Amazon has unveiled five new Kindle models, including its first full-color e-ink tablet. The Kindle Colorsoft is a groundbreaking addition to the lineup, potentially revolutionizing the way comic book and graphic novel enthusiasts read. While digital comics can already be read on any Kindle, the absence of color in black-and-white illustrations diminishes the storytelling experience. With the Kindle Colorsoft, users can enjoy their favorite full-color comics, graphic novels, and manga as intended, leveraging the benefits of an e-ink display. The device is set to release on October 30 and is available for preorder at $280.
The Kindle Colorsoft becomes even more enticing when paired with Amazon's Comixology Unlimited subscription service. For $10 per month (after a free 30-day trial), subscribers gain access to over 45,000 comics, graphic novels, and manga from publishers like Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, and more. While Kindle Unlimited also offers graphic novels and manga, Amazon's $12/month flagship reading subscription leans heavily towards novels.
The Kindle Colorsoft is one of five new Kindles announced, which also include the updated Kindle Scribe with enhanced note-taking features, a faster Kindle Paperwhite tailored for both adults and kids, and an upgraded entry-level Kindle. A quick overview reveals that color e-ink has gained traction, with Kobo, Amazon's main competitor, releasing its own full-color e-ink reader in April. However, switching between brands can be challenging due to unique digital storefronts and file formats.
Most current color e-ink tablets resemble the Kindle Scribe, functioning as hybrid readers, note-taking, and productivity devices. For example, Boox offers several full-color options, such as the 7.8-inch Boox Tab Mini C for $400 and the 10.3-inch Tab Ultra C Pro for productivity at $650. Additionally, reMarkable, known for its popular note-taking e-ink tablet, introduced its own full-color model in September.
While the Kindle Scribe may join the color e-ink trend in future iterations, the current lineup includes enhancements to the Kindle Scribe and other black-and-white e-readers. All new Kindles are eligible for Amazon's 20%-off trade-in promotion.
