Possible images of new, backlit Kindle emerge
updated 03:55 pm EDT, Fri August 31, 2012
Paperwhite display to sport higher contrast
New images have emerged that purportedly show off the next version of Amazon's Kindle Touch e-reader. The images, obtained by The Verge, show that Amazon's popular reading device has undergone a number of design changes. Should the new Kindle Touch match the leaked images when it debuts next week, it will sport a darker body, much higher contrast in its screen, and a higher resolution than its predecessor.
The bezel on the new Kindle Touch is now a very dark gray, approaching black by the looks of some images. It retains largely the same form factor as its predecessor, with its shape, switch, and port locations unchanged. Inside, though, the device will feature an integrated backlight, as had been previously rumored. Reportedly, the device will feature eight weeks of battery life, allaying fears that the introduction of lighting technology would cut down on one of the Kindle's most attractive features.
Details on the name for the product remain sketchy. Amazon may choose to stick with the Kindle Touch moniker, but some expect that the company will in some manner integrate "Paperwhite," which is a reference to the improved display. To judge by the leaked images, Paperwhite e-paper gives a much higher contrast ratio and higher resolution than does the Pearl E Ink underlying current Kindle models.
Amazon is expected to unveil the new additions to its Kindle line at an event next week. The company has already halted sales of both its Kindle Touch and Kindle Fire devices ahead of the new product announcement.
