Amazon’s popular e-reader just got a high-definition makeover. The online retailer launched the Kindle Paperwhite e-reader with HD resolution. The device features a 300-ppi screen instead of the traditional 212-ppi screen for an improved reading experience. The new e-reader starts shipping June 30.
Amazon’s new e-reader
The new Paperwhite e-reader also takes a few notes from Amazon’s Kindle Voyage with a 6-inch Carta E Ink HD display with touchscreen. The e-reader’s battery life has not been upgraded, however. It offers the same features you would expect from the Kindle, including 4GB of built-in memory, a 1GHz processor and 512MB of storage. Amazon’s latest e-reader certainly could render the more expensive Kindle Voyage obsolete despite the latter device’s overall lighter design and a glass front.
Amazon’s Kindle e-readers remain a popular choice for avid readers, but the Kindle Fire is a popular choice for those who just want a cheaper Android tablet.
Amazon may launch crowd-sourced delivery service
In other Amazon-related news, the online retail giant is apparently considering a crowd-sourced delivery service. The service would operate in major metro areas by hiring regular people to deliver packages. The idea could serve as a cheaper alternative to the USPS, drone delivery or bike messenger service. In 2014, delivery costs spiked 9.8%. The year prior to that, delivery costs spiked 8.9%.
Amazon previously hired Uber drivers to deliver packages, so this move is not surprising. The company also tapped 7-11 retail stores and parking garages as places for people to pick up their packages. Delivery service UPS also offers something similar with rental spaces in retailers in big cities like Chicago and New York City. Amazon pays the retailers a fee per item to hold the packages until customers pick them up.
Amazon isn’t the only retailer to test out this service. Walmart plans to set out a new delivery service similar to Prime sometime this year.
