Amazon launches cheaper Kindle Colorsoft 16GB and a Children mannequin

Amazon continues to be betting on shade E-Ink, even when it had a considerably rocky begin final 12 months. The corporate simply added two extra units to its Kindle Colorsoft lineup: a less expensive 16GB model and a brand new Kindle Colorsoft Children. Each can be found beginning as we speak.

As outlined in Amazon’s press launch, the 16GB Colorsoft prices $249.99, shaving $30 off the Signature Version from final 12 months by dropping the wi-fi charging and reducing the storage in half. In any other case, it’s the identical system, full with the identical shade display screen, adjustable heat mild, and skill to spotlight textual content in several colours.

The brand new Children model is the primary shade Kindle aimed toward youthful readers. It’s priced at $269.99 and features a 12 months of Amazon Children Plus, a colourful protecting case, and Amazon’s regular suite of parental controls. Amazon says children who learn comics and graphic novels on Kindle spend almost 50% extra time studying than common, so this transfer is smart.

Each fashions use the identical Colorsoft show that debuted final 12 months. On the time, Amazon’s first shade Kindle was met with some skepticism from us. We discovered the show decision irritating, which drops to 150ppi in shade mode, in addition to the shortage of any actual note-taking options. Some patrons additionally reported display screen tint points that led to delays and a promised software program repair.

Amazon hasn’t modified the {hardware} right here, however it’s clearly hoping these new additions will broaden the attraction, both to those that didn’t wish to spend $280 for the Signature Version or to households searching for a kid-friendly choice.