Gear

Amazon Kindle 3 May Be On Its Way

Amazon’s Kindle e-reader is listed as “temporarily out of stock” on the company’s website, in what could be a sign that a new Kindle model may be on its way. The latest shortage of the device lines up nicely with earlier rumors that Amazon plans to introduce a new Kindle model in August. An e-reader […]

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Amazon's Kindle e-reader is listed as "temporarily out of stock" on the company's website, in what could be a sign that a new Kindle model may be on its way.

The latest shortage of the device lines up nicely with earlier rumors that Amazon plans to introduce anew Kindle model in August. An e-reader with a color screen is not likely, but the new Kindle could sport a better black-and-white display, updated hardware, improved user interface and new apps.

"Order now and we'll deliver (the Kindle) when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information," says Amazon on its page listing the Kindle, which is currently on its second generation. (When introduced, the current model was called the Kindle 2, but Amazon dropped the numeral after discontinuing the first-generation model, like a son dropping the "Jr." after his father passes away.)

The shortage may be because of a surge in demand for Kindle -- but it's more likely that Amazon is preparing to introduce an improved version of the device. So far, Amazon hasn't commented on the reasons for the Kindle shortage.

In June, Amazon cut the price on the Kindle from $260 to $190. A few days later it launched a new Kindle DX, featuring an updated version of the E Ink screen known as Pearl. The black-and-white Pearl display offers a contrast ratio 50 per cent better than the earlier model of the DX screen, Amazon claims.

One of the hottest consumer electronics products of last year, the e-reader market is in turmoil this year. Smaller e-reader makers such as Audiovox, iRex, Plastic Logic and Cool-er have found themselves squeezed out by the competition, especially Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Despite the launch of the Apple iPad, which comes with its own iBooks bookstore, Amazon has continued to see strong demand for the lower-priced, reading-optimized Kindle. Since it lowered the price of the Kindle to $190, sales of the Kindle have tripled, says Amazon. However, Amazon hasn't disclosed exactly how many Kindles it has sold.

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Photo: (kairin/Flickr)