Amazon is almost certainly getting ready to push the launch button on its next-generation Kindle dedicated e-reader hardware, and new leaks from the site’s German and Japanese stores reveal it will likely be called the Kindle Voyage, and sport a new high-res display and bezels that can be pressed to turn pages. The Voyage is slated for a November 4 release date, according to the leaks, at least in Germany, which means it could launch stateside even sooner.
Amazon appears to be preparing to launch new Kindles. Several listings spotted on the German version of Amazon show a new “Kindle Voyage” e-reader with a 6-inch high-resolution display (300 ppi) and a release date of November 4th. An image of the Kindle Voyage has been unearthed from a user manual by allesebook, and the specifications suggest it will have a new page press sensor to turn pages by pressing lightly on the bezel, alongside “intelligent front lighting.” While Amazon has quickly removed the German listings, it appears the new Kindle Voyage will ship in 3G and Wi-Fi versions. Amazon Japan (Google cache) lists the new e-readers as 8mm in thickness and 186g in weight, meaning the Voyage will be a lot thinner and lighter than the Paperwhite. It’s not clear from the listings whether the Kindle Voyage will replace the Paperwhite or simply launch as a high-end e-reader in the range. Amazon lists the Kindle Voyage at 189 euro, and the 3G version at 249 euro, both are an increase on the 109 euro price of the Kindle Paperwhite and the 169 euro 3G version.
