Despite launching a new model less than 2 months ago, reports this week indicate that Amazon will release yet another version of its popular Kindle Paperwhite eReader this spring. The updated third-generation model will reportedly take on the thinner and lighter design of Amazon’s new Kindle Fire tablets and boast an improved 300 pixels-per-inch display, an improvement from the current 212 ppi resolution.
While Amazon’s E Ink-based Kindle line is by far the most popular eReader on the market, the rapid release of a new model will help keep it ahead of rivals from Barnes & Noble and Kobo, the latter of which launched the 265 ppi Aura HD eReader earlier this year.
Other rumored improvements on the next generation Paperwhite include a new glass display which will allow the screen to sit flush to the device’s bezel and some form of haptic feedback that will give readers vibration-based cues when turning pages or interacting with the Kindle’s menus.
Amazon’s most popular eReader products will continue to be the multi-function, LCD-based Kindle Fire tablets, but many heavy readers prefer the E Ink displays of the traditional Kindle family. The current Kindle Paperwhite launched on September 30th and is available for $119 with Amazon’s “Special Offers” ads on the lock screen and $139 ad-free.
