Amazon has unveiled four new Kindle devices for 2024, but notably absent is a new version of the Kindle Oasis. This decision was deliberate, as Amazon has confirmed that they are discontinuing the Kindle Oasis.
The History of Kindle Oasis
The Kindle Oasis made its debut in 2016, followed by an update in 2017. By 2018, it took over as Amazon's premier eReader, replacing the Kindle Voyage. In 2019, Amazon introduced a new generation of Kindle Oasis. However, five years later, there has been no new Oasis model, and according to the company, there won't be one in the future.
Discontinuation Announcement
Devon Corvasce, the Senior PR Manager for Devices at Amazon, shared the news about the Kindle Oasis discontinuation with The Verge. Amazon stated that once the current stock of Kindle Oasis is sold out, it will not be replenished in stores or online.
The Shift in Design Preferences
It's not only that Amazon is discontinuing the Kindle Oasis; Corvasce mentioned that all of Amazon's devices are designed to be touch-friendly, which aligns with customer comfort. This suggests that the Kindle Oasis was the last model to feature physical buttons for page turning. This is disappointing for fans, as the physical buttons were one of its standout features.
Currently, the Kindle Oasis is marked as unavailable on Amazon. However, if you're located outside the US, you still have the option to buy the international version for $135. If you're in the market for a new Kindle and are okay with the absence of physical buttons, the latest Kindles from Amazon offer several good alternatives.
New Kindle Options
The Kindle Paperwhite now features a 7'' display, while the basic Kindle boasts a brighter screen. Additionally, there's the Kindle Colorsoft, which comes with a color display, and the Kindle Scribe, which serves as both an eReader and a digital notebook.
If you're specifically looking for an eReader with physical buttons for turning pages, the Kobo Libra Colour is an option worth considering. Available on Amazon for $219.99, it includes a color screen, an IPX8 water resistance rating, and the option to use a stylus.
