The number of Kindle models A.D. 2014 clearly deserved to fire off a huge event. Instead, Amazon decided to spread the word by issuing press releases in bulk and sending test devices to tech reviewers.
Having all new models announced at once may be confusing for some, so below you’ll find short descriptions of all five devices, together with pictures and release dates.
One thing to note is that for the first time there is no “Kindle” in the names of Amazon’s Fire tablets. It looks like since 2014 the Kindle will be deserved to all e-ink, and Fire to all LCD.
Here is a quick wrap-up of what was announced:
- New Kindle Voyage – the 7th generation Kindle e-reader, with 300ppi display resolution and PagePress for smooth page navigation,
- New basic Kindle – the replacement of the 5-button Kindle, with a touchscreen display and 4GB of storage,
- New Fire HD – new entry-level tablets with HD display, in two sizes (6 and 7-inch), five color choices, and prices from $99,
- New Fire HD Kids Edition – first tablets built from ground to be kid-proof, in two sizes (6 and 7-inch), and three colors,
- All-new Fire HDX 8.9 – an upgrade of 2013 model, with a new 2.5 GHz processor and audio.
Before the detailed descriptions, there are some other news from Amazon.
First, Fire OS 4 “Sangria”, based on Android KitKat, was announced. It’ll come pre-loaded on 2014 Fire HD and Fire HDX tablets. Users of all 3rd generation Fire models will be able to upgrade their devices to a new OS for free.
Secondly, the new update of Kindle for iOS is available in the App Store. Besides the Kindle widget iOS8 users can reach via Today view, there is one feature I’ve been impatiently waiting for: now you can copy the selected text and send it by mail, or share on social media.
Amazon’s 2014 Kindle and Fire models
1. Amazon Kindle Voyage
Kindle Voyage comes as a surprise. Rumours were circulating around the new basic Kindle operated by touch (which will come next).
Kindle Voyage is the first e-reader with 300ppi display resolution (and it’s front-lighted, too). So far, the record was kept by Kobo Aura HD, with 265ppi. Kindle Paperwhite has 212ppi. The benefit: even if you deeply decrease the font size, the letters will still be crisp and readable.
At first glance Voyage looks a lot like Paperwhite. Black buttonless bezel highlights whiteness of the display. The proportions and dimensions are similar.
The 7th generation Kindle, however, hides inside more innovative features than anyone would have predicted (having in mind the decreasing trend in e-reader category). All the features are put together in this handy illustration (click or tap on it to enlarge):
Kindle Voyage comes with a brightest front light ever. It’s 39% brighter than in Kindle Paperwhite, and it’s adaptive. That means the brightness of the display is automatically adjusted to light conditions, so you don’t need to do it manually every single time.
The most exciting feature is PagePress. You can turn pages without raising a finger. There are custom-designed sensors on the left and right side of the front bezel (it’s where your thumbs usually rest). The sensors react to an increase of pressure, triggering page turn. I wonder if the left-side sensor can be set to turn pages forward.
It’s worth noticing that Kindle Voyage is a first Amazon e-reader to get original Amazon Origami covers, like Kindle Fires. There are five colors to choose from: White, Black, Red, Citron, and Purple. The Origami cover can be turned into a stand (portrait view), so you can enjoy reading hands-free.
Kindle Voyage – launch details
- Prices: starting from $199, for the WiFi-only version with special offers; the WiFi+3G, no ads, costs $289
- Release date: October 21, 2014
- Availability: United States
- Pre-order: now
2. New basic Kindle
Say goodbye to 5-button Kindle. It has just been replaced by the new basic Kindle model, which is fully operated via touchscreen display.
The new basic Kindle is not just its predecessor without buttons and redesigned bezel. It features 20% faster processor and twice the storage.
The device has the same 167 ppi 16-level grayscale display as the earlier model. One surprise: it’s heavier by 20 grams (191g vs 170g).
When you’ll see it from the side, you’ll notice it’s unnaturally thick. It’s due to the design (the predecessor had smoother back), but the new Kindle is also by 1.5mm thicker than the earlier model.
Amazon started to seriously think about accessories for their devices. Not only black covers, but personalized, at least with colors.
There is a series of custom-fitted, light-weight original covers for the new basic Kindle. The covers support sleep/wake function, and are available in six colors: Black, Cobalt, Purple, Red, Pink, and Citron.
So, the Kindle e-reader family as of September 2014 consists of:
- touchscreen basic Kindle,
- touchscreen, front-light Kindle Paperwhite,
- touchscreen, front-light Kindle Voyage.
If you’ll miss the Kindle with 5-way controller, it’s hidden on Amazon, but it’s still available via partner sellers, starting from $69.
New basic Kindle – launch details
- Prices: $79 for the version with ads; $99 – without ads
- Release date: October 2, 2014
- Availability: United States
- Pre-order: now
3. New Fire HD
For the first time one company introduces two devices at the same time, and the tablet is twice cheaper.
The low-end Fire HD tablet, the 6-inch version with ads, costs $99. It’s $100 less than the cheapest version of Kindle Voyage.
It’s also the first time when the major player decided to go with 6-inch tablets. The smaller the screen the tougher the user experience, so why Amazon went this route?
Making the device more affordable is not the major reason, in my opinion. The 7-inch Fire HD is only $40 more expensive than the smaller one – but it’s still extremely attractive when it comes to price.
Amazon must have made the research and learned that there would be a demand for 6-inch tablets. Users might not actually see that much difference between the 6 and 7-inch screen, like between 7 and 10-inch.
Anyway, the tablet with the display size typical for e-readers is a fact, and it’s only $20 more expensive than the new basic Kindle.
Fire HD 7 has the same screen as the previous generation: 1280 x 800, 216 ppi. The 6-inch version offers 1280 x 800 resolution, with 252 ppi.
According to Amazon, new tablets, running at 1.5 GHz, have three times faster graphics performance than Samsung Galaxy Tab 4.
With two cameras, front and back, Fire HD tablets can take photos and capture videos in 1080p full HD quality.
A new thing is the colors. No more black-bezel black-cover combination. You can choose from:
- five body colors,
- six colors of original covers.
This is a pretty exciting way to personalize the device: you can match up a body color with a cover color to come up with with unexpected combination.
Fire HD – launch details
- Prices: starting from $99 for the 6-inch Fire HD with special offers; the most expensive version, 7-inch 16GB Fire HD without ads, costs $174
- Release date: October 2, 2014
- Availability: United States
- Pre-order: now
4. Fire HD Kids Edition
No one made a tablet dedicated for most demanding users – kids. Until now.
Together with Fire HD, Amazon has introduced Kids Edition, to make kids have fun, and parents have a peace of mind.
It’s basically a Fire HD tablet wrapped in an extra case that is shock-proof and fun to look at.
Is there are market for tablets focused on kids?
So far, if you wanted your tablet to be kid-proof, you bought a special case. Amazon didn’t even need to make a research. Looking into the sales of heavy-duty Kindle covers brought the answer.
Many people must have bought such cases already, so why not offering the protection right in the beginning?
Fire HD comes with another kind of protection. If your kid will win over the tablet and break it, you will get a replacement. This is how 2-year worry-free guarantee works.
Interestingly, for the first time Amazon counted every single piece of content on offer – movies, songs, books, apps – and gave the total number, which is astonishing even for kids: 33 million!
Fire HD Kids Edition – launch details
- Prices: $149 for the 6-inch version, $189 for the 7-inch
- Release date: October 21, 2014
- Availability: United States
- Pre-order: now
5. All-new Fire HDX 8.9
The tablet replaces 2013 Kindle Fire HDX 8.9. It’s “all-new”, what in Amazon’s vocabulary means “the old model, just improved”.
The screen is the same as in the previous generation: 2560 x 1600, with 339 ppi. The dimensions and weight are the same.
What’s different is the processor. The 2013 HDX 8.9 had Quad-Core 2.2 GHz. The 2014 has Quad-core 2.5 GHz. This results in a claimed 70% faster graphics performance.
There is also a new audio. It’s twice as loud as iPad Air, and gives crisp, clear sound with no distortion.
Amazon wants to pair HDX 8.9 with a new Fire Keyboard. It’s the “thinnest and lightest” fully featured tablet keyboard. It attaches magnetically to Origami case, if you bought it for your Fire. The keyboard works with other Fire tablets, as well.
All-new Fire HDX 8.9 – launch details
- Prices: $379 for 16GB with special offers, $494 for the most expensive version (64Gb without special offers)
- Release date: October 21, 2014
- Availability: United States
- Pre-order: now
