No New Kindles for 2008; Upcoming Models May Have Better Screens

Starting in July and continuing into August, there’s been rampant speculation about possible new versions of Amazon’s (AMZN) popular Kindle e-book reader. SeatlePI (The Seattle Post Intelligencer) cited McAdams Wright Ragen analyst Tim Bueneman who said, “there are already several new, improved versions of the Kindle in the works.”  Tech Crunch sister site Crunch Gear cited an insider who claimed two new models were due before year end. Thursday, it was time for part of those rumors to die.  

Amazon’s spokesman Craig Berman told the New York Times in an interview there won’t be a holiday Kindle release. Despite the product’s popularity, it’s just not on the calendar. “There’s a lot of speculation and rumor about the Kindle,” he said. “One thing I can tell you for sure that there will be no new version of the Kindle this year.  A new version is possible sometime next year at the earliest.”

So at the least, the timing of prominent rumors was wrong. As for the other parts? Berman didn’t address the specifics of what a new Kindle might entail. There’s no word on whether a new model will target student audiences, provide a smaller form factor, house a larger screen or offer some other twist.

For those set on projection regardless, one bet that’s relatively safe – improved screen technology.  

The Kindle was built with an active matrix electrophoretic display using imaging film (Vizplex) from E Ink. The low power, paper thin, monochromatic screens are impressively easy to read regardless of ambient lighting. In contrast to laptop screens, they’re easily read in bright sunlight. The technology is also evolving.  (See image for how it works).

E Ink supplies components for both the Kindle and Sony’s (SNE) rival Reader product. In May, at the Society for Information Display [SID] conference show in LA, the company showcased [PDF file] “next generation” incarnations of their Vizplex display film technology. CEO Russ Wilcox said, “you will see new controller electronics for fast menus, pen input and typing” in future models. Flexible plastic models, larger size displays, and color models are also in development.

As one example of what’s possible: at the show, Polymer Vision (a spin-off from Philips (PHG)) demonstrated both a color and monochrome rollable display.  They’ve bundled this technology into a portable reader of their own called Readius that’s due to launch in the coming months . The distinguishing feature in the product is that its screen rolls up. From a press release [PDF file], Polymer Vision described their displays as “as thin as paper with the ability to be rolled up to the diameter of a pen.” 

The next version of Kindle will likely see some of the benefits of the improving technologies. Whether that means speedier models, retractable or flexible screens, versions with touch/tablet input potential, or even color - is still anybody’s wild guess.

Comments

[Network Effect:]

Everything from Amazon screams that they are embarrassed about how poorly the Kindle is doing. This was a tremendously hyped device. Everyone wants to know how it is doing - and they are not releasing numbers. They are saying that they won't release a new version until next year at the earliest. They are saying that analysts predictions for this device are way out of whack. I can guarantee that they just want people to stop talking about it and for this PR nightmare to go away.

The Kindle is a great idea on paper. But the reality is that people don't want another electronic device to carry around just to read a book, magazine, or blog. Yes, there are far greater opportunities than this for the Kindle IF they can get people to buy it. They can develop an iTunes type platform for the Kindle once they have a user base. But, the hook to get people to buy it in the first place (books, mags, and blogs) isn't enough to move the masses into action and buy it. Getting a book, magazine or blog digitally is an ancillary benefit to your cell phone or laptop. It is not enough of a standalone reason to buy an entire new electronic device.

2008 Sep 01 01:11 PM

[RECON605:]

I do not trust Amazon either.

However, why aren't there more readers available at a cheaper price like the Iphone?

2008 Sep 01 07:41 PM

[KenC:]

The right formfactor is critical for mass acceptance. It's too clunky, and fragile as it is. It needs color if it's to replace school textbooks. AND, the price needs to be subsidized. Something like $99 if you buy 12 books and free if you buy 24. Something along those lines.

2008 Sep 02 02:23 PM

[Cdallal:]

Some people actually read a lot of books; trust me, it's much easier to carry a Kindle around. I love mine & while I do pack a laptop on long trips; my Kindle goes almost everywhere with me.

2008 Sep 02 09:09 PM

[amacd:]

The iPhone is not an inexpensive device. Available only with a 2 year contract, the total price is around $1800. The iPod Touch is about the same price as the Kindle with a much smaller screen, not readable in sunlight and doesn't last as long on a charge. I will keep my Kindle for now thanks.

2008 Sep 08 06:38 PM