Amazon just unveiled its 8th-generation Kindle device called the Kindle Oasis. It’s thinner and lighter, and it comes with a charging cover that allows the device “months” of battery life according to the company. This is clearly the most interesting aspect of the Oasis.
It features a new dual-battery system. When you connect the cover to the device, the battery in the cover begins recharging it automatically.
“The battery in the cover uses a custom cell architecture that optimizes power and energy while keeping an incredibly small and light form factor and delivering months of battery life,” Amazon explains. “You can charge the device and cover simultaneously while both are snapped together and plugged in. Plus, a new hibernation mode minimizes power consumption when your Kindle is inactive.”
The device has an ergonomic grip and weights only 4.6 ounces. At its thinnest point it is 3.4 mm thick. It’s 20% lighter than any other Kindle.
“Kindle Oasis is designed for extended reading sessions—with an entirely reimagined shape, Kindle Oasis shifts the center of gravity to your palm, to rest in your hand like the spine of a book so that the device feels balanced for one-handed reading,” the company says. “Effortlessly turn the page with either the touch display or physical buttons. Oasis is comfortable to read on with either hand—a built-in accelerometer detects whether you are reading with your left or right hand, and automatically rotates the page and page turn buttons to match.”
The device is now available for pre-order for $289.99. It will ship in the coming weeks. Amazon gushes more about it here.
The Kindle line-up now includes Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Voyage and Kindle Oasis.
Images via Amazon