Amazon Officially Announces New Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon yesterday surprised us all with a brand new Kindle Paperwhite. Despite the fact that the current Paperwhite isn't even a year old, a newer model appeared for pre-order on the company's website. Today, Amazon made Paperwhite 2.0 official.

In a press release issued this morning, Amazon unveiled the sixth generation Kindle, which is marginally lighter than the previous generation Paperwhite and carries a faster processor, as well as new display technology that offers higher contrast, an improved lighting system, and improved touch technology. In addition to the new Kindle, Amazon this week introduced Kindle MatchBook, which bundles ebook versions of physical book purchases for a reduced price. The new Kindle will also come with Good Reads integration, FreeTime (which hopes to get kids reading more via a tracker and rewards system), and a new Page Flip feature that lets you skim page-by-page, scan by chapter, or skip to the end without losing your place.

"Kindle is the best-selling e-reader in the world for six years running," said Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. "No one is investing on behalf of readers or pushing the boundaries of hardware, software and content for readers like this team: the new Kindle Paperwhite has brand-new display technology, the next generation of our built-in light, a faster processor, plus all of the exclusive benefits of the Kindle ecosystem like Kindle MatchBook, Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, over 400,000 exclusive titles, Goodreads, Kindle Singles, Kindle Worlds, Kindle FreeTime, and much more."

The new Kindle Paperwhite is priced at $119 for the special offers version or $139 regular price. Anyone pre-ordering can expect their new reader in about a month, as Amazon says the Paperwhite won't ship until September 30. A new Kindle Paperwhite Wi-Fi + 3G will be priced at $189 but isn't yet available for pre-order. it will go on sale on November 5.

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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.