Many Australians read consistently and many of them have moved to digital e-readers. Of course the most well known of the e-readers is the Kindle, which Amazon has been refreshing continuously since it was first introduced.

There are three variations of Amazon Kindle and Amazon have today announced an update to the high end model with the ‘All-new Kindle Oasis’.

The All-new Kindle Oasis improves over the previous generation and its features include:

  • A 7-inch 300ppi display with a colour-adjustable front light.
  • An updated e-ink display with better contrast and touch improvements
  • Dedicated page turn buttons
  • IPX8 water proof rated and designed to “withstand accidental drops” of water etc.

The main new feature is that display — but then what else could you improve on an e-reader and have it be a feature. The new display allows the users to adjust the colour tone from cool to warm white to allow for a more comfortable reading experience at night in the dark.

The e-ink display has better contrast than the previous generation and also has a new technology to prevent accidental swipes.

The new IPX8 rating means that the Kindle is protected from any ingress of fresh water when immersed in up to two metres for up to 60 minutes.

The all-new Kindle Oasis includes everything customers loved from the previous generation, including the large 7-inch display and waterproofing—and now we’re making it even better. We’re adding a colour adjustable front light so customers can read with a warmer tone that’s customisable to their preference to easily transition from daytime to night-time reading. Kevin Keith, VP, Amazon Devices

The All-new Kindle Oasis comes in three varieties, 8GB Wi-Fi, 32GB Wi-Fi and 32GB Wi-Fi + 4G LTE priced at $399, $449 and $559 respectively. At this stage Graphite is the only colour available.

Folio covers are also available for the new Oasis in a water-safe fabric in Blue, Red or Charcoal colours for $59.95. Leather covers are available in Black or Merlot for $79.95 with a premium leather cover available for $94.95.

The All-new Kindle Oasis will begin shipping on July 24 but can be pre-ordered from today at Amazon and from July 24 will be also available from JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks in Australia and Noel Leeming in New Zealand.