Kindle Paperwhite 2014 Rumors Continue as Possible Release Passes

The Kindle Paperwhite 2014 release is rumored to deliver a better reading experience with a  new design, higher resolution display, new fonts and more.

Although Amazon is not talking about the Paperwhite 3, there are a small collection of rumors that fill in some of the blanks for people waiting for a new Kindle Paperwhite 2014 update.

Amazon is the leader in e-ink readers and many shoppers are looking at the seven month old Kindle Paperwhite 2 with caution, and contemplating a wait for the release of a new Paperwhite with updated features.

A number of shoppers watched and waited through the start of 2014 on the rumor of a Paperwhite 2014 release in early Q2. This came as part of a very detailed report, but as we approach the end of Q2 it looks like Amazon is not planning on an early upgrade. The company hosted an event in April that focused on the Amazon FireTV, and did not include any Paperwhite 3 announcement.

Although the release portion of this rumor did not come true, it is still possible that other features from this Paperwhite 3 prototype are planned for a new model this year. TechCrunch reports that the Paperwhite 2014 device will include a high-resolution 300 ppi display, an upgrade from the 212 ppi display on the current model. A higher ppi (pixels per inch) rating means a better reading experience with harder to distinguish pixels.

The Paperwhite 2014 model may also feature an ambient light sensor that can automatically adjust the light of the reader based on how bright your room or environment is. TechCrunch also claims this will mark a new design for the Paperwhite device that looks similar to the angles and chamfered edges of the Kindle Fire HDX. The sides of the device could also be buttons of some kind that squeeze to let users go to the next page.

In addition to the new screen, the report suggests Amazon is planning a new typography for the Kindle Paperwhite that is easier to read. The typography, or font as many users may call it, could see a new version that is designed to deliver a better reading experience to Kindle owners.

A report in March 2014 outlined a plan for a Paperwhite 2014 with a flexible display. GoodReader cites a source within Amazon as backing up the report of a higher resolution screen and adding that the new Paperwhite will use flexible display technology from Mobius that could help Amazon cut the weight of the Paperwhite considerably.

With time running out for a Paperwhite 2014 release in Q2, it is likely that Amazon could shift to summer or more likely to fall. Amazon announced the Kindle DX Graphite and the Kindle Keyboard during July, but most of the recently announced Kindle models come in the fall in time for the busy holiday shopping season.

Biggest issue with #Kindle is the resolution – new #PaperWhite will fix this & have new fonts. Many others seem to be waiting. Hurry @Amazon

— Q Manning (@QManning) May 29, 2014

There are already many potential users waiting for the Kindle Paperwhite 2014 release to buy a new ereader. Q Manning wants a better display and new fonts, and he is not alone. The conversation on Amazon’s Kindle forum is full of avid readers hoping for the Paperwhite 2014 and wondering when Amazon will finally announce it.

https://youtu.be/LJqldmCLTdo

Amazon announced the Kindle Paperwhite 2 in September 2013 with a better light, but no major change to design or features. This model sells for $119 with special offers, $50 more than the ordinary Kindle, and a 3G version is $189. Paperwhite deals and sales sparked rumors of an early release in 2014, but it was only a promotion for Mother’s Day.

Amazon argues the Kindle Paperwhite is the best device for reading, in commercials that show the pain of reading on a tablet outdoors. Unlike the early ereader devices the light on this model makes it just as easy to read at night.