Amazon announces an updated Kindle Paperwhite starting at $119

Say hello to an all-new, updated Kindle Paperwhite. Amazon has listed an update to its much-loved Kindle Paperwhite e-reader on Tuesday. The newer version will feature small tweaks and improvements over its predecessor.

The company initially put the page for the new Kindle Paperwhite live accidentally and pulled it down briefly before making an official announcement. The newest iteration of Kindle Paperwhite will sport the same physical features as the one released last year with no visible changes to its looks.

The all new Kindle Paperwhite

However, there are improvements pumped into the new Paperwhite by Amazon. For one, it will sport a higher contrast e-ink display, a 25 percent faster processor and an improved page turning and book opening experience. Most importantly, Amazon has redesigned the built-in light in the Paperwhite for a better reading experience, negating any strain on the eyes. Amazon is boasting of  better touchscreen experience all around with the new Paperwhite.

The newest version of the e-reader will now come with Goodreads integration. For those not in the know, Goodreads is a social networking website where book lovers congregate to discuss and rate them. The service was purchased by Amazon back in March.

Amazon has also fit in new features like the kid-friendly mode called FreeTime.This, the company says, will allow for better parental control and encourage children to read more. There’s also a new vocabulary builder and the new Smart Lookup that will let you play around and discover new words. Amazon also has a new service called the Kindle MatchBook that will let you purchase Kindle versions of hard copy novels you’ve purchased earlier.

Starts shipping on September 30

While it’s not a whole new device, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite will serve well to users who want a better Paperwhite experience. The device starts at $119 (Rs 8,047 approx.) with the slightly intrusive special offers advertisements version. You can opt to purchase the $139 (Rs 9,400 approx.) version for an ad free experience too. Pre-orders are now open and the device will start shipping on September 30. However, if you choose to wait for the Kindle Paperwhite WiFi + 3G version, you will have to shell out $189 (Rs 12,782 approx.) and wait longer, since it will only start shipping on November 5.

While you wait to pre-order the new Kindle Paperwhite, check out our review of the predecessor.