Amazon has introduced an upgraded suite of tablets that includes an enhanced 8.9-inch Kindle HDX ($379), a new tablet designed for children ($149), and a new Kindle HD tablet ($100). The e-tailer has also released the Kindle Voyage ($199), an e-reader with a touchscreen, faster processor and new page turning technology.
Kindle tablets will also feature a new version of the Kindle Fire OS 4 Sangria, Amazon’s customized version of the Android 4.4 Kitkat OS, designed to integrate Amazon’s devices ever more closely with its online shopping infrastructure, in addition to offering a variety of convenient use functions for the consumer. The Sangria software will be preloaded on HD and HDX tablets and issued wirelessly for older generation Kindle Fire tablets.
The upgraded 8.9-inch Kindle HDX is now lighter and thinner with a faster 2.5 GHZ quad-core processor, upgraded Dolby sound (Amazon brags that its “twice” as loud as an iPad), and a new separate keyboard ($60 extra) with a keypad said to be thinner and easier to use and with full keyboard functionality. Amazon has also introduced Family Library, a new software feature that allows family members (or likely whoever you choose) to easily share content even if they have separate Amazon accounts.
The Kindle HD Kids Edition is designed especially for children. It comes it 6-inch and 7-inch versions, front and rear facing cameras and a high-resolution screen. Amazon emphasizes that the Kids Edition is a high performance device and “is not a toy.” The device will sell for $149 (6-inch) and $189 (7-inch), comes with a 2-year warranty—complete replacement if its damaged—and includes a year’s access to Amazon Free Time Unlimited and access to more than 5,000 kids’ books, TV shows, movies and games at no extra cost.
The online retailer has upgraded its Kindle HD tablets including its 7-inch version ($139) and adding a new 6-inch Kindle HD model for $100 with 1.5 GHZ processor, HD screen, and front and rear cameras. The HD tablets are available in a suite of new colors.
Amazon has also issued a new e-ink screen Kindle e-reader, the Kindle Voyage for $199, and upgraded the technology of the Kindle-with-ads, raising its price from $69 to $79. The Kindle Voyage is thinner, features an upgraded high resolution, free wi-fi service, high contrast Paperwhite screen display and PagePress, a new page turning technology that allows the users to turn pages by pressing the bezel and receiving a tactile response to each turn through the device. The upgraded $79 Kindle-with-ads now has a touchscreen, upgraded processor, and increased storage and joins the Kindle Paperwhite ($119) which also offers expanded storage capacity.
All devices will feature deeper integration with Amazon’s Goodreads content and functionality, as well as offering Family Library, Freetime Unlimited, and Kindle Unlimited, Amazon’s e-book subscription service.
