kindle

Amazon Updates Kindle with Thinner Design and Higher Speed for Same Price

kindle

Amazon has upgraded the Kindle. The ecommerce giant’s popular e-reader is now thinner and lighter for the same $80 price tag.

The new base-model Kindle also boasts double memory for faster speed and is now available in a clean white color. The screen and battery do not appear to have been improved.

The update was subtle overall. Amazon has been making Kindle devices since 2007; back then it cost $400 for the version which today is a base model. $300 today gets a reader the Kindle Voyage, which includes a high-res screen, an adaptive front light, and wifi connectivity.

Last year, ebook sales fell for the first time. As the most popular ereader maker, Amazon hopes a more attractive entry-level device will encourage more ebook sales—a market in which it plays a major role.