Amazon's new Kindle ditches bezels for smaller, lighter e-reader

Amazon has significantly redesigned its Kindle e-reader lineup, introducing models that eliminate the traditional bezels surrounding the display. This new flush-front design aims to create a cleaner aesthetic and reduce the overall footprint of the devices.

The removal of physical bezels posed a challenge, as they provide a resting place for fingers without accidentally triggering screen functions. Amazon states this has been addressed by implementing "Cap" (capacitive) touch technology and haptic feedback. The device is designed to detect where a user's fingers are gripping and create a "dead zone" within the touch-sensitive area, preventing unintended page turns or commands.

"When you’re gripping the Kindle, wherever you put your thumb, it will self-detect a dead zone in the Cap touch. It will just readjust, and it’ll know that the finger is there," said Kevin Keith, Amazon’s vice president of devices.

The standard six-inch Kindle is now 6.8 millimeters thick and weighs 140 grams, making it thinner and lighter than its predecessor. Amazon is marketing it as the most pocketable Kindle in the range. Page turns are reportedly 30% faster than the previous generation.

The new Kindle lineup comes in several colors, including Ube, Alpine Sky, Seaglass Green, Graphite, and Fig. The standard Kindle starts at $149.99. Amazon is also offering an aluminum-backed version with 32GB of storage in Alpine Sky and Seaglass Green.