The time is correct for Amazon to ship a dual-screen Kindle

Abstract

Microsoft pioneered the dual-screen cell kind issue with its unsuccessful Floor Duo and Neo {hardware} endeavors.
The twin-screen idea makes a outstanding quantity of sense when utilized to the e-reader product class.
With new Amazon {hardware} on the horizon, and with ex-Microsoft chief product officer Panos Panay on the helm, the time is correct for a Floor Duo-style Kindle e-reader to hit the scene.

For a few years now, Amazon has stood as one of many largest gamers inside the consumer e-reader market. The corporate’s line of Kindle tablets, in addition to its broader Kindle software program ecosystem, have made the model synonymous with digital ebook studying.

The very first Kindle launched all the best way again in late 2007, and whereas this first-generation product was tough across the edges, it laid the groundwork for each future Kindle launch. The gadget’s keyboard and navigation buttons would give solution to a contact display interface in future {hardware} revisions, however the slab-shaped kind issue would stick round for the lengthy haul.

I am unable to assist however really feel that it is time for Amazon to take the Kindle in an thrilling new course.

It is easy to see why Amazon settled on a compact tablet-esque kind issue for its future Kindle choices: the dimensions roughly approximates that of a medium-sized ebook, and it is easy to carry the gadget and switch pages with just one hand.

It is because of this that today’s latest Kindle models — whether or not we’re speaking in regards to the Paperwhite, the Colorsoft, and even the bottom version — all observe this identical primary design precept. Whereas I am typically a agency believer within the previous saying ‘if it ain’t broke, do not repair it,’ I am unable to assist however really feel that it is time for Amazon to take the Kindle in an thrilling new course: a dual-screen course.

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Microsoft ought to by no means have killed its Floor Duo line of foldable telephones – put merely, dual-screen cell gadgets are a really perfect kind issue.

The time is correct for a dual-screen Kindle shakeup

With Panos Panay on the helm, and a {hardware} launch on the horizon, the celebrities appear to be aligning

Panos Panay during the Microsoft Surface Duo and Neo launch

Amazon recently sent out invitations for an upcoming February 26 product occasion, which will probably be hosted by Panos Panay, head of Gadgets and Providers on the firm. A lot of the pre-announcement hype has been targeted on new Alexa-powered sensible house merchandise, however I’ve my hopes up for a Kindle cameo or two.

The rationale I am bullish on the discharge of a dual-screen Kindle comes right down to the truth that Panay, who joined Amazon in late 2023, brings with him years of cell gadget expertise by means of his tenure at Microsoft. It was below Panay, who beforehand served as government vp and chief product officer at Microsoft, {that a} daring dual-screen imaginative and prescient got here to fruition within the type of the Floor Duo and the Floor Neo.

Microsoft would by no means launch the Neo, and it will kill off the Duo after the second technology failed to maneuver models.

Whereas Panay was fast to level out the utility and advantages introduced on by two screens on a single cell gadget, each the Duo and the Neo suffered an premature demise. Microsoft would by no means launch the Neo, and it will kill off the Duo after the second generation failed to maneuver models. Soon after, Panay departed for greener pastures over at Amazon.

And with that, Microsoft seems to have misplaced curiosity in its earlier dual-screen ambitions. Nonetheless, I really feel the time is correct for Amazon to swoop in and fulfill the imaginative and prescient of a cell gadget with two screens, appropriating the idea for a brand new technology of Kindle e-readers.

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The Floor Duo’s kind issue is right for e-reading

Merely put, two screens are higher than one

Microsoft

Intuitively, the idea of a dual-screen e-reader makes a number of sense. The Floor Duo’s kind issue, with its rotating hinge and two bespoke show panels, approximates the shape issue of a bodily ebook higher than simply about every other cell gadget does.

In contrast to a slab-style e-reader, a theoretical dual-screen Kindle would show one E Ink web page on the left display and one other on the correct display. You’d be capable to maintain the gadget in your arms as you’ll an open ebook and shut it closed whenever you’ve accomplished your studying session.

Intuitively, the idea of a dual-screen e-reader makes a number of sense.

Better of all, dual-screen cell gadgets do not undergo from the fragility problems with single-screen foldables — the 2 separate screens will be product of conventional tempered glass, and IP68 water and mud ingress safety will be carried out with out fear. In different phrases, you’d nonetheless be capable to deliver a Duo-shaped Kindle to the seashore, which is a vital consideration when looking for any e-reader.

A dual-screen Kindle would not should sacrifice on the one-handed usability entrance, both. If the gadget have been designed equally to the first-generation Duo (that’s, with no rear digicam module), then all the unit could be 180 degrees-swivelable for a extra conventional ‘slab-style’ studying expertise on command.

If the corporate actually desires to, I wager it would be able to engineering essentially the most engaging e-reader for the reason that days of the unique Kindle.

A Floor Duo-inspired Kindle makes all of the sense on this planet, after which some. Whether or not such a tool will finally come to fruition is determined by whether or not Amazon is keen to take a danger with its Kindle model. If the corporate actually desires to, I wager it would be able to engineering essentially the most engaging e-reader for the reason that days of the unique Kindle.