Tag: eReader

  • Onyx BOOX Note Air4 C Launches with Upgrades at Same Price

    Onyx BOOX Note Air4 C Launches with Upgrades at Same Price

    Hot on the heels of Amazon’s recent announcement of new Kindles, Onyx has introduced the BOOX Note Air4 C, which serves as the successor to the BOOX Note Air3 C and competes with the Kindle Scribe.

    Naming and Display Features

    If you’ve followed BOOX’s naming conventions, you probably know that the “C” indicates that the device features a color display. The BOOX Note Air3 C also has a black and white version called the BOOX Note Air3, so it’s likely that the Note Air4 C could have a similar option.

    The BOOX Note Air4 C retains the same 10.3” Kaleido 3 Carta 1200 display as its predecessor, although it claims to offer brighter whites and softer color tones. It can show 4,096 colors, features a 300ppi black and white resolution, and a 150 ppi color resolution.

    Upgraded Performance

    What’s new in this model is the processor. While the exact chipset isn’t specified, the Qualcomm octa-core processor is said to provide a 50% performance boost compared to the previous model’s chipset. The RAM has been increased from 4GB to 6GB, but the storage remains at 64GB (UFS 2.2). There is a microSD card slot available for expanding storage by an additional 2TB.

    With the new processor comes an updated modem, enabling the BOOX Note Air4 C to support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. It also runs on Android 13, in contrast to its predecessor, which was shipped with Android 12.

    Enhanced Software and Features

    The updated Android version comes equipped with a new custom software (v4.0) that includes advanced tools for note-taking, templates, and drawing tools such as a Shape Tool for easier shape editing. Additionally, there are Smart Scribe-Tools designed to help users create detailed sketches from their ideas. Since the device operates on Android, users have the option to install third-party apps from the Google Play Store.

    The Note Air4 C is equipped with stereo speakers, dual microphones, OTG support, and a fingerprint scanner concealed beneath the power button. It also includes a G-sensor for automatic rotation. The device maintains the same 3,700mAh battery capacity as the previous generation and supports 15W wired charging via USB-C.

    Pricing and Comparison

    The BOOX Note Air4 C is priced at €549.99, matching the launch price of the Note Air3 C. It comes with a magnetic protective case and the BOOX Pen stylus that attaches magnetically to the side. It’s already available for purchase on the BOOX online store.

    In comparison, the Note Air4 C is significantly pricier than the Kindle Scribe 2024, which can be pre-ordered on Amazon for $399. The Kindle Scribe features a monochrome display, 16GB of storage (the 64GB version is available for $449.99), lacks a storage expansion slot, does not support Wi-Fi 6, and does not come with a protective case. Additionally, it does not allow app installations.

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  • 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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  • 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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