Amazon launches a touchscreen backlit Kindle Paperwhite ebook reader

ONLINE BOOKSELLER Amazon today launched the Kindle Paperwhite, its first backlit Kindle ebook reader.

Amazon has updated its popular Kindle ebook reader with a new display that offers a 212 pixels per inch (PPI) resolution while offering a considerably whiter background for reading text. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said the firm had patented features of the Paperwhite’s capacitive display technology and added that backlighting will not affect battery life, claiming eight weeks of battery life with the light on.

According to Bezos, the increased contrast and higher resolution of the display allows fonts to be displayed correctly and maintains readability in dark and light environments. He said that Amazon worked hard to keep the physical characteristics of the Kindle Paperwhite like those of its predecessors at 9.1mm thick and weighing 213g.

Bezos said the touchscreen Kindle Paperwhite has some design features found in the firm’s Kindle Fire tablet. He demonstrated the ability to swipe through the Kindle library and the ability to charge contrast using a pinch gesture.

Amazon’s 3G version of the Kindle Paperwhite will include service in 100 countries and, like its predecessors, will not require its users to sign contracts or pay any subscription charges.

Amazon will release WiFi and 3G versions of the Kindle Paperwhite at the same time, with Bezos saying that the devices will ship on 1 October. The firm put a $119 price tag on the WiFi version of the Kindle Paperwhite, while the 3G version will go for $179. µ