Ahead of an online store refresh, Amazon has launched a new version of their popular Kindle e-Book reader, boasting an improved display, longer battery life and free 3G connectivity.
In a deal with Vodafone, Amazon will be covering the cost of the 3G connections from the Kindle, which will use Amazon's Whispernet technology, with no monthly charges, contractual agreement or data plan needed.
Available to buy in the UK from 27th August, the device is set to retail at £149. There will also be a WiFi only device which will retail for £109.
The new Kindle has a 50% better contrast display, is 21% smaller and 15% lighter than previous Kindle devices, and the Kindle bookstore will have more than 400,000 titles available to purchase. As well as the dedicated Kindle product, Amazon have apps for all range of devices including the iPad, iPhone and Android phones, which allows you to read your e-Books wherever you are, with whatever device you happen to be using at the time. Whispersync technology allows you to synchronise whatever e-book you are reading at the time across all devices, and it will even open up on the last page you were reading. So you could be reading on your PC, pop out and pick the e-Book up where you left off on your mobile device, and then move onto the Kindle, and so on.
Amazon recently reported that it made more than $1 Billion in online sales in the last year, and expects sales to top $1.5 Billion in 2010.
6:37 pm
I have just received an Amazon.com (US) Kindle 3 3G when in the US recently. I registered it with Amazon.co.uk. I believe it will not be serviced by vodafone. Will this mean my service will be different (better, worse)?
6:38 pm
Anyone?