Amazon Unveils Waterproof Kindle Oasis For Poolside Leisurely eReading Or Listening With Audio
The original Amazon Kindle was likely the first introduction that many of us had to a modern e-reader. Over the years, the Kindle has gone through a number of transformation (most for the better), culminating with the launch of the Oasis in 2016. Today, however, Amazon is giving the Oasis a significant upgrade that is most definitely fitting with its name.
The all-new Oasis arrives as the first-ever waterproof Kindle, bringing with it an IPX8 rating. This water resistance level allows the Oasis to survive submerged in up to two meters of [fresh] water for up to an hour. Although it probably isn't recommended, the device can withstand getting splashed with salt water if you're at the beach and can be dropped in a bath tub, hot tub or pool.
While the new waterproofing is no doubt much-appreciated, the most important aspect of any Kindle is of course the display. The Oasis now features a larger 7-inch 300ppi display (up from 6 inches at 300ppi), which allows it to fit 30 percent more words per page than its predecessor. The display is covered with ultra-strong cover glass, and now features an aluminum back. Weighing in at 194 grams, the Oasis is still 10 grams lighter than the Kindle Paperwhite.
When it comes to runtimes, the Oasis will last weeks on a charge instead of the 9 to 11 hours or so that you will get out of a traditional tablet. And when your battery does eventually run low, Amazon says that fast-charging capabilities allow the Oasis to go from a 0 percent charge to a full charge in less than two hours.
“Ten years ago, we introduced our first Kindle with the mission of delivering any book ever written in 60 seconds or less,” said Dave Limp, Senior Vice President, Amazon Devices and Services. “With a larger 7-inch, 300 ppi display, waterproof design, and Audible built right in, the all-new Kindle Oasis is our most advanced Kindle ever. Its thin, light, and waterproof design allows readers to stay engaged in the author’s world in even more places than ever before.”
The Kindle Oasis will begin shipping on October 31st, and is priced at $250 for the 8GB model and $280 for the 32GB model. There will also be a 32GB SKU with free integrated cellular connectivity for $350.
