Any Kindle 3 rumors?

[mdibella]

Wouldn't the Kindle require the ability to act as a usb 'host' in order to use a keyboard? Right now, it's purely in 'client' mode. I am not sure whether this is something that can be fixed in firmware, or if it would require hardware changes.

If it could access a keyboard, here's something I'd like to see...a remote control for turning pages. It would certainly relive the cramping in my hands from holding the same position for long periods of time, ready to hit the 'page turn' button. I'd love to be able to hold onto a small remote control and hit that to turn the page.

[weatherman]

I definitely think the Kindle 3 is right around the corner. Amazon cannot let its premier product in this market stagnate with all the competition out there. I see the most likely announcement in February being a product that fills the $359 price point that has been vacated by the dropping price of the K2. I also expect that there will be some refreshes of the K2 that make it incrementally better. Finally, I'd say there's an outside chance that Amazon could introduce a baby Kindle at less than $200 to make sure they have a product in every niche of the market. Here are my predictions, in order of liklihood:

1) K3 at $359 ($399?); 6" color screen, improved contrast for b/w reading. Magazine content partners announced.

2) K2 at $259; available in a variety of colors (i.e. Cool-er), better contrast screen, small improvements to keyboard, firmware updated for more customization

3) Kindle Mini at $189; 5" reader without keyboard, US wireless only

[Daithi]

During the recent CES show it was reported that a Qualcomm representative implied they would be partnering with Amazon on a new color Kindle that uses Qualcomm's Mirasol technology. Seperately a Qualcomm represenative stated they expect their product to be available in the fall of this year.

I really hope this is true because Mirasol is some slick technology. The display is color and it is not backlit like LCD but is reflective like E-Ink, and it is capable of refresh rates that will support video while maintaining a long battery life. This is my dream device.

[fugazied]

Originally Posted by Daithi

During the recent CES show it was reported that a Qualcomm representative implied they would be partnering with Amazon on a new color Kindle that uses Qualcomm's Mirasol technology.

Yeah that's the only real Kindle 3 rumour I have heard recently. Most of the gossip has been about android devices, apple tablet and what the other manufacturers are doing with their readers.

I'm sure Amazon isn't sitting on their laurels, but mirasol screen devices might take a while to make because I don't think they have production capacity needed to do a huge run of Kindle screens. They would have to build a couple of factories and that could take months.

Mirasol is pretty exciting stuff though, as they point out batteries are not improving very fast compared to the rest of the technologies. So with an ultra low power screen like mirasol we get much longer life from our batteries. If it does video well then the potential is huge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBbQv...embedded#at=35

[kevindorsey]

Originally Posted by Daithi

During the recent CES show it was reported that a Qualcomm representative implied they would be partnering with Amazon on a new color Kindle that uses Qualcomm's Mirasol technology. Seperately a Qualcomm represenative stated they expect their product to be available in the fall of this year.

I really hope this is true because Mirasol is some slick technology. The display is color and it is not backlit like LCD but is reflective like E-Ink, and it is capable of refresh rates that will support video while maintaining a long battery life. This is my dream device.

Color was the next logical avenue to undertake for Amazon, may be possibly introduce game downloads eventually as add ons too.

[Nathan Campos]

No!
One more! I've just got my DX!

[Daithi]

Originally Posted by Nathan Campos

No!
One more! I've just got my DX!

Qualcomm said the Fall, and I'd be willing to wager that this date slips. The only thing they are displaying right now is a 6" screen that was about 1/2" think. I'm guessing we won't see anything until 2011. So, enjoy your DX (I love mine).

[jmgroft]

Originally Posted by mdibella

If it could access a keyboard, here's something I'd like to see...a remote control for turning pages. It would certainly relive the cramping in my hands from holding the same position for long periods of time...

LOL, now that's got to be the epitome of lazy! A remote control? For a Kindle?

The purpose of an eBook reader is to replace the pages with an electronic alternative. You hold it for long periods of time because that's what you do with a book. If that's a problem, read the books on your computer.

Too funny.

[markbot]

Originally Posted by Daithi

Qualcomm said the Fall, and I'd be willing to wager that this date slips. The only thing they are displaying right now is a 6" screen that was about 1/2" think. I'm guessing we won't see anything until 2011. So, enjoy your DX (I love mine).

Yeah, they probably won't be introducing a color DX version this year. I can't wait until 2011 though! Mirasol is a revolutionary technology that will change the world!

[eboyhan]

There's quite a bit they can do via firmware updates (and even improvements to the Kindle webpages). Given the recent slew of e-book reader announcements at CES, I would expect Amazon to be making frequent upgrades to the Kindle 2 and Kindle DX throughout 2010. They have already promised to provide a folder capability, and yesterday they announced their intention to develop a "Kindle app" store.

[TheNookDude]

Originally Posted by HaggisMacJedi

Some people are waiting for the Kindle 3...and the Kindle 4...and the Kindle 5...and...

See what's happening here? Honestly, it's an electronic book, meant for reading books. How fancy do you need your black ink on a blank page device to be? I mean really, other than the books, do you really need all the other bells and whistles? Most people have a laptop, smartphone, droid phone, PSP, or some other gizmo that picks up the internet for browsing, so it's not necessary for their e-reader be able to surf the web.

As for color e-ink, that would be great for magazines, but the first or second gen models won't (most likely) be crisp and clean and hi-rez, so the black and white will still be what you go for.

Bottom line, don't fret about getting a current generation e-reader. The truth of the matter is that it will do you just fine for several years. Enjoy your Kindle 2 (mine's in transit from Amazon) and don't have any remorse if a newer model comes out in a few months. Worst case scenario is that you can put it up for sale on eBay, Craigslist, or here, and someone will take it off your hands, and you can apply the cash to the newest thing.

That may be true, but I think the nook has the best chance at ebook domination at this point because of its simple availability of books. I mean, seriously, people. This is Barnes & Noble we're talking about here. The greatest selection of books in all history. However, I do think that the Kindle has some pros and cons of its own. (Wah! No expandable memory!)


As for a color e-ink display, I don't think a feature like that will come out in the near future. E-ink is just tiny particles of titanium dioxide floating around in a fluid. Yes. Tiny particles of solid material. When these pieces float near the front (moved by way of electrical current), the area appears light. When they float near the back, dark. So, how would a color e-ink display work? Not only would it be expensive, but it would also be less economical than regular e-ink. Tiny, color-changing particles floating around in fluid? No. You may as well aim for an e-reader with an LCD display (the cheaper, more practical option).

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by TheNookDude

That may be true, but I think the nook has the best chance at ebook domination at this point because of its simple availability of books. I mean, seriously, people. This is Barnes & Noble we're talking about here. The greatest selection of books in all history. However, I do think that the Kindle has some pros and cons of its own. (Wah! No expandable memory!)


As for a color e-ink display, I don't think a feature like that will come out in the near future. E-ink is just tiny particles of titanium dioxide floating around in a fluid. Yes. Tiny particles of solid material. When these pieces float near the front (moved by way of electrical current), the area appears light. When they float near the back, dark. So, how would a color e-ink display work? Not only would it be expensive, but it would also be less economical than regular e-ink. Tiny, color-changing particles floating around in fluid? No. You may as well aim for an e-reader with an LCD display (the cheaper, more practical option).

welcome to the forums. you may be happier in the nook forum if you are going to diss another one in your very first post