Amazon has refreshed its Kindle line-up in Australia with redesigned Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Colorsoft models, alongside several new accessories. There is also a new Fire TV Stick 4K that joins the announcement, bringing faster performance, Wi-Fi 6 and a redesigned Fire TV remote.
Amazon says the new devices are thinner and lighter, while introducing a new display architecture and a flush, edge-to-edge design across the range. There are also many new colors to choose from, including Ube, Alpine Sky, Seaglass Green, Graphite and Fig.
The new Kindle is lighter, faster and more colorful
The entry-level Kindle remains the smallest of Amazon’s eReaders with its 6-inch display, but now gets 16GB of storage, up to six weeks of battery life and book opening that Amazon says is 30% faster than the previous generation.
It also adopts the new flush-front design and starts from A$279 in Ube or Graphite.
For the first time, there is also an aluminum version of the 6-inch Kindle. It keeps the same compact form factor but moves up to 32GB of storage and comes in Alpine Sky or Seaglass Green for A$299.
I really like that Amazon is putting more effort into the physical design of the Kindle range. eReaders tend to be devices you keep for years, so some more interesting finishes beyond the usual black or dark gray are certainly welcome.
Check out our Kindle 2024 review while you’re here too.
Kindle Paperwhite gets a slimmer design
The new Kindle Paperwhite is thinner and lighter than before, while retaining some of the features that make the Paperwhite the more attractive choice for frequent readers, including waterproofing and an adjustable warm light.
Battery life is rated for up to 12 weeks on a single charge. The standard model comes with 16GB of storage and is available in Graphite from A$369.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition beefs things up with an aluminum rear casing, 32GB of storage, an auto-adjusting front light and pogo-pin charging support. Amazon also added a double-tap gesture to turn pages.
The Signature Edition is available in Graphite and Seaglass Green for A$399.
We reviewed the Paperwhite Signature Edition back in 2021 if you want to check it out.
Kindle Colorsoft brings color to the mix
Amazon also expands its color eReader range with the latest Kindle Colorsoft.
Unlike reading on a conventional tablet display, Kindle Colorsoft is designed to provide more paper-like color without the glare associated with a typical LCD or OLED screen. This should make it particularly useful for books where color is really important, such as comics, graphic novels, travel guides and illustrated books.
The standard Kindle Colorsoft includes 16GB of storage and starts at A$449 in Graphite.
Meanwhile, the A$499 Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition increases storage to 32GB and adds an aluminum casing, auto-adjusting front light, double-tap side turning and pogo-pin dock charging. It is available in graphite and fig.
Amazon introduces Kindle Click and new Kindle accessories
There is a surprisingly substantial range of accessories in addition to the new Kindle devices as well.
The first is the Kindle Click, a compact Bluetooth remote control for A$49.95. It works with the new Kindle family as well as Kindle devices released from 2024 onwards.
Amazon is also launching a page-turn cover for A$119.95. Designed for the Paperwhite Signature Edition and the Colorsoft Signature Edition, the magnetic case includes physical side-turn buttons and connects through the Kindle’s pogo pins.
A new A$89.95 charging dock can hold compatible Paperwhite and Colorsoft Signature Edition models upright while charging, while Amazon’s regular Kindle covers start at A$54.95 and are available in different materials and matching colors.
The new Kindle devices and covers are available through Amazon Australia and participating Australian retailers, with selected Paperwhite, Colorsoft and accessory models available for pre-order.
Fire TV Stick 4K gets faster performance and Wi-Fi 6
Amazon has not forgotten the TV either, announcing a new Fire TV Stick 4K next to the Kindle range.
The latest model offers faster performance than the previous generation Fire TV Stick 4K Select and supports Wi-Fi 6, which should help maintain more consistent streaming performance on busy home networks with many connected devices. Of course, it also supports 4K video.
The new Fire TV Stick 4K can draw power directly from a compatible TV USB port with the included cable, eliminating the need for a separate wall adapter. That makes the Fire TV Stick Cleaner to install behind a TV and potentially more convenient to take with you while traveling.
The device also includes Alexa + Early Access and Amazon’s latest Fire TV interface, which allows viewers to use natural language search via compatible apps and receive personalized recommendations.
The new Fire TV Stick 4K is priced at A$129 and is available in Australia via Amazon.com.au and JB Hi-Fi.
We also recently reviewed their latest Fire TV Stick HD here at Craving Tech.
A redesigned Fire TV remote
Amazon is also introducing an updated Fire TV remote with more tactile controls that should make buttons easier to identify without constantly looking at the remote.
There is now also a customizable star button, previously reserved for Amazon’s more premium remotes. It can be assigned to quickly open a favorite app or toggle accessibility features such as closed captioning and screen magnifier.
The new Fire TV Remote costs A$24.95 and is available separately for existing compatible Fire TV owners. Pre-orders are open now, with Australian shipping scheduled to begin on October 22.