UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2024, 12:10 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with additional details about the new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition’s specifications.
In a significant development for e-reader enthusiasts, Amazon has officially unveiled its first-ever color Kindle, named the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, on October 16. This marks a major milestone nearly 17 years after the launch of the original Kindle.
Alongside the Colorsoft Signature Edition, Amazon is introducing refreshed models for the Kindle, Kindle Scribe, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Kids, representing the most substantial update to the Kindle lineup since 2022.
The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, October 30, priced at $279.99. Preorders are currently open.
Introducing the First-Ever Kindle with a Color Display
Featuring a 7-inch waterproof design, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition boasts a glare-free “Colorsoft” display that supports a vibrant array of colors. This innovative display allows users to enjoy book covers, explore comics, and highlight text in rich hues. Amazon highlights that the new device includes cutting-edge enhancements, such as a light guide with micro-deflectors for brighter display without fading and an oxide backplane for sharp contrast and quick page turns.
Similar to the updated Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which features a grayscale display, the Colorsoft Signature Edition includes an auto-adjusting front light, 32GB of storage, and wireless charging via USB-C. However, its battery life lasts up to eight weeks per charge, compared to the twelve weeks of the standard Paper Signature Edition. Additionally, this model does not include the lockscreen ads that are present in other Kindle versions, which require a fee to remove. It is available in a sleek metallic black finish.
The Colorsoft Signature Edition is part of Amazon’s newly refreshed Kindle range, which includes the flagship Kindle ($109.99 with lockscreen ads), Kindle Paperwhite ($159.99 with ads), Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition ($199.99), Kindle Paperwhite Kids ($179.99), and Kindle Scribe (starting at $399.99 with 16GB of storage). All other models are available for immediate purchase, except for the Kindle Scribe, which is available for preorder and will be released on December 4.
The introduction of the Colorsoft Signature Edition sets the stage for significant competition against the Kobo Libra Colour, priced at $219.99. This device, launched in April, has been recognized as “the first color e-reader from a major brand.” It received a favorable review, highlighting its design and software support while noting some initial challenges typical of a first-generation product.
Stay tuned for our in-depth review of the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition.
