually six-hundredths of an inch slimmer than the HDX.

Of course, if there's one way Amazon's tablet is clearly lighter than the iPad, it's Amazon's pricing. The cheapest iPad Air will cost $ 499 when the device launches in November, while the Kindle Fire HDX starts at $ 379, even below the price of Apple's new Retina display-equipped iPad Mini.

Blair Hanley Frank is GeekWire's Bay Area Correspondent. He has also worked for Macworld, PCWorld and TechHive. He can be found on Twitter @belril.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Apple Inc. (AAPL) Mocked In Advertisement For Amazon Kindle - ValueWalk

Yesterday morning, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) officially unveiled their fifth-generation tablet which is dubbed iPad Air. Now Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) just unveiled a new ad on their website that makes a dig at Apple's latest tablet. The ad shows the Kindle HDX slightly suspended over the ground and has the words "Lighter than Air".

Apple

Apple's smallest tablet weighs 0.73 pounds

Apple Insider's Neil Hughes summed it up with the following, "While the Kindle Fire HDX weighs in at 0.82 pounds for the $ 379 Wi-Fi-only model, it achieves that weight with a screen size of just 8.9 inches. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s iPad Air, in contrast, has a larger 9.7-inch Retina display with more screen real estate. Both devices are also unsurprisingly heavier than Apple's new iPad mini with Retina display, which sports a 7.9-inch screen. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s smallest tablet weighs 0.73 pounds in its Wi-Fi-only variety."

There is also the seven-inch Kindle HDX tablet which also weighs about 0.66 pounds and has a screen size that's almost a full inch smaller diagonally.

Kindle is a budget-friendly tablet computer

The Kindle is essentially just another budget-friendly tablet computer that runs on Android. Despite Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)'s attempt to lure customers to their Kindle devices, the iPad still reigns supreme. Even though the Kindle's budget-friendly tablet has a lot to offer, it still can't compare to the iPad, which has a faster processor and Retina display. For those who want the full tablet experience and or want a bigger version of the iPhone, nothing compares to the iPad.

Highlights for the new iPad include a 9.7 inch screen with Retina display, A7 64-bit chip, M7 motion coprocessor, FaceTime HD front camera, 5MP iSight rear camera, Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth 4.0, optional cellular data, and more. The fifth generation iPad will likely be a huge seller along with the iPhone 5S and iPad Mini 2. It's going to be a big holiday season for Apple.

Synaptics to Provide Touchscreens for New Kindle Fires - DailyFinance

Continuing its successful transition to the mobile computing market, Synaptics announced today that it will supply its ClearPad 7300 touchscreen solution for Amazon.com‘s third-generation 7-inch Kindle Fire HDs, along with the online retail giant’s newest tablet, the Kindle Fire HDX, also with a 7-inch screen.

Though Amazon doesn’t release Kindle Fire sales data, analysts estimate it will sell 10.5 million units this year, and 11 million in 2014.

“We’re excited to partner with Amazon as it introduces its newest line of Kindle Fire devices to the market, using our industry-leading ClearPad touchscreen solutions,” said Brian Roberts, Synaptics’ senior director of large touchscreen solutions.

Synaptics stock closed at $ 52.42 today, down 2.47%, but is slightly up in after-hours trading.

The article Synaptics to Provide Touchscreens for New Kindle Fires originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Tim Brugger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Amazon.com. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Dear Amazon: I Won't be Buying a New Kindle - Houston Press (blog)

KINDLEOpener560.jpg
Photos by Olivia Flores Alvarez
Do I really need three Kindle Fire tablets in three years? Sorry Amazon, no.

When the Kindle Fire was introduced in September 2011, I was thrilled. E-book readers had been, for me, deadly dull affairs up until then. I knew I wasn’t going to trade my hardback books in for permanently reading on a tiny screen, but the video, music and web options on the new Kindle Fire “tablet” were just the nudge I needed to try it. Like most other folks that bought that first Fire model, I loved it. It was inexpensive ($ 199), lightweight, had enough memory for my immediate entertainment needs and compact. The physical design was extremely user friendly and that Kindle Fire became a permanent resident of my purse – “Let’s see, keys, wallet, Kindle, yep, I’m ready to go.” There were loads of free apps and content on Amazon, and with both an Amazon Prime and a Netflix membership, I was set.

When the larger Kindle Fire was released in 2012, I was immediately sold. Now it’s 2013 and there’s a new larger, and supposedly improved, Kindle Fire. Guess what, Amazon? I won’t be buying one.

KINDLETopCord560.jpg

I use my two Kindles daily; the smaller one lives in my purse and the larger one travels between my kitchen table and nightstand. They’re great – and I don’t need another one.

I’m more than slightly offended that Amazon seems to think I do. Instead of building brand loyalty, the push behind the new models is off-putting and contrary to the company’s expectations, there won’t be a new Kindle Fire under my Christmas tree this year. Here’s why.

I don’t need a Mayday button. One of the most attractive features of the previous Kindle Fire models is the super low maintenance. I’ve used Amazon’s technical support line exactly twice over the last three years. The new models have a Mayday button that instantly connects users to technical support, 24/7. Are the new models so prone to problems that I’ll need a Mayday button? Or does Amazon think I’m too stupid to figure out the touch screen? Either way, no thanks.

Amazon’s rush to market that resulted in design flaws in the 2012 models and 2013 will probably be a repeat. An unresponsive on/off button and a sadly misplaced recharge port were actually inconveniences, not improvements. Minor inconveniences, I admit, but guess what? With a new electronic device I expect to have no inconveniences, none. With just one year between releases, there’s nothing to say the new models won’t have a few snags, too.

I liked my original Kindle Fire precisely because it wasn’t trying to be an i-Pad. The new Kindle Fire HDX model has been upgraded with front and rear cameras capable of taking high-res photos or 1080p HD video. The processor is “ultra-fast,” some three times more powerful than the previous generation, according to the product description. It has “console-quality” graphics, supposedly four times better than the previous model, custom Dolby audio and an 18-hour battery life, up from 12-hours. Oh, yeah and the top model costs right at $ 600. An i-Pad with comparable screen size, storage and wi-fi capabilities costs around $ 200 more. I can edit video on an i-Pad, not on a Kindle. I can just about replace my laptop with an i-Pad, not with a Kindle. Apple doesn’t expect me to buy a new i-Pad every year; Amazon, on the other hand, apparently expects me to buy a new Kindle annually.

I don’t need super high-res on a tablet. It’s 8.9 inches of viewing space – can I really tell the difference between 1280 x 800 and 2560 x 1600 resolution? In 8.9 inches of viewing space? Really?

I shouldn’t have to buy three versions of the same device in as many years. I understand planned obsolescence. But here’s what Amazon missed – while I understand it, I don’t like it. A lot. Unless there are massive improvements to a product – useful improvements, not just bells and whistles – I can afford to skip two or three versions. I’ve done that with televisions, video and digital cameras, laptops, even cars. I’m certainly doing that with Kindle Fire.

So sorry Amazon, no sale.

Kindle Fire HDX Blue Tint Is Normal - Ubergizmo

Kindle Fire HDX Blue Tint Is NormalSo, the Kindle Fire HDX from Amazon has begun to ship as we announced just a few days back. If you happened to have picked up one of these puppies for yourself then, have you noticed as to why the display on your brand new Kindle Fire HDX comes with a somewhat bluish tint around the edges? Is it a defect? Did you think to yourself, that after having spent good money on a new high end tablet, it ends up like a love story gone bad? Fret not, that bluish tint has been described to be normal.

Apparently, it was part of an effort to achieve the vaunted color accuracy for the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX that saw Amazon make use of blue LEDs in order to light the display. Hence, the result of including that bit of hardware would be why there is an azure hue that makes its way around the display's sides, especially on books and web sites. Apart from that, Amazon also claims that such lighting technique is good for your device's battery, since it is touted to increase battery life by up to 20 percent. Will this particular tinge of blue turn you off from making a positive purchase decision?

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  • Follow: Amazon, kindle fire hdx,
  • Seen at: engadget

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Amazon's Kindle Fire HDX: Business Friendly Features - BusinessNewsDaily

Amazon’s business-friendly Kindle Fire HDX tablet launched Friday.
Credit: Kindle Fire HDX image courtesy of Amazon

The new Kindle Fire HDX tablet from Amazon may be able to improve your small business.

What the new tablet lacks in stature — its screen measures just 7 inches — it makes up with business-friendly features to boost your productivity and keep your files secure.

The 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX launched on Friday. A bigger 8.9-inch version will hit retail shelves in November.

Here are five features that make the smaller Kindle Fire HDX a business-ready device.

  • Tech Support: Your small business probably doesn't have an IT department, so the new "Mayday" button built into Amazon's new tablet means you're less likely to waste valuable time tussling with technical difficulties. The button, accessed via the Kindle Fire HDX's main drop-down settings menu, instantly connects you or your employee to Amazon's 24/7 tech support. The feature includes the ability to video-chat directly on your tablet with an Amazon representative, who can remotely access your device to walk you through the fix you need.
  • Office Productivity: Users can easily read and edit documents, access presentations and manage spreadsheets with built-in software on the Kindle Fire HDX. The tablet ships with OfficeSuite installed, and includes full Outlook support for seamless email integration. The Kindle Fire HDX also ships with built-in support for Google Apps for Business, for users who prefer Google's cloud-based applications over OfficeSuite.
  • Affordability: The 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX won't break the bank. Compared to alternatives like the iPad Mini and Google's second-generation Nexus 7, the Kindle Fire HDX is exceptionally affordable, making it a good choice for cost-cutting small businesses. The tablet retails at $ 229 for the lower-end version, which includes 16GB of internal storage and a Wi-Fi-only antenna.
  • Portability: The tablet's relatively small screen may not be the ideal for every task, but its lightweight design makes it a good choice for mobile business owners or employees. With a thin 0.35-inch frame and an 11-ounce body, the Kindle Fire HDX won't weigh you down on your commute. And its long 11-hour battery life means you won't have to hunt for a plug on most trips.
  • Security: Amazon touts new security features on the Kindle Fire HDX. The tablet boasts hardware-based encryption to keep your business' sensitive data safe and secure.

siliconANGLE » Nokia 2520 vs Kindle Fire HDX vs Surface Pro 2 vs iPad 4 vs ... - SiliconANGLE (blog)

 After years of waiting, Nokia has finally unveiled its first ever tablet, and of course, it’s powered by the Windows operating system. But does it have what it takes to blow the other best-in-class tablets away? Or will it just find itself overwhelmed by the iPads and Samsung tablets out there?


How Do The Best Tablets Stack Up?


Design:

Nokia 2520 : Colorful glossy shell casings, available in black, white, red and cyan. With dedicated keys for volume and power / lock.

Kindle Fire HDX : To Achieve the lightweight design, the device capacitive touch layer is Directly integrated into the glass display, with a unique magnesium unibody from a single piece of machined magnesium and a blend of glass and nylon.

Surface Pro 2 : VaporMg casing, Dark Titanium color, with volume and power buttons

iPad 4 : Has an aluminum unibody Which makes the device light, with external buttons and controls for power / sleep, volume and Home button

Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) : Premium leather-like back cover with detailed hand-crafted stitch Appears That Enhances the superior feeling of the notepad and Provides high usability,: such as an extra protection against scratches and cracks. Extra space was removed from the bezel

Dimensions:

Nokia 2520 : Length 168 mm x Width 267 mm x Depth 8.9 mm, Weight 615 g

Kindle Fire HDX : 158 x 231 x 7.8mm; WiFi 374 grams, 384 grams 4G

Surface Pro : 6.81 “x 10.81″ x 0:53 “, Weight 2 lbs

iPad 4 : 7.31 “x 9.5″ x 0:37 “1:44 lbs for the WiFi only version and 1:46 lbs for the WiFi + Cellular version.

Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) : 171.4 x 243.1 x 7.9mm, weighing 535g for the WiFi Version.

Display:

Nokia 2520 : 10.1 “Full HD (1920 x 1080), 218 ppi, TrueColor, ClearBlack, IPS LCD, Corning Gorilla Glass 2, Wide viewing angle, Enhanced outdoor readability

Kindle Fire HDX : 8.9 “display with 2560 × 1600 resolution and the best pixel density at 339 ppi, 100 percent sRGB color display for perfect

Surface Pro 2 : 10.6 “ClearType Full HD display, 1920 x 1080p, 16:9 (widescreen), 10-point multitouch

iPad 4 : 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology, 2048 x1536 resolution at 264 pixels per inch (ppi ), Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating

Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) : 10.1-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) Super clear LCD

Processor:

Nokia 2520 : Quad-core 2.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800

Kindle Fire HDX : Quad-Core 2.2 GHz

Surface Pro 2 : Fourth generation Intel Core i5 processor that delivers faster performance and 75 percent blackberries battery life

iPad 4 : Dual-core A6X with quad-core graphics

Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) : 1.9GHz Octa-core processor for the 3G / WiFi version and 2.3GHz Quad-core processor for the LTE version

Operating System:

Nokia 2520 : Windows RT 8.1

Kindle Fire HDX : Fire OS 3.0 “Mojito” on top of Android

Surface Pro 2 : Windows 8.1

iPad 4 : iOS 6 upgradable to iOS 7

Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) : Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, UX Magazine Style

Storage Options:

Nokia 2520 : 32GB, can be expanded with microSD up to 32GB, 2GB RAM,

Kindle Fire HDX : 16/32/64GB, 2GB of RAM

Surface Pro 2 : 64GB and 128GB with 4GB of RAM, 256GB and 512GB with 8GB RAM

iPad 4 : 16/32/64/128GB

Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) : A choice of 16/32/64GB Internal Memory That can be upgraded with a microSD to up to 64GB; 3GB RAM

Battery:

Nokia 2520 : 8000 mAh, maximum standby time of 25 days, can be hooked to a Nokia Power Keyboard Which gives the device an additional 5 hours battery life, fast charging, charges to 80 percent in just one hour

Kindle Fire HDX : 12 hours mixed use, 18 hours When reading

Surface Pro 2 : 42 Wh

iPad 4 : Built-in 42.5-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music, charging via power adapter or USB to computer system, Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music, up to 9 hours of surfing the web using Cellular Data network

Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) : Standard Li-ion 8,220 mAh battery

Wireless and Connectivity:

Nokia 2520 : Charging Connector 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm audio connector, HDMI-D (Micro), Micro-AB-USB, USB 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0, WLAN IEEE 802.11 a / b / g / n, WPA2-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise, NFC sharing and pairing

Kindle Fire HDX : Dual band, dual antenna (MIMO) Wi-Fi, optional 4G

Surface Pro 2 : Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0 low energy technology, Full-size USB 3.0, MicroSDXC card slot, Headset jack, Mini DisplayPort, Cover port

iPad 4 : 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi (802.11n 2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology, cellular version Also features GSM / EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), UMTS / HSPA + / DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz), LTE (bands 2, 4, 5, 17), or CDMA EV- DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900, 2100 MHz), GSM / EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), UMTS / HSPA + / DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz), LTE (Bands 1, 3, 5, 13, 25), 3.5-mm stereo headphone minijack, microSIM tray

Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) : Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac (2.4 & 5 GHz), Wi- Fi Direct, AllShareCast, BT4.0, USB2.0, GPS + GLONASS, microUSB, microSIM tray, microSD, 3.5mm audio jack, S Pen slot

Camera:

Nokia 2520 : 6.7 MP rear camera with Zeiss Optics; 2 MP front cam HD wide angle, still image capture, video call

Kindle Fire HDX : 720p HD front-facing camera + 8MP rear-facing room

Surface Pro 2 : Rear and front cameras 720p

iPad 4 : 1.2MP FaceTime, 5MP iSight

Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) : 8MP rear camera with BSI sensor, Auto Focus Camera with LED Flash, zero shutter lag, plus a 2MP front room with BSI sensor

Sensors:

Nokia 2520 : Ambient Light Sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity Sensor, Magnetometer

Kindle Fire HDX : No information yet

Surface Pro 2 : Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer

iPad 4 : Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor

Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) : Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geo-magnetic, RGB

Price and Availability:

Nokia 2520 : Will initially be available for sale in the U.S., UK and Finland at an estimated price of $ 499

Kindle Fire HDX : Starts at $ 379, available in November 7, 2013

Surface Pro 2 : Starts at $ 899, Available in retail stores on October 22, 2013

iPad 4 : $ 499 Starts at, Available in Apple Stores, online, on Carriers networks and some retail partner stores.

Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) : Available in October on AT & T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular, no price yet.

The Lumia Nokia 2520 is heavier Compared to the other tablets in our list, so if you can use it for a few hours it could get quite uncomfortable, especially if you like to do things one-handed.

On the plus side though, Because It comes pre-installed with Window RT 8.1 (and henceforth Office and Outlook as well) at no additional cost, it fosters productivity blackberries,: such as editing Office documents on the Go. Plus, Because of its fast-charging feature (you can get 80 percent charge in just an hour of being plugged), you will not be tied to one spot for long. The Lumia 2520 Also has security features: such as Mobile VPN, remote wipe of user data via the Internet, device lock, device passcode, and user data encryption That would make the device suitable for office use. Also you can purchase a Nokia Power Keyboard for $ 150 That snuggly wraps around the device for added protection, plus it Gives You blackberries 5 hours of battery life, and more flexibility with its keyboard and gesture trackpad.

If you are looking for a Windows RT tablet at them to more affordable price than the Surface tablets, the Nokia 2520 may well be the device for you.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Kobo Arc vs Amazon Kindle Fire HD: Specs comparison - Tech2

Kobo recently entered the Indian market with three eReaders and a tablet. The new 7-inch tablet dubbed Arc is Android-based and priced at Rs 11,999. A couple of months back, Amazon dropped the price of the 7-inch Kindle Fire to Rs 11,999. This means, the Kobo Arc directly competes with the Kindle Fire 7.0.  We've put both tablets in the ring for a specs face off, to see who emerges as the winner (on paper).

Kobo Arc

7-inch Arc from Kobo

7-inch Arc from Kobo

 


Kobo's Arc tablet sports a 7-inch HD display with a pixel density of 215ppi. It isn't exactly light weight at 364grams. Under the hood, it is powered by a dual-core TI OMAP processor that is clocked at 1.5GHz with 1GB of RAM. The rated battery life is up to 10 hours, but we can confirm only when we get our hands on the device and perform the battery test. On connectivity front, one will find Wi-Fi, but the device doesn't support Bluetooth. It has 1.3MP front-facing camera, while a rear camera has been given a miss.  

Amazon Kindle Fire HD

Top selling Kindle

Top selling Kindle

 


The 7-inch Kindle Fire HD is one of the popular devices from Amazon, and recently faced a price cut in the Indian market, making it all the more lucrative. It sports a display just like the Kobo Arc with similar pixel density of 215 ppi. However, it is slightly heavier than the Arc at 295 grams. It is also powered by a TI OMAP processor, but clocks at a lower 1.2GHz. The tablet supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. On the camera front, it is no different than the Arc and comes equipped with a 1.3MP front-facing camera.

 

Amazon Kindle Fire HD

Kobo Arc

Display Size

7-inch

7-inch

Resolution

800 x 1280

800 x 1280

Pixel Density (PPI)

215 ppi

215 ppi

Display Type

IPS

IPS

Dimensions

193 x 137 x 10.3 mm

189 X 120 X 11.5 mm

Weight

395 g

364 g

Sensors

Ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope

Ambient light sensor,
accelerometer

 

 

 

Processor

TI OMAP 4460
dual-core at 1.2 GHz 

TI OMAP 4470, dual-core at 1.5GHz

RAM

1GB

1GB

OS version out of the box

Android 4.0

Android 4.0

On-Board Memory

16GB/32GB

16GB/32GB/64GB

Memory card Support

No

No

Rated battery life

Over 1 1 hours

Up to 10 hours

 

 

 

Wi-Fi

802.11 a/b/g/n

802.11 b/g/n

Bluetooth

Yes, with A2DP support

No

 

 

 

Primary Camera

No

No

Secondary Camera

1.3MP

1.3MP

 

 

 

 Online Pricing (In Rupees)

Rs 11,999

Rs 11,999 (Rs 9,999 festive offer until November 3, 2013)

Verdict:
It's no secret that Amazon's Kindle Fire runs on a heavily skinned version of the Android OS. Similarly, Kobo also appears to have customized the UI considerably. Kobo recommends and also lets users discovers new books from its own Bookstore. However, in terms of content, Amazon has an upper hand over the other.

Coming to the specs, both tablets are equipped with similar displays featuring 215ppi, but the Kobo Arc is slightly lighter than the Kindle Fire HD. It also gets a faster processor. Amazon offers 16GB and 32GB models, while Kobo adds the 64GB variant too. It should be noted that both devices do not support microSD card slot for additional storage. On the battery front, Amazon promises to offer an hour or two more than Kobo. However, this can be confirmed only after conducting battery tests on the devices. Kindle supports Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth, while the latter goes missing in the Arc.

All in all, the Kobo Arc and Fire HD appear to be on the same page in terms of the specs, at lest on paper. The Kobo Arc is available at a discounted offer of Rs 9,999 until November 3. Which one would you pick?

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Amazon's "All New" Kindle Paperwhite - Barron's

When Apple announces its next-generation iPad this week, the headlines and reviews will focus on upgrades to processor speed, screen resolution, and the camera. Those features, while undoubtedly impressive, will remain overkill for some, particularly avid readers.

For the past two weeks, we’ve been using the latest version of Amazon.com’s e-reader, the All-New Kindle Paperwhite, as the company calls it. The Paperwhite uses e-ink technology, which resembles paper, sips power, and has no glare.

Kindle Paperwhite

image
image

Price: $ 119, Wi-Fi; $ 179, Wi-Fi, 3G
Stats: 7.3 ounces (compared with 10.9 ounces for iPad mini)
Features: Eight-week battery life; 2 GB storage
Website: amazon.com

[image]

It bests the e-ink offerings from Barnes & Noble and an upstart called Kobo. Book lovers will applaud Kobo’s efforts to market itself through independent bookstores. And Kobo’s newest e-reader, the Aura, is a beautiful device that’s more than an ounce lighter than the Paperwhite. Yet, Amazon’s simple innovations and its Kindle ecosystem separate it from the pack. (See Tech Trader, “It’s Time for Amazon to Open Its Black Box.”)

In the six years since Amazon popularized e-ink devices, the company has made plenty of improvements, including adding touchscreens and built-in lights, while cutting weight and cost. Kindles now include real page numbers, and the device estimates the remaining reading time for a chapter and the book.

The latest generation is nearly perfect for readers. The device solves a problem that has always plagued e-books—the difficultly of flipping back in a book to recall a character or key event. It’s the kind of thing we do reflexively in printed books, using a finger to save our page. The latest Paperwhite emulates that finger. As you read, swiping up on the screen reveals a window containing a smaller version of your book. You can move through those miniature pages, and the main screen never changes. Flip away—no fingers or dog-ears required.

E-mail:

Friday, October 18, 2013

PSA: Amazon's 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX now shipping - Engadget

The holidays are still a ways off, but the wait is (soon to be) over. The seven-inch version of Amazon’s Kindle Fire HDX just started shipping. With a starting price of $ 229, the slate brings a new version of Fire OS (the update formerly known as “Mojito”), a lovely 323 ppi display and, of course, some on-screen customer support in the form of MayDay. That’ll help with the inevitable troubleshooting for those friends and family members who can turn the thing on, but can’t figure out much else. We reviewed (and really liked) the latest addition to the Fire family earlier this month. Video evidence of that can be found after the break, just above an extremely enthusiastic press release.

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX review (7-inch, WiFi)

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15 Photos

Show full PR text

Kindle Fire HDX Ships Today

mazon.com today announced that the new 7″ Kindle Fire HDX is now shipping. Fire HDX combines groundbreaking hardware, the latest version of Fire OS 3.0 “Mojito,” and exclusive new features and services like X-Ray for Music, Prime Instant Video downloads, and the revolutionary new Mayday button. Order now at www.amazon.com/firehdx.

“As it is, the Kindle Fire HDX is a lightweight, sharp-screened, superfast pleasure”

“With a beautiful 323 ppi perfect-color HDX display, 3x the processing power, 2x the memory, 4x the graphics performance, and Fire OS 3.0, we think customers are going to love the new Kindle Fire HDX,” said Peter Larsen, Vice President, Amazon Kindle. “We can’t wait to get this tablet into our customers’ hands.”

The new Kindle Fire HDX features a stunning exclusive HDX display, a quad-core 2.2 GHz processor, and 2x more memory, as well as all of the exclusive new features of Fire OS 3.0 including X-Ray for Music, Second Screen, Prime Instant Video downloads, and the Mayday button. The Mayday button revolutionizes on-device tech support-simply tap the Mayday button in Quick Settings, and an Amazon expert will appear on your Fire HDX and can co-pilot you through any feature by drawing on your screen, walking you through how to do something yourself, or doing it for you-whatever works best. 15 seconds or less is the Mayday response time goal. Mayday is available 24×7, 365 days a year, and it’s free

Kindle Paperwhite comes to Big W and Dick Smith - CNET Australia

The new version of Kindle’s back-lit Paperwhite e-reader is available locally from Big W and Dick Smith.

(Credit: Amazon)

Amazon’s new Kindle Paperwhite will be available in the coming weeks in local brick-and-mortar stores Big W and Dick Smith, the companies announced today.

The first e-reader to carry E Ink’s new Carta display, the 2013 Paperwhite boasts a 25 per cent faster processor — 1GHz compared to the original Paperwhite’s 800MHz — a 19 per cent tighter touch grid for more accurate touchscreen control and an updated built-in light that diffuses light more evenly across the surface.

Software tweaks include integration with Goodreads, which allows you to access the book-lovers’ community right from your Kindle, as well as share snippets of text, see what your friends are reading and rate books. It also has something called Page Flip that lets you skim content without ever leaving the page you’re on. This is similar to its new way of handling footnotes, too: simply tapping a footnote brings up the note without having to turn a page.

A new feature called Smart Lookup integrates dictionary, X-ray and Wikipedia functions for multi-word look-up. This combines with a Vocabulary Builder that keeps a record of all the words you look up in the dictionary.

“Kindle is the best-selling e-reader in the world for six years running, and now it’s even better,” said Amazon Kindle vice president Neil Lindsay. “The new Kindle Paperwhite has brand-new display technology, the next generation of our built-in light, a faster processor, plus new features like Kindle Page Flip, Smart Lookup, Vocabulary Builder and more. We’re excited to make it even easier for our Australian customers to discover Kindle.”

The Kindle Paperwhite is available now for AU$ 159, while the Kindle Paperwhite with Wi-Fi and 3G will be available for AU$ 229.