Category: Tablets

  • Amazon Discontinues Kindle Oasis: Last Model with Page Turn Buttons

    Amazon Discontinues Kindle Oasis: Last Model with Page Turn Buttons

    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.

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  • RedMagic Nova Launches Worldwide as New Flagship Android Tablet

    RedMagic Nova Launches Worldwide as New Flagship Android Tablet

    Not long ago, Samsung refreshed its leading tablet line with the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (curr. $1,699.99 on Amazon). In a surprising move, ZTE has now introduced the RedMagic Nova, which aims to offer a more affordable alternative to these tablets with its impressive hardware features.

    Impressive Features

    The RedMagic Nova stands out with its active cooling system, all packed into a sleek design of just 7.3 mm thickness and a weight of 530 g. In addition, it boasts a quad-speaker arrangement enhanced by DTS-X Ultra Sound, along with a 20 MP front camera and a 50 MP rear camera. ZTE has also incorporated a USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port, enabling the tablet to connect to an external display effortlessly.

    Pricing and Options

    At present, the RedMagic Nova is offered in two memory options, starting with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage priced at $499/£439/€499. For those seeking more power, there’s a variant with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage available for $649/£559/€649, both available in the same Midnight hue as the 12 GB model. Additionally, accessories like a magnetic keyboard, protective case, screen protector, and stylus can be added to your purchase, with their respective prices listed as follows:

    RedMagic

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  • Kindle Scribe Update: New Color, Pen, and AI Features Released

    Kindle Scribe Update: New Color, Pen, and AI Features Released

    Along with the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, Amazon has introduced an updated version of the Kindle Scribe. This new model is labeled as the ‘Kindle Scribe with redesigned display’ and is also called the ‘Kindle Scribe 1st generation- 2024 release.’ This indicates that it’s not exactly a new version, but rather the same device featuring a fresh design and enhanced software capabilities.

    Design Changes

    The latest Kindle Scribe has undergone a redesign, changing the screen borders from black to white. This alteration can create the illusion that the display extends seamlessly from one edge to the other when viewed from specific angles. Additionally, it gives the left bezel a slimmer appearance. The display remains at 10.2 inches with a resolution of 300 ppi, keeping the high quality.

    New Features

    Amazon has included several new capabilities, such as AI notebook tools that can refine written text, summarize notes, and transform handwritten notes into a script font. Another interesting addition is Active Canvas, which enables users to write directly on the pages of books. A unique aspect of this feature is how it wraps the text around any notes made.

    Premium Pen Updates

    The Premium Pen has also received a makeover. It now features a customizable shortcut button and a soft-tip eraser. The pen magnetically attaches to the right side of the Kindle Scribe for easy access. Additionally, Amazon will provide replacement tips for the pen and cases specifically designed for the Kindle Scribe.

    The 2024 Kindle Scribe comes in storage options of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. While it still lacks Wi-Fi 6, it now includes the Premium Pen stylus with the purchase. The device continues to support a maximum of 9W charging via USB-C. Color options for the Kindle Scribe include Tungsten (gray) and a new shade called Metallic Jade, which comes with a matching stylus.

    Pricing and Availability

    The starting price is set at $399, which is higher than the 2022 version that began at $339 and is still available for sale. You can place orders for the new Kindle Scribe now, but it won’t be available for delivery until December 4.

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  • Honor Pad GT Pro Launch: Huge Battery, IMAX OLED, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 for $350

    Honor Pad GT Pro Launch: Huge Battery, IMAX OLED, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 for $350

    Honor has recently launched an exciting new tablet in China. The Honor Pad GT Pro comes equipped with a large battery, an IMAX enhanced display for an improved movie watching experience, and strong hardware. All of this is priced affordably, so here’s all the details you need.

    Why is Honor Pad GT Pro Unique?

    Tablets are great for watching movies and videos, thanks to their taller screens. The Honor Pad GT Pro elevates this experience with its 12.3-inch IMAX enhanced OLED screen. This feature is similar to the brand’s previous MagicPad 13, which also boasted IMAX certification. The Pad GT Pro’s display features a resolution of 3000 x 1920 pixels, a 144Hz refresh rate, a 180Hz touch sampling rate, 10.7 billion colors, a pixel density of 290 PPI, and a peak brightness of up to 1600 nits.

    Honor Tablet GT Pro – Star Black

    Inside, this new tablet packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, combined with as much as 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. A hefty 10,050mAh battery drives this device, which supports 66W wired fast charging as well as 5W reverse wired charging. The Pad GT Pro features a 40,000mm² thermal dissipation system to keep its powerful components at a low temperature. Other key attributes include eight speakers that support spatial audio. The new gaming tablet operates on the Android 14 OS with the MagicOS 8 custom skin right out of the box.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Honor Pad GT Pro is available in four different storage variants. The starting price for the 8GB + 128GB base model is 2,499 Yuan (approximately 350 US Dollars). There are also options for 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB, and 16GB + 512GB, priced at 2699 Yuan, 2,999 Yuan, and 3,399 Yuan, respectively.

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  • Amazon Launches Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition: First Color eReader

    Amazon Launches Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition: First Color eReader

    Amazon has unveiled a new range of Kindle devices, including the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, which is the first eReader from Amazon to feature a color display. With the introduction of the Kindle Colorsoft, Amazon enters the competitive market of color-screen eReaders, joining brands like Onyx with its BOOX Go Color 7, available for $250 on Amazon, and Rakuten’s Kobo Libra Color.

    Design and Display

    The Kindle Colorsoft resembles the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but it boasts a color screen. Amazon claims that the display mimics a paper-like color experience. It utilizes a mix of nitride LEDs together with special algorithms for a new light guide, enhancing colors and boosting brightness while maintaining detail. Users can select from standard and vibrant color options.

    Technical Specifications

    Currently, the technical specifics of the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition are not available, as Amazon has reportedly removed the product listing. The official announcement has also been taken down, but luckily, it has been archived. Still, the Kindle Colorsoft is said to offer up to 8 weeks of battery life and comes with wireless charging capabilities. Furthermore, it is waterproof, making it suitable for use in the bath, at the beach, or even in the pool.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is priced at $279.99, with shipping set to start on October 30. This price point is notably higher than the Kobo Libra 7, which retails for $220 on Amazon. The Kobo model features a 7-inch color display, 32GB of storage, physical buttons for page turning, support for a stylus (sold separately), and boasts an IPX8 waterproof rating.

    Amazon via The Verge

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  • iPad Mini 7 Features A17 Pro Chipset in Downgraded Version

    iPad Mini 7 Features A17 Pro Chipset in Downgraded Version

    Apple has launched the highly awaited 7th generation iPad mini, which offers a notable performance boost compared to the last version. A key feature of the new iPad mini is its A17 Pro chipset, the same robust SoC that powers the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

    A17 Pro: A Compromised Version in iPad mini 7

    Looking deeper, it becomes clear that Apple has used a binned version of the A17 Pro, equipped with a 5-core GPU instead of the 6-core GPU available in the iPhone 15 Pro models. This indicates a clever strategy to utilize slightly less powerful chips for the iPad mini, which allows for cost-effective production.

    The iPad mini 7 is designed with a 6-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, matching the core setup of the A17 Pro found in last year’s Pro iPhones. This means users can anticipate similar processing power and AI functions, making it a strong option for multitasking, creative applications, and gaming. The main distinction is the 5-core GPU, which could minimally impact graphics performance, although most users probably won’t perceive this during regular use.

    Enhanced RAM and AI Features

    Alongside the A17 Pro chipset, the iPad mini 7 also sees an increase in RAM, going from 4GB in the former model to 8GB. This enhancement allows for more fluid multitasking and supports Apple’s new AI-driven features. For fans of the iPad, this represents the most budget-friendly way to explore Apple’s latest machine learning advancements with iOS 18.1.

    The binned A17 Pro chipset shows Apple’s ongoing strategy of optimizing production expenses. Chip-binning involves employing components that fail to meet the highest performance criteria for flagship devices but are still usable for other products. In the case of the iPad mini 7, the combination of a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU likely comes from production runs that didn’t fulfill the rigorous demands of the iPhone 15 Pro series. Instead of discarding these chips, Apple finds a new use for them, letting the iPad mini benefit from A17 Pro performance at a reduced price.

    Design and Availability

    This isn’t the first time Apple has made use of chip-binning in its devices. The A15 Bionic in the iPad mini 6 operated at slightly lower clock speeds than its counterpart in the iPhone 13 Pro, and similar variations were observed with the M2 chip in the latest iPad Air models. While some may wish that the iPad mini 7 featured the A18 Pro chipset, this decision likely helps keep its starting price at an appealing $499.

    Even with these internal enhancements, the iPad mini 7 retains the same stylish and portable design that loyal fans have come to love. Featuring an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro, the new model is ideal for anyone looking for a compact yet powerful device for both work and entertainment.

    The iPad Mini 7 is now up for pre-order, with an official launch set for October 23. Be sure to check out our latest article to see if upgrading to the iPad Mini 7 is the right decision for you!

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  • Leak Uncovers Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite Gen 12 with Bigger Screen

    Leak Uncovers Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite Gen 12 with Bigger Screen

    A few weeks back, a leak hinted at the Amazon Kindle (2024), and now a Reddit user named gavan820 has shared images (shown below) that supposedly depict the new Kindle Paperwhite Gen 12. From these pictures, it appears that Amazon has made minimal updates to the design, with only the edges of the screen being slightly narrower. However, the back of the packaging indicates that the screen size has been increased from 6.8 inches to 7 inches.

    Enhanced Display Features

    Once again, the display features front lighting, which users can adjust for brightness and color temperature. Similar to the last model, the Kindle Paperwhite is IPX8 certified, meaning it is completely waterproof and can be used in places like a pool without worry. This new e-reader still offers 16 GB of flash storage.

    Battery and Charging

    The packaging claims that the battery can last “several weeks” and charges through USB-C at a maximum of 7.5 watts. It mentions that a charging cable is provided, although a charger is not included. The business model seems to remain the same, as the label states that the Kindle Paperwhite shows ads on the lock screen, which can be removed for a fee.

    Minimal Changes Noted

    So, based on this packaging, it looks like the only difference between the Kindle Paperwhite Gen 12 and the 2021 version is the slightly larger display. However, there’s a chance that Amazon might upgrade the MediaTek MT8110 chip to a newer one, possibly add a bigger battery, or even introduce wireless charging to the standard model, which has only been available in the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition until now.

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  • Is iPad Mini 7 Upgrade Worth It? Discover the New Features

    Is iPad Mini 7 Upgrade Worth It? Discover the New Features

    The iPad Mini lineup has always been Apple’s solution for users wanting a small, yet strong tablet. With the launch of the iPad Mini 7, Apple has rolled out important upgrades to improve its functionality, graphical performance, and overall effectiveness.

    Key Upgrades

    Let’s take a closer look at the main improvements that the iPad Mini 7 offers over the iPad Mini 6, and discover what enhancements Apple has included in its tiniest tablet.

    Processor and Performance

    One of the most notable changes in the iPad Mini 7 is the shift from the A15 Bionic chip to the advanced A17 Pro chip. This new 3nm processor features a 6-core CPU (with 2 cores focused on performance and 4 on efficiency), which claims a 30% boost in CPU speed compared to the A15. It also has a 5-core GPU that provides a 25% increase in graphics performance.

    Moreover, the A17 Pro chip brings in hardware-accelerated ray tracing, a function that significantly improves gaming and other graphics-heavy applications by creating more lifelike lighting and shadows. While the iPad Mini 6, equipped with the A15 Bionic, already showed great speed, the A17 Pro elevates the iPad Mini 7 to be among the most powerful small tablets on the market, rivaling some high-end laptops.

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  • Apple Unveils New iPad Mini with A17 Pro and Increased Storage

    Apple Unveils New iPad Mini with A17 Pro and Increased Storage

    Apple has quietly revealed a new iPad Mini tablet without much excitement. Contrary to earlier speculations, it does not feature a mini LED display. Instead, it continues to utilize the reliable 8.3-inch LCD screen that was previously seen on the 2021 iPad Mini. Moreover, the base storage has been increased to 128 GB, similar to the recent iPad Air models, which now have a much-needed storage option of 256 GB.

    Pricing and Availability

    The starting price for the Wi-Fi model is set at $499, while the 5G version begins at $649. The new iPad Mini is available in four color options: Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Black. Besides the storage enhancement, it is powered by the new Apple A17 Pro SoC. However, it features a lower-binned 5-core GPU, unlike the 6-core GPU that comes with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

    New Features

    The upgraded SoC (and a quiet RAM upgrade that Apple is not disclosing) enables Apple Intelligence to operate on the tablet natively. However, not all features will be accessible right after purchase. The new iPad Mini is equipped with iPadOS 18, giving users an experience comparable to that of the iPad Air. You can now pre-order the new iPad Mini, with deliveries set to start tomorrow.

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  • iPad Mini 7: A17 Pro Chip, USB-C, Double Storage & Apple Pencil Support

    iPad Mini 7: A17 Pro Chip, USB-C, Double Storage & Apple Pencil Support

    Apple recently revealed its new iPad mini, packed with exciting upgrades. Named the iPad Mini 7, this device is powered by the A17 Pro chip, making it the most potent mini model to date. This advancement means a noticeable increase in performance for tasks like photo editing, gaming, and augmented reality. Additionally, Apple has increased the base storage to 128GB, giving users plenty of room for their apps, photos, and videos.

    Specifications and Features of iPad Mini 7

    The iPad Mini 7 keeps the small and portable design seen in earlier versions, boasting a stunning 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. However, its internals have seen significant improvements. The A17 Pro chip provides a 30 percent enhancement in CPU performance and a 25 percent improvement in graphics performance compared to the last generation. This allows the iPad Mini 7 to run even the most challenging games smoothly, including graphic-heavy titles like “Zenless Zone Zero.”

    Enhanced Connectivity

    Connectivity has also improved with Wi-Fi 6E support, giving users up to double the performance of its predecessor. The cellular models now come with 5G support and eSIM capabilities for easier plan setup and management. Moreover, the USB-C port offers faster data transfer, making it more efficient for users.

    Creative Capabilities with Apple Pencil Pro

    The iPad Mini 7 works seamlessly with the Apple Pencil Pro, expanding creative options for users. With features like pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and a customizable tool palette, the Apple Pencil Pro turns the iPad Mini 7 into a convenient digital sketchbook.

    Camera Features

    The device includes a 12-megapixel wide rear camera that supports Smart HDR 4, producing natural-looking photos with enhanced dynamic range. The camera employs machine learning to identify and scan documents through the Camera app. The 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera is great for video calls and selfies, featuring Center Stage for a better experience.

    Apple Intelligence and Software Enhancements

    With iPadOS 18, Apple Intelligence is deeply embedded, utilizing the power of Apple silicon to improve user experience with features like Writing Tools, a refined Siri, and the Memories function in Photos. Upcoming updates are set to introduce even more features, including the Image Playground and the new Image Wand tool. iPadOS 18 also offers new functionalities such as Math Notes, Smart Script in the Notes app, and improved customization for the Home Screen and Control Center.

    Pricing and Availability

    The iPad Mini 7 has a starting price of $499 for the Wi-Fi model with 128GB of storage. The Wi-Fi + Cellular version is available for $649. In India, the starting prices for the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+Cellular models are Rs 49,900 and Rs 64,900, respectively. Customers can choose from four appealing colors: Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray. Pre-orders for the iPad Mini 7 are open, with the device expected to be available from Oct. 23.

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