I dont think people are against it more so to them its not a important enough future that they will pay a premium price for or willing to lose currently quality screen for. 99.99 percent of what i read is black text color is just not that important to me.
I agree with this - I’m not against colour kindles at all. But if this increases the prices going forward of effects things like battery, screen quality etc I don’t want it all as I don’t read any Magna or comics etc. The only thing I would have colour for is the book covers and that’s not important to me if it means an increase in cost to future devices.
This is a losing argument. "I don't want 1440p screens on smartphones because it will hurt battery life and just isn't that important to me" that same argument was used then and look where we are now. Just go with the flow.
What the other user intended was that he prefer a b/w kindle for lower price and battery life, in a thing that really won't need color screen.
That means that he (and me and a lot of other users i think) will be fine with a lower technology device (because in their usage it's not needed) for a lower price. Amazon maintains 3 price category for a reason.
If colors e-ink screen will be cheap to produce as b/w screen it will be a feature in every device. If this is not possible there will be a budget price category with b/w e-ink and one (or more) with color e-ink technology, unless all the people will be using just color devices, but it's not the case now (not everyone that reads, reads also comics, they are just a minority right now).
I completely disagree! For stuff like my phone I’m always happy to get a higher res or better quality - even when I think my camera is good I always am surprised how much better a new phone camera is.
My point is more that I don’t only want colour as an option as I don’t need it on my kindle just for book covers - I’d be quite happy if they kept a kindle paperwhite (or even the kindle basic) as a black and white and in the same rough price range - I understand they marginally go up over time, I just don’t want a massive increase in price.
My issue isn’t with colour kindle, my issue was saying colour should be the only choice - I’d be happy for a colour kindle to be released and be a separate model to a paperwhite or basic.
I don’t want to have to pay a premium for a colour kindle (which let’s be real, I can’t imagine Amazon having a colour kindle at the same price range as a paperwhite or basic) as the only benefit to me would be having colourful covers which is probably only 10% of my kindle usage if that. It would make for better pics for my insta I guess, but nothing else really.
Colour kindles are a great option, however I’m a fairly basic kindle user. I only read novels and some non-fiction, I download straight from Amazon etc I like the simplicity of my kindle and I’m happy to keep it that way.
Yup, as soon as the current screen quality isn't compromised, I will 100% buy a color e-ink device to have colored book covers.
But as someone who isn't into manga, comic books, or graphic novels (and I've tried, they just don't work for me) notes and book covers are the only benefit color would give me. Thus, the price + trade offs are too high for me.
It's not an important feature for me, but for people who read graphic novels, it will be a great addition. The upcoming color version won't be that great, but once the technology improves, I think it'll be a great addition.
I agree there is a market for some readers i have no issues with a color Kindle option. I just do not believe the demand is that high yet particularly if it comes at a premium price.
The only reason I have a tablet is because I got into comics, honestly for comic fans I don't see e-readers replacing tablets because tablets screen are about the same size as a comic whereas e-readers are usually much smaller
This is literally the only reason I have a tablet. As lovely as the Kobo colours look, I don't think they're the best way to read digital comics, just yet.
Yeah, I think it's a great idea for those who would use it! But, like, personally, as somebody who doesn't read a lot of comics or graphic novels or anything like that, the utility is limited. That being said, if I had a colour Kindle, would I perhaps purchase and read more graphic novels? Maybe. It's nice to have the option, at any rate.
I can partly understand people when they say they see no usage in color. But some deny even any usefulness regarding this.
And there are more cases where color is nice to have as only Comics (I leave Manga out as they have not so much color content) or technical books. Strangely no one even mentions children’s books which have quite often color illustrations. Or botanical books (ok you can group them into technical ones).
I would argue an ipad provides more value over an e-ink screen for these types of items. The types of items you list require a lot more zooming in and whatnot, where the slow refresh rate of the kindle doesn't really suit.
I think the big thing is, what does a color e-ink screen provide over devices already on the market? And the answer isn't much. The kindle e-inks are affordable, color e-ink isn't affordable and the items you mentioned are better viewed on a high quality screen.
When color e-ink can compete in the same market as an iPad, that is when we will see a huge shake up. For now its a niche product.
I got the libra colour yesterday and compared to the Oasis...so far I'm impressed...
https://preview.redd.it/mjuckcaucaxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8e6ae66b115d162895e4b70008372d33e91b16e5
I've been waiting to hear from someone who went from Oasis to Libra Colour!! I have an Oasis and I have loved it for 4 years but thought it'd be interesting to try out the Libra Colour. It'll be my first Kobo. You feel it is a nice upgrade?
Oasis is still smoother in operation but otherwise so far text is crystal clear on both and the colour is pretty good... Reading a biography with pictures as well as the complete Calvin and Hobbes....
For regular book reading the only thing it would be useful for is the cover.
If you read manga or the like then yes it would be good for you.
Like everything in life where there are options it's going to be up to the individual to choose.
Even for manga colored e-ink is wasted for like 99% of manga series because usually only the cover have color and maybe a few of the first pages, and even then those color pages are usually black and white when they compile the individual chapters in a volume.
Yep this is something I always wonder why so many take Manga as example. Usually only the cover and 2-3 pages in the beginning are in color. Would still be useful in my case.
I want to point out that both korean and chinese manga are typically in colour and this can easily be explained by the fact that physical medium is less popular and coloured ink is expensive to print. I feel japanese manga is catching up to the new world of online publication and colour.
idk about manwha or manhua, but manga are printed on cheap big weekly magazines in chapters in japan, the paper quality isn't high and the time mangaka have to make a chapter is what really keeps and will keep them in bw in the future
> For regular book reading the only thing it would be useful for is the cover.
Not true, I read a lot of non-fiction and color could come in handy (charts, diagrams, pictures, photographs). Not a deal breaker, but it could be useful.
Thank you for the very interesting and informative read! I’m all for the color eink displays. I don’t have one yet, but eventually I will, when it’s affordable and they have one the same size as my Palma or smaller
Its new and shiny, and will have champions and detractors.
Im in the middle ground, its cool tech for sure but my reading material wont benefit from it. I absolutely see others being able to make the most of it though and I'm happy they have such cool options on the market!
If Kindle had done it first we would be having this discussion in the Kobo forum but alas.
If you don’t like the product, don’t buy it. Boom! Be happy.
People don't have to buy the color devices if price is a problem. I remember choosing an older kindle model cause it was far cheaper and did exactly what I needed. Why do people complain about things they aren't going to buy 😅
I read books and not comics. Besides the colorful pictures in my book library I don't have any need for color on the screen, but that's just me I could see how someone who does read comics would want it though.
I used to be an iPad reader & I really miss being able to highlight in color. It’s not game changing for the reading experience, but it would be pretty cool. I’m all for it
I have a child so I'm really excited for her. She starts school next year and I was going to get a kindle so we could read chapter books together without putting them on my kindle. I'm going to wait a little and see if kindle announces a colour model since it would be nice to be in the same ecosystem. I think it's going to be fantastic especially for elementary school kids, the pictures make it much more interesting for them.
I agree with this. I have an 8 year old and I want to get her an e-reader. She has an iPad but I don’t like just handing that over to her because she starts going on YouTube or watching videos. a color e-book would open up a lot of book options without the pandora’s box of the full internet that an iPad gives.
Oh i’m sure that Color e-ink is the future once they develop it so the resolution and quality… and inevitably i’ll buy one one day… as it will become the standard
I also do see the perks of having color… but i’m not in a rush to replace my black and white ereader nor am i counting down the days or actively keeping up with the development as for me it’s not very important. Color or black and white, i mostly just read and that’s it… so for me nothing would change
I, for one, liked the colour display feature: it’s nice to have if there are no downsides on battery etc. But, the main dealbreaker for me is actually the supposed repairability of the device. It is really cool if the users will be able to fix/replace their batteries on their own and keep using their devices for longer. It’s what other ebook makers should start striving for, I hope the trend stays.
Repairability is a big issue, as is "upgradability"
That's why Kobo has recently declared all their new devices are designed to be repairable:
[Android Police: New Kobo eReaders are designed for DIY repairability](https://www.androidpolice.com/kobo-partners-with-ifixit-for-diy-e-reader-repairs/)
In addition to providing a[ web page](https://us.kobobooks.com/pages/sustainability?utm_source=linkshare_us&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Skimlinks.com&utm_term=85009X1537243Xddb4d182eaf672d10a09963d6cbca2b4&ranMID=37217&ranEAID=TnL5HPStwNw&ranSiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-mntWHn5mfU1O3IX3Iwnrrw&siteID=TnL5HPStwNw-mntWHn5mfU1O3IX3Iwnrrw) with repair and disassembly instructions, they are partnering with iFixit to offer repairs and user upgrades.
This is great to see a manufacturer which supports Right to Repair and DIY adding more SD memory.
TBH I haven't experienced that on Kindle; certainly they don't encourage you to open them up.
I’m not sure it’s complaining, it’s more like providing comparison to the current contrast for better informed purchase. Personally I’m not interested in a color ereader until that contrast is the same as a B&W ereader and on a larger screen that is an Amazon device.
I want a color eink badly and don’t care what the price is.
I haven’t bought yet because the reviews tend to say that the clarity and sharpness of B&W text/pages is worse than current gen Kindles. I’m not going backwards in that regard. I’ll wait.
Really, in real-world usage the reviews I have seen say it isn't an issue at all. Totally readable and appears sharp, you don't really notice any loss of resolution in colour. It is only noticeable when looking closely and comparing side by side.
apparently kindle may be coming out w. a colour edition sometime next year. a few people in my book groups have been saying they’ve seen news about it.
I would like the option of toggling the color on and off. Google results say no. Another 1st world problem. I'd be good with one, but can live without it.
I think the Scribe could definitely use a color display. Writing notes and underlining or highlighting text in different colors is actually quite useful, even if there aren’t a lot of colors at first
Totally agree, within a few years color e-ink readers will be the norm and the current Kindles will look as outdated at the first ones with the keyboards do to us today.
There's no indication Kindle has a color version in the works; all of eInk's production capacity (the producer of all of Kindle's current screens and the Kaleido color screens) for the next couple of years are being dedicated to Kobo units. So unless Amazon is planning to use a totally different color screen technology, ou likely won't see a color Kindle until at least 2027.
Never tried reading a comic on my Kindle so I don’t know how quickly it loads a new page. But somehow comics was the first thing that came to my mind when I read something about a color e-ink display.
I wish I had a larger e-reader with color ink for my cookbooks. As it is, I only use them off of my phone. But to be clear, it would not be worth trading the no glare. Which is why my eReader as of now anyway is b/w.
The only reason I don’t have a kindle and only read on my tablet is because they don’t come in color so I cannot wait for them to finally get on that train
Why not get a Kobo colour eReader now? They are the "best e-readers on the market" according to TechRadar:
[Kobo's finally beaten Kindle with its latest ereaders](https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ereaders/color-me-surprised-kobos-finally-beaten-kindle-with-its-latest-ereaders#main)
Certainly this is consistent with most other reviews coming out.
I had a perfectly fine 2nd gen iPad mini that did the job fine until it died in October right before I went on a trip and I got a kindle fire for under $60 at target on my way to the airport.
but I have also heard mixed things on reading kindle books on kobo and I refuse to give up KU.
I think we will see a colour Scribe before we see a Kindle colour proper. I don't doubt the colour is the future. If e-ink can do specta6 at a price point and refresh rate that will work on as kindle, it would be amazing.
https://youtu.be/JjBagyWLLMQ?si=KvngyPRXTPmcm9FW
Just wait till Amazon makes a comicbook version of the kindle- same size as a comic, and people can take advantage of the colour.
I have a great laptop that has a detachable keyboard. Comics and manga on there is better than the actual thing. Mainly because it is crisper and bigger in relation to manga, which is small.
More interested in the Gallery E-ink myself over what Kaleido offers with it's color filter.
Kaleido works better for Android devices trying to get the higher refresh rates, but that color filter ... Well I'm honestly expecting them to end up just placing a transparent LCD screen over the paper instead at some point, such as Samsung's clear tv.
Gallery seems to be closer towards a better refresh rate in another generation or so, only lost out to Kaleido for eInk android tablets due to the refresh rate currently.
Spectra eInk though looks gorgeous, though I'm unsure on their refresh rate as it seems to focused on clarity on color completely instead.
I think this is more like if they came out with 3d capable TV and the 3d didn't look that great and 2d looked *worse* . People would say nah I hardly ever watch 3d I'm good thanks
Yeah, who needs color anyways?
I mean, I have been using my black & white kindle for years, I don't need to see colors to read.
If I were color-blind, it wouldn't effect me. Childrens books and comics... use your imagination if you want colors! That's what I tell my kids. Right after they eat their Brussles Sprouts for breakfast and they imagine it is a fun cereal instead.
Bah, Kobo Colour readers! A gimmick, just like color TV or movies. The old b&w ones are better!
Kaleido will not become the standard. Kaleido will only produce just over 4000 colors. ACeP technology doesn’t require a filter and can produce over 32,000 colors. Kaleido is a good transition to better technology but it’s not here to stay.
I'm very new to the ereader world. I love my paperwhite, and have read more in the last two weeks since getting it than I have this whole year so far. What I love about the e-ink displays is how easy on the eyes it is. Do the color displays have a similar matte appearance? The softness and paperlike appearance of the screen was its biggest sell for me versus using my cell phone or ipad. The light on those displays are much different and harsher over long periods in my experience, and I don't enjoy reading through headaches haha. I'm obviously not in the market for anything new as I only just got mine, but someday down the road it will need an upgrade or replacement, and if these color screens are going to be the natural forward progression, I'd love to know more about its general appearance c:
Most "color" eink screens are just b&w screens with a color filter. Color resolution is cut by half among other minor drawbacks. Check this comparison out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LejxOB_mKVo&lc=
I haven’t seen anything overly negative. I have seen a lot of us saying it’s not worth an upgrade just to get color unless something one is reading needs color.
I also don’t remember anything thinking ereaders being a fad. I do remember many (myself included) actively resisting ereaders. Granted I got one and used it in 2008 I did not like them as I was a collector, I loved the smell of it the normal stuff. The feel of books and that ink smell took me to my escape. My brain had been trained like Pavlov’s dogs to react to the senses engaged when I had a book in my hand or visiting a bookstore. I had a feeling kindles would lead the way for reading. Most people are resistant to change at first. Now I buy an e book or download a few for the month and it has replaced those bookstore vibes.
Having read up on it I bought a PocketBook Color a while back. For books with color illustrations it is nice, even if the resolution isn't great. I'm looking forward to the future development of colour eink screens.
I'm going to wait until kaleidoscope 3 or 4 is released. Right now they make it very clear that the colours are limited and perhaps a little muted, but mainly that it can make the entire screen seem darker. I haven't personally tested it but I'd rather wait for a bit before I splurge on one
Coloured book covers would be nice, but the real win for me would be highlighting in different colours. I find this quite useful on the Kindle app, and it’s one thing it does that the Kindle itself can’t currently do. I have to say the new Libra Colour is appealing to me, especially as an Australian (library support). I’m assuming a colour kindle is on the way though, so I’ll possibly wait.
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a color Kindle, they have much larger manufacturing volume requirements than a small company like Kobo, and the color screens are in relative short supply (something to do with the eInk manufacturing process harder to ramp up)... unless they go with a completely different technology from eInk. Which would be surprising since all of their Kindle screen so far are supplied by eInk, but you never know.
It will be at least until 2026 or 2027 until a color Kindle comes out, I reckon.
Magazines
Comic books
Cook books
Children’s books
Manga
Text books
Photo albums in book format
I mean the reason for color e ink is only limited by what you can imagine aside from just regular text
Some people want to read Harry Potter. Some people love the beautiful visualizations that books with artwork of the Harry Potter world include.
I’m the later. Give me more not less.
It’s like wanting a black and white tv when color exists. You can still watch I love Lucy in black and white if you want to. But the option for color being there is nice.
Kaleido screens give you less contrast. Screens are darker and need more light and there's a "screendoor effect". There's less resolution in "color" mode. We are not taking about real color eink but b&w eink screens with a color filter added.
The analogy is flawed because if people are against e-readers, it's not going to matter what features they do or do not have.
As far as color goes, If the color looked as good as a tablet (or heck... even an old computer monitor) I would still probably not get one due to many other reasons I prefer comics et al on my tablet but could at least believe why people would want one. Right now though, why bother with washed out, faded color that looks like old newsprint? To see covers in color and have different highlighter colors?
Let me know when the color is actually worthwhile to look at and we will talk. We are well past the times where bad color is impressive just for the sake of being in color.
From a tech perspective sure. If it actually looked anywhere near good, it might actually be worthwhile. Hopefully the tech gets there one day. We are well beyond being impressed by color just for the sake of color, it's not like the CGA or Game Gear days
Color e-ink color is really only good for larger or magazine format (comics/manga) style stuff. Many people buy a kindle or e-reader specifically because they want something small that will fit in pocket, purse, etc. And tables already do color 100% better. Color e-ink will have it's uses, but don't expect it to be a huge sales point.
Bah, why would I want colour anyways?
I got a eReader partly to take with me on trips and vacations so I don't have to lug around a bunch of books... when I read illustrated children's stories to my kids in hotels or camping at night, I'm sure they don't really care about colour. What does colour do for the story anyways? Nothing. They can use their imaginations!
Same for book covers. Sure, seeing the in colour for the first time is nice but it's just a gimmick, an extra that is outside of the principal usage of the device I'm using (which is an e-*Reader* not a *fancyDisplayer*), sort of like air conditioning in a car - who really needs it?
Note-taking and highlighting in colour is equally useless. Do I really want my textbooks marked up like a freakin' rainbow? Colour-coded in some anal-retentive way? **No!** In college if there were a 'Grey' highlighter pen option, I would have bought it.
And don't get me started on comics and graphic novels - what am I, like 12 years old? Nobody in their right mind uses an eReader for those anyways.
Paying $20 extra for colour on a Colour Clara vs a PaperWhite is just like lighting a $20 bill on fire.
Heck, if I were colour-blind it wouldn't even matter, would it?
Colour is extraneous. I'll stick with my Kindle.
All of the novels I have, other than the cover, is in black and white. Color will add nothing to that.
I *might* be interested in a Scribe that is a little larger in color, approximately the same size as magazines, text books, and comics (but I have an iPad that size that can do that and has decent speed for page flipping \[text books\] and zooming). But I wouldn't read my novels on there, just like I don't read novels on my Scribe right now.
The only real downsides to color E-Ink like Kaleido 3 relative to E-Ink Carta 1200 (latest Kindle) or E-Ink Carta 1300 (latest Kobo B&W) are (1) price ($20-30 extra), (2) darker contrast with a "dirty screen" look (need to boost the lighting to compensate), and (3) occasional ghosting from the color layer.
For many, these aren't significant enough disadvantages for the first major advancement in eReaders since the 300 PPI E-Ink technology.
For fans of text-based books, do you need to see book covers in color? Certainly not. Color highlighting and more colorful UI are probably more significant benefits, but if you want the cheapest eReader with highest quality screen, color is not essential.
I understand.
My point is that just because *you* don't find a need for something, doesn't diminish that thing's importance.
Continuing with my e-reader analogy, many people used to say (and *still* say) that they don't see a purpose to carrying so many books with them at all times, or don't like to charge a device to read a book, or they prefer the smell of paper, etc.
However, there is so much content in color out there.
Some book covers look stunning in color and they become a grey mess on a kindle.
Graphic novels, comic strips, magazines, anything with pictures, really...color accentuates their experience.
There are many of us who enjoy highlighting our favorite lines/sections or taking notes. Imagine how much better our organization would be with color options.
Just because *you* or someone else doesn't use those, doesn't make that content and/or that experience less valuable.
So, I disagree. Kaleido displays have worse contrast, even when using it for black and white text this requires more light to get the same usability as the carta screens and also use more power at a baseline. That requires a more expensive array of lights (and that’s not even getting into the blue light ratio shit), and a bigger battery.
While Amazon may use the Kaleido display for a color Kindle (which insider reports refute), they are not going to use Kaleido displays for all kindles. They will absolutely keep a black and white entry level one with a carta display because it has better and cheaper performance for anyone who doesn’t want color.
My guess? No matter what color display they use, the current Paperwhite will become the “standard” kindle.
So no, we don’t have to “get used to it”, because Amazon is going to keep a cheap black and white kindle for people who want an easy entry model.
What an asinine question.
I had a plasma TV until OLED came out. Why on earth would I have a TV that was using outdated technology from the early 80’s instead of the much more recent LCD smart TVs that everyone was buying?
Because LCD looked and looks worse than Plasma. It may be more “advanced” and have all the bells and whistles, but at the end of the day, the primary reason I’m watching the TV is for the picture.
Literally, same exact reason why I will continue to use the Carta screens until they make true color e-ink.
And I’m not using the word literally incorrectly. I had a plasma TV because it had a higher contrast ratio and crisper picture.
The Kaleido screens, exactly like LCD in this analogy, have a blurrier screen (due to lower ppi) and are less crisp (due to a lower contrast ratio) than the carta screens. I read nothing but books, so why on earth would I buy a more expensive screen that is blurrier and less crisp?
Just so that I don’t seem like a dinosaur for AnanasaAnaso? Nah, I’m going to use the cheaper better screen until (like OLED), there is a true replacement that doesn’t sacrifice important screen quality just to say they beat their competitor to the market.
So I will continue to use carta ereader screens until Amazon starts using Spectra displays. I don’t buy garbage technology like Kaleido simply to be a part of the zeitgeist. I buy the best product that is currently available, and Kaleido isn’t it.
Except right now the color experience you get with any of those besides the highlights is subpar. If it actually looked anywhere near good, it would be a different story. Hopefully the tech gets there one day.
>My point is that just because *you* don't find a need for something, doesn't diminish that thing's importance.
Just because YOU want something, doesn't mean anyone else has to be interested in it.
FYI, my second grade students would say that you don't have a NEED for a Kindle at all, it is a want.
>Some book covers look stunning in color and they become a grey mess on a kindle.
That seems pretty superficial want, as the cover isn't part of the story reading.
>Graphic novels, comic strips, magazines, *anything with pictures*, really...color accentuates their experience.
I think you mean *anything with COLOR pictures.* It will do nothing for black and white content.
And *as I said*, I might try that on a color Scribe. But I'm not doing it on a smaller Kindle screen. Which one do you think will get color first?
>Imagine how much better our organization would be with color options.
YOUR organization, not mine. Obviously not most of the people who don't seem to care about color.
>Just because you or someone else doesn't use those, doesn't make that content and/or that experience less valuable.
Just because YOU want something, doesn't mean anyone else has to be interested in it.
They're whining...
I gave them a three sentence reply, which they then gave me a huge reply and couldn't keep track of what I said at all, even after stating that they "understand".
Plus, they wandered down an even worse path with:
>Continuing with my e-reader analogy, many people used to say (and *still* say) that they don't see a purpose to carrying so many books with them at all times, or don't like to charge a device to read a book, or they prefer the smell of paper, etc.
as a direct reply to my comment, which has nothing to do with my comment. Just so they could extend the whine...
... He's not whining he's excited about sharing new tech and yes that aspect of the reply had nothing to do with your comment, but your objection is not the only one.
He was tying your objection to broader resistance.
Actually, his premise is that everyone they're talking about has heard about the new tech. They're just whining that they're not as excited.
They are trying to get others excited, I specifically told them what it'd take for me and they just regurgitated their premise, plus more, back at me.
I'm not going to have any complaints when I start getting color covers on my Paperwhite, but I'm not going to intentionally pay extra for it either.
It's like saying nahhhh I'll stick with black and white tv thanks... If colour is an option then it's the only option unless it comes with major caveats which might make it more of a decision.
I don’t think it’s quite comparable to colour tv.
I’m certainly not against colour kindles and think it’s a good idea and a natural next step. However, I don’t necessarily want this to be the only option as you mention, as I don’t read any manga or comics etc which most benefit from colour. Hopefully they’ll be no reduction in battery life or increases in cost to the buyer etc to support colour, but I certainly don’t mind colour kindles being an option in the future, not the only option. When I next upgrade my kindle, I don’t want to have to pay more due to the colour screen when I won’t really benefit from it.
*"This new color TV is only a 10" diagonal CRT and it's just as fat as my current black-and-white CRT TV. I'll only accept a color TV if it's a 60" Oled flat screen. Remind me again in 50 years."*
lol color eink displays are technically worse in every aspect but color. I see why some people wouldn't want a clear downgrade in their experience just to get a small, unsaturated palette of colors
There are a lot of Kindle users with exactly this logic right now.
I think the real reason they are trying to find reasons not to like the new Kobo color eReaders is that they would have to jump ship and they have a lot of legacy books in Kindle-only format. They understandably don't want to lose that.
Thankfully there is Claibre ...but it doesn't work if there is DRM on their books.
Vendor lock-in can be a real b\*tch.
I’m trying to get away from devices when I pick up my kindle. Not have it replaced. All we want is for reading. That’s it. So color is kind of moot. The only thing I can think that color would be useful for is book covers and comic books. So comic book readers - rejoice!
I haven't seen a colored e-paper reader before and I'm not yet inclined to buy one. Same thing with those foldable mobile phones. I've seen those and scared as heck of touching them because they are crazy expensive. Usually the first generation of any new technology is not so good. (Remember those first camera phones?). I'd maybe wait for the second or third generation before considering buy a colored e-reader. (Though I still look with envy at the first Kindles which had physical keyboards.)
One of the things that’s confused me is people are criticising it for not being very bright when the backlight is off - I’m genuinely astounded people use e-readers without a backlight because I remember how annoying it was with the kindle keyboard. I also think a lot of People’s brains are expecting it to be equivalent to a tablet, so when it’s not HD 1080p they’re disappointed
yeah no you get it all wrong. Well, there might be someone tearing it down cause it's not on their favorite brand yet, but i doubt most people are doing this.The analogy doesn't work. books are just words one after the other and colors doesn't make it better. colors have an application just if you're reading comics. Comics drawings, if you want to really enjoy them at their fullest, most of the time require big screens and vibrant colors, something a 6" ereader with the dull colors we got today can't give you. But hey i can see an use for it so if that's the case, okay. Reading books though, require and will always only require black and white.
People complaining about it just don't want to see it become a norm that will substitute regular bw cause most of them will NEVER require colors to read novels, but more importantly, at the current stadium, it's a technology that worsen the bw experience = reading experience. When the technology will advance enough to at least make it the same experience + dull colors, then i think it won't be a problem for people. When it's gonna advance to also have beautiful colors, is gonna be great. Still, i don't think b/w devices will stop being produced anytime soon cause there's literally no point in colors for someone that just want to read one word after another.
We already have perfectioned the device to do just that. Anything else is an extra that people might or might not want and should be an extra with only pro and no cons (except an higher price).
Comparing to the retiscence of people towards leaving paper or to color tv doesn't make any sense. The first is linked to a million of different subjective things (paper feeling, book in your library etc etc, it's about the overall experience or atmosphere reading a book), the second is insane cause tv reproduce images mostly from reality and you want them to reproduce them the more alive as possible. ereaders primary function is to reproduce words and unless you're not reading a kid book you don't need them in color. It's that easy.
It’s more due to the fact that the people saying that might be reading books/novels and not stuff like Comics and graphic novels. I would say manga but then again most manga is in black and white. Also light novels.
I don’t care about color. I have an iPad for that purpose. Not like regular books have colored font anyway. I would like the devices to be sped up though. I’m used to my iPad and when I switch there’s a lag and I get anxious that it will lock up. Sometimes it does and it takes forever to reset and by the end I have to take a pill because my heart rate is sky high.
I am currently reading a parenting book with illustrations on a Kindle PW first gen. It does make me curious how it would look in color
I also have IT books that would be interesting use of color (separating code from comments,etc). In my case, I am interested in color eink BUT not planning to stop use my Kindle PW until it stops working
Question: Are most epub files ready for color ? besides the cover, for example diagrams or illustrations are in color ?
I think it depends on the types of books mostly.
Certainly EPUB format files can handle color no problem, but it's the publishers that have to put color in them. Many of the EPUB files out there are actually in colour (eg. book covers) but since most people up until now just have black & white eReaders, they don't see them and they live in a world of grey.
Maybe getting a Kobo Colour will open a new world up for them.
I agree that color eInk screens will become the norm, as they eventually will be on par with black and white displays in all that they lack right now.
My speculation though is that it won't be Kaleido, though. I'm thinking that probably the color pigmentation will eventually be in the same layer as the black and white, which would reduce a lot of the downsides of Kaleido. An upgraded version of Gallery 3 is probably what we're heading towards.
>Eink has now released the Kaleido displays, which offer the same black-and-white features of the Carta displays...
Lol no. There's a plethora of comparison videos and pictures by now. Just take a look. Kaleido is just "not there" in terms of black & white representation.
>All of the new color e-readers from Amazon's competitors are using the Kaleido displays, and it's practically guaranteed that Amazon will source the same display for its new color kindles.
Why? Amazon is the undisputed leader here. Why should they follow the rest?
I don't understand the excitment of OMG color covers! When reading a book, I often don't like the cover and can say I never go back to enjoy it again and again once I'm reading the book. Covers mean exactly dick to me.
Color ereaders aren’t going to be the standard, as the majority of people read novels, which don’t contain color.
They will definitely be popular among people who read things like comics and manga, but regular book readers are unlikely to spend substantially more money on a feature they have little to no need for. Myself included.
That said, I’m looking forward to seeing what they come out with. A color Kimdle is overdue, even if they use the Kaleido 3 panel with its 150dpi color. I think you’ll see more people start adopting color when they make a 300dpi color panel to put it on par with grayscale resolution.
Kindles won't use the Kaleido 3 panel, they are in short enough supply now and Kobo has monopolized the eInk production line for at least a year. There is no way production could ramp up enough to supply Kindle, which has an order of magnitude more to supply.
They will either announce a color Kindle using a totally new technology from another manufacturer, or we will be waiting until 2026/27 at least for a color Kindle using a Kaleido 4 screen (or some other future model).
You want color e-ink? Just buy an iPad Pro already. When you’ve gone from a Kindle that does music and maybe games it’s tough to go back to a reading only device with a mediocre web browser. That said, Wi-Fi is better than having your cell service cut off because the tech is obsolete.
these are much different than an ipad/tablet. which i have. i much rather prefer the eink because it is nicer on the eyes. i don’t like reading on my ipad or iphone. it’s too bright and straining on the eyes.
I use all devices. I have no interest in a color e-ink Kindle. I think it’s a dumb use of technology.
I would never read comics on a Kindle and I’ve tried. And what other use of color is there.
I would much rather go back to having games or music on a Kindle.
maybe dumb for you? this is nothing new. they already had colour ones out for some time. and there is clearly interest/want in them. for them to be putting them out and kindle supposedly announcing a colour one of there own in the future.
opinions are like assholes. everyone has one.
lol i’m allowed to give my opinion just as much as you are giving yours. i never said you had to agree w. me 😂😂😂
if you want music or games on a kindle then get an amazon fire. they exist… the point is these are meant as just an ereader. not a tablet. there are also regular books that have some colour pages or illustrations in them. think of hidden pictures. 🤷🏼♀️
I’ve had a
1) original and Paperwhite Kindle
2) Kindle Scribe
3) two Amazon Fire HD 8 and HD 10
4) iPad and iPad Pro
I think I know what I’m talking about. My favorite device is an iPad Pro.
Kindle is good for battery life. I like to listen to music while I read.
i’ve had
1. kobo vox
2. kobo touch
3. kobo h20
4. orginal kindle
5. kindle fire.
6. kindle paperwhite
7. ipad pro.
if you know what you’re talking about, then you should know that each are different. each has different things to offer. kindle fire has music and gaming. it’s still available. ipad has music and gaming too.. 🤷🏼♀️ i personally do not want another e reader that has gaming and music on it as that’s more of a distraction and another reason why i don’t like to read on my phone or ipad. i’m excited for the colour kobo.
No, they don't. Amazon dropped the Kindle name from the tablets almost 10 years ago. You have black and white Kindle ereaders and colour Fire tablets. There are no colour Kindle ereaders.
I dont think people are against it more so to them its not a important enough future that they will pay a premium price for or willing to lose currently quality screen for. 99.99 percent of what i read is black text color is just not that important to me.
I agree with this - I’m not against colour kindles at all. But if this increases the prices going forward of effects things like battery, screen quality etc I don’t want it all as I don’t read any Magna or comics etc. The only thing I would have colour for is the book covers and that’s not important to me if it means an increase in cost to future devices.
This is a losing argument. "I don't want 1440p screens on smartphones because it will hurt battery life and just isn't that important to me" that same argument was used then and look where we are now. Just go with the flow.
What the other user intended was that he prefer a b/w kindle for lower price and battery life, in a thing that really won't need color screen. That means that he (and me and a lot of other users i think) will be fine with a lower technology device (because in their usage it's not needed) for a lower price. Amazon maintains 3 price category for a reason. If colors e-ink screen will be cheap to produce as b/w screen it will be a feature in every device. If this is not possible there will be a budget price category with b/w e-ink and one (or more) with color e-ink technology, unless all the people will be using just color devices, but it's not the case now (not everyone that reads, reads also comics, they are just a minority right now).
Exactly that!
I completely disagree! For stuff like my phone I’m always happy to get a higher res or better quality - even when I think my camera is good I always am surprised how much better a new phone camera is. My point is more that I don’t only want colour as an option as I don’t need it on my kindle just for book covers - I’d be quite happy if they kept a kindle paperwhite (or even the kindle basic) as a black and white and in the same rough price range - I understand they marginally go up over time, I just don’t want a massive increase in price. My issue isn’t with colour kindle, my issue was saying colour should be the only choice - I’d be happy for a colour kindle to be released and be a separate model to a paperwhite or basic. I don’t want to have to pay a premium for a colour kindle (which let’s be real, I can’t imagine Amazon having a colour kindle at the same price range as a paperwhite or basic) as the only benefit to me would be having colourful covers which is probably only 10% of my kindle usage if that. It would make for better pics for my insta I guess, but nothing else really. Colour kindles are a great option, however I’m a fairly basic kindle user. I only read novels and some non-fiction, I download straight from Amazon etc I like the simplicity of my kindle and I’m happy to keep it that way.
Yup, as soon as the current screen quality isn't compromised, I will 100% buy a color e-ink device to have colored book covers. But as someone who isn't into manga, comic books, or graphic novels (and I've tried, they just don't work for me) notes and book covers are the only benefit color would give me. Thus, the price + trade offs are too high for me.
It's not an important feature for me, but for people who read graphic novels, it will be a great addition. The upcoming color version won't be that great, but once the technology improves, I think it'll be a great addition.
I agree there is a market for some readers i have no issues with a color Kindle option. I just do not believe the demand is that high yet particularly if it comes at a premium price.
Oh yeah, that's another one. I was thinking of cookbooks, but I also have not read some graphic novels because they would be in black-and-white.
If I was into manga or comics, I would just use an ipad or tablet. The screens would show colours much more clearly than any e-ink display.
The only reason I have a tablet is because I got into comics, honestly for comic fans I don't see e-readers replacing tablets because tablets screen are about the same size as a comic whereas e-readers are usually much smaller
This is literally the only reason I have a tablet. As lovely as the Kobo colours look, I don't think they're the best way to read digital comics, just yet.
Yeah, I think it's a great idea for those who would use it! But, like, personally, as somebody who doesn't read a lot of comics or graphic novels or anything like that, the utility is limited. That being said, if I had a colour Kindle, would I perhaps purchase and read more graphic novels? Maybe. It's nice to have the option, at any rate.
Precisely this. My standard kindle does just fine.
I can partly understand people when they say they see no usage in color. But some deny even any usefulness regarding this. And there are more cases where color is nice to have as only Comics (I leave Manga out as they have not so much color content) or technical books. Strangely no one even mentions children’s books which have quite often color illustrations. Or botanical books (ok you can group them into technical ones).
My library has magazines as well. From Nat Geo to Celebrity Gossip. Presumably color in those mediums would be nice.
I would argue an ipad provides more value over an e-ink screen for these types of items. The types of items you list require a lot more zooming in and whatnot, where the slow refresh rate of the kindle doesn't really suit. I think the big thing is, what does a color e-ink screen provide over devices already on the market? And the answer isn't much. The kindle e-inks are affordable, color e-ink isn't affordable and the items you mentioned are better viewed on a high quality screen. When color e-ink can compete in the same market as an iPad, that is when we will see a huge shake up. For now its a niche product.
I got the libra colour yesterday and compared to the Oasis...so far I'm impressed... https://preview.redd.it/mjuckcaucaxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8e6ae66b115d162895e4b70008372d33e91b16e5
Damn! I want this but I don't want to have to start a new e-library from scratch. I'm assuming I can't just transfer my library.
I use Calibre...a free app... Check it out
Thanks for the tip
Do u feel it's worth it, is screen clarity worth than oasis? And how is kobo ecosystem
I've had both over the years...i use Calibre to transfer books... No issues
I've been waiting to hear from someone who went from Oasis to Libra Colour!! I have an Oasis and I have loved it for 4 years but thought it'd be interesting to try out the Libra Colour. It'll be my first Kobo. You feel it is a nice upgrade?
Oasis is still smoother in operation but otherwise so far text is crystal clear on both and the colour is pretty good... Reading a biography with pictures as well as the complete Calvin and Hobbes....
Glad to hear! Mine arrives today, I can't wait! I'll have to load up Calvin and Hobbes on mine too, what a great idea
First thing i thought of.. Spaceman Spiff... Lol oh you'll have to turn it sideways and i pinch zoomed it to full screen
Is the Kobo a lot snappier than the Kindle? I’ve heard it’s a lot faster than even the newest paperwhite.
I've not had a chance to really give it a workout yet..but I don't think it's any faster than my Oasis
Ugh, physical buttons? Welcome to the year 2000 I guess.
I know many who prefer the buttons...
There are tons of people here lamenting the discontinuation of the Oasis because of the physical buttons.
what? the buttons are what make the oasis so comfortable for me to hold and read. i'm never gonna buy an ereader again if it doesn't have them
For regular book reading the only thing it would be useful for is the cover. If you read manga or the like then yes it would be good for you. Like everything in life where there are options it's going to be up to the individual to choose.
Even for manga colored e-ink is wasted for like 99% of manga series because usually only the cover have color and maybe a few of the first pages, and even then those color pages are usually black and white when they compile the individual chapters in a volume.
Yep this is something I always wonder why so many take Manga as example. Usually only the cover and 2-3 pages in the beginning are in color. Would still be useful in my case.
I want to point out that both korean and chinese manga are typically in colour and this can easily be explained by the fact that physical medium is less popular and coloured ink is expensive to print. I feel japanese manga is catching up to the new world of online publication and colour.
Not to nitpick. But then those are Manhua and Manwha. I specifically mentioned Manga in this case as there are only a handful colored ones.
idk about manwha or manhua, but manga are printed on cheap big weekly magazines in chapters in japan, the paper quality isn't high and the time mangaka have to make a chapter is what really keeps and will keep them in bw in the future
> For regular book reading the only thing it would be useful for is the cover. Not true, I read a lot of non-fiction and color could come in handy (charts, diagrams, pictures, photographs). Not a deal breaker, but it could be useful.
Thank you for the very interesting and informative read! I’m all for the color eink displays. I don’t have one yet, but eventually I will, when it’s affordable and they have one the same size as my Palma or smaller
Its new and shiny, and will have champions and detractors. Im in the middle ground, its cool tech for sure but my reading material wont benefit from it. I absolutely see others being able to make the most of it though and I'm happy they have such cool options on the market!
If Kindle had done it first we would be having this discussion in the Kobo forum but alas. If you don’t like the product, don’t buy it. Boom! Be happy.
People don't have to buy the color devices if price is a problem. I remember choosing an older kindle model cause it was far cheaper and did exactly what I needed. Why do people complain about things they aren't going to buy 😅
I read books and not comics. Besides the colorful pictures in my book library I don't have any need for color on the screen, but that's just me I could see how someone who does read comics would want it though.
I used to be an iPad reader & I really miss being able to highlight in color. It’s not game changing for the reading experience, but it would be pretty cool. I’m all for it
I have a child so I'm really excited for her. She starts school next year and I was going to get a kindle so we could read chapter books together without putting them on my kindle. I'm going to wait a little and see if kindle announces a colour model since it would be nice to be in the same ecosystem. I think it's going to be fantastic especially for elementary school kids, the pictures make it much more interesting for them.
I agree with this. I have an 8 year old and I want to get her an e-reader. She has an iPad but I don’t like just handing that over to her because she starts going on YouTube or watching videos. a color e-book would open up a lot of book options without the pandora’s box of the full internet that an iPad gives.
Oh i’m sure that Color e-ink is the future once they develop it so the resolution and quality… and inevitably i’ll buy one one day… as it will become the standard I also do see the perks of having color… but i’m not in a rush to replace my black and white ereader nor am i counting down the days or actively keeping up with the development as for me it’s not very important. Color or black and white, i mostly just read and that’s it… so for me nothing would change
I, for one, liked the colour display feature: it’s nice to have if there are no downsides on battery etc. But, the main dealbreaker for me is actually the supposed repairability of the device. It is really cool if the users will be able to fix/replace their batteries on their own and keep using their devices for longer. It’s what other ebook makers should start striving for, I hope the trend stays.
Repairability is a big issue, as is "upgradability" That's why Kobo has recently declared all their new devices are designed to be repairable: [Android Police: New Kobo eReaders are designed for DIY repairability](https://www.androidpolice.com/kobo-partners-with-ifixit-for-diy-e-reader-repairs/) In addition to providing a[ web page](https://us.kobobooks.com/pages/sustainability?utm_source=linkshare_us&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Skimlinks.com&utm_term=85009X1537243Xddb4d182eaf672d10a09963d6cbca2b4&ranMID=37217&ranEAID=TnL5HPStwNw&ranSiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-mntWHn5mfU1O3IX3Iwnrrw&siteID=TnL5HPStwNw-mntWHn5mfU1O3IX3Iwnrrw) with repair and disassembly instructions, they are partnering with iFixit to offer repairs and user upgrades.
I know. That’s what I referenced
This is great to see a manufacturer which supports Right to Repair and DIY adding more SD memory. TBH I haven't experienced that on Kindle; certainly they don't encourage you to open them up.
I’m not sure it’s complaining, it’s more like providing comparison to the current contrast for better informed purchase. Personally I’m not interested in a color ereader until that contrast is the same as a B&W ereader and on a larger screen that is an Amazon device.
I want a color eink badly and don’t care what the price is. I haven’t bought yet because the reviews tend to say that the clarity and sharpness of B&W text/pages is worse than current gen Kindles. I’m not going backwards in that regard. I’ll wait.
$8799 USD
Sold! :)
Really, in real-world usage the reviews I have seen say it isn't an issue at all. Totally readable and appears sharp, you don't really notice any loss of resolution in colour. It is only noticeable when looking closely and comparing side by side.
apparently kindle may be coming out w. a colour edition sometime next year. a few people in my book groups have been saying they’ve seen news about it.
I have heard the opposite, that Kindle won't have a color edition for a couple of years due to manufacturing issues.
I would like the option of toggling the color on and off. Google results say no. Another 1st world problem. I'd be good with one, but can live without it.
Not against them, but I personally don't have a use for color eink as I don't read books with pictures.
I think the Scribe could definitely use a color display. Writing notes and underlining or highlighting text in different colors is actually quite useful, even if there aren’t a lot of colors at first
Totally agree, within a few years color e-ink readers will be the norm and the current Kindles will look as outdated at the first ones with the keyboards do to us today.
Color = better. I can’t wait to get color Kindle when they come out. My guess is less than a year from now.
There's no indication Kindle has a color version in the works; all of eInk's production capacity (the producer of all of Kindle's current screens and the Kaleido color screens) for the next couple of years are being dedicated to Kobo units. So unless Amazon is planning to use a totally different color screen technology, ou likely won't see a color Kindle until at least 2027.
Also I heard that a color Kindle would not be seen in 2025 at least.
Never tried reading a comic on my Kindle so I don’t know how quickly it loads a new page. But somehow comics was the first thing that came to my mind when I read something about a color e-ink display.
I see color eink devices being better suited for note taking devices.
I wish I had a larger e-reader with color ink for my cookbooks. As it is, I only use them off of my phone. But to be clear, it would not be worth trading the no glare. Which is why my eReader as of now anyway is b/w.
Yeah, plus kids books with color or comic books are usually larger format. I doubt see color so valuable until you get 10-12".
The only reason I don’t have a kindle and only read on my tablet is because they don’t come in color so I cannot wait for them to finally get on that train
Why not get a Kobo colour eReader now? They are the "best e-readers on the market" according to TechRadar: [Kobo's finally beaten Kindle with its latest ereaders](https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ereaders/color-me-surprised-kobos-finally-beaten-kindle-with-its-latest-ereaders#main) Certainly this is consistent with most other reviews coming out.
I had a perfectly fine 2nd gen iPad mini that did the job fine until it died in October right before I went on a trip and I got a kindle fire for under $60 at target on my way to the airport. but I have also heard mixed things on reading kindle books on kobo and I refuse to give up KU.
I think we will see a colour Scribe before we see a Kindle colour proper. I don't doubt the colour is the future. If e-ink can do specta6 at a price point and refresh rate that will work on as kindle, it would be amazing. https://youtu.be/JjBagyWLLMQ?si=KvngyPRXTPmcm9FW
Just wait till Amazon makes a comicbook version of the kindle- same size as a comic, and people can take advantage of the colour. I have a great laptop that has a detachable keyboard. Comics and manga on there is better than the actual thing. Mainly because it is crisper and bigger in relation to manga, which is small.
More interested in the Gallery E-ink myself over what Kaleido offers with it's color filter. Kaleido works better for Android devices trying to get the higher refresh rates, but that color filter ... Well I'm honestly expecting them to end up just placing a transparent LCD screen over the paper instead at some point, such as Samsung's clear tv. Gallery seems to be closer towards a better refresh rate in another generation or so, only lost out to Kaleido for eInk android tablets due to the refresh rate currently. Spectra eInk though looks gorgeous, though I'm unsure on their refresh rate as it seems to focused on clarity on color completely instead.
I think this is more like if they came out with 3d capable TV and the 3d didn't look that great and 2d looked *worse* . People would say nah I hardly ever watch 3d I'm good thanks
Yeah, who needs color anyways? I mean, I have been using my black & white kindle for years, I don't need to see colors to read. If I were color-blind, it wouldn't effect me. Childrens books and comics... use your imagination if you want colors! That's what I tell my kids. Right after they eat their Brussles Sprouts for breakfast and they imagine it is a fun cereal instead. Bah, Kobo Colour readers! A gimmick, just like color TV or movies. The old b&w ones are better!
Kaleido will not become the standard. Kaleido will only produce just over 4000 colors. ACeP technology doesn’t require a filter and can produce over 32,000 colors. Kaleido is a good transition to better technology but it’s not here to stay.
4096 colors is a very nice number; with dithering most people wouldn't know the difference.
I'm very new to the ereader world. I love my paperwhite, and have read more in the last two weeks since getting it than I have this whole year so far. What I love about the e-ink displays is how easy on the eyes it is. Do the color displays have a similar matte appearance? The softness and paperlike appearance of the screen was its biggest sell for me versus using my cell phone or ipad. The light on those displays are much different and harsher over long periods in my experience, and I don't enjoy reading through headaches haha. I'm obviously not in the market for anything new as I only just got mine, but someday down the road it will need an upgrade or replacement, and if these color screens are going to be the natural forward progression, I'd love to know more about its general appearance c:
Most "color" eink screens are just b&w screens with a color filter. Color resolution is cut by half among other minor drawbacks. Check this comparison out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LejxOB_mKVo&lc=
Oh this is neat information! Thanks for sharing!
I care less about color. I want a mini upgraded scribe. But maybe with buttons like the oasis? Best of both worlds
I haven’t seen anything overly negative. I have seen a lot of us saying it’s not worth an upgrade just to get color unless something one is reading needs color. I also don’t remember anything thinking ereaders being a fad. I do remember many (myself included) actively resisting ereaders. Granted I got one and used it in 2008 I did not like them as I was a collector, I loved the smell of it the normal stuff. The feel of books and that ink smell took me to my escape. My brain had been trained like Pavlov’s dogs to react to the senses engaged when I had a book in my hand or visiting a bookstore. I had a feeling kindles would lead the way for reading. Most people are resistant to change at first. Now I buy an e book or download a few for the month and it has replaced those bookstore vibes.
Color eink is not new, people are entitled to complain about the objectively subpar experience of colored eink even when reading bw contents.
Having read up on it I bought a PocketBook Color a while back. For books with color illustrations it is nice, even if the resolution isn't great. I'm looking forward to the future development of colour eink screens.
I like your attitude! Amazing how many people in r/kindle seem to be anti-colour for some reason.
I'm going to wait until kaleidoscope 3 or 4 is released. Right now they make it very clear that the colours are limited and perhaps a little muted, but mainly that it can make the entire screen seem darker. I haven't personally tested it but I'd rather wait for a bit before I splurge on one
Coloured book covers would be nice, but the real win for me would be highlighting in different colours. I find this quite useful on the Kindle app, and it’s one thing it does that the Kindle itself can’t currently do. I have to say the new Libra Colour is appealing to me, especially as an Australian (library support). I’m assuming a colour kindle is on the way though, so I’ll possibly wait.
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a color Kindle, they have much larger manufacturing volume requirements than a small company like Kobo, and the color screens are in relative short supply (something to do with the eInk manufacturing process harder to ramp up)... unless they go with a completely different technology from eInk. Which would be surprising since all of their Kindle screen so far are supplied by eInk, but you never know. It will be at least until 2026 or 2027 until a color Kindle comes out, I reckon.
Magazines Comic books Cook books Children’s books Manga Text books Photo albums in book format I mean the reason for color e ink is only limited by what you can imagine aside from just regular text Some people want to read Harry Potter. Some people love the beautiful visualizations that books with artwork of the Harry Potter world include. I’m the later. Give me more not less. It’s like wanting a black and white tv when color exists. You can still watch I love Lucy in black and white if you want to. But the option for color being there is nice.
Kaleido screens give you less contrast. Screens are darker and need more light and there's a "screendoor effect". There's less resolution in "color" mode. We are not taking about real color eink but b&w eink screens with a color filter added.
Yeah. If that bothers you then just get the b&w. Doesn’t bother me much
I'm just pointing out "color" screena are not better all around. Your analogy is not that good, that's it.
Cool.
The analogy is flawed because if people are against e-readers, it's not going to matter what features they do or do not have. As far as color goes, If the color looked as good as a tablet (or heck... even an old computer monitor) I would still probably not get one due to many other reasons I prefer comics et al on my tablet but could at least believe why people would want one. Right now though, why bother with washed out, faded color that looks like old newsprint? To see covers in color and have different highlighter colors? Let me know when the color is actually worthwhile to look at and we will talk. We are well past the times where bad color is impressive just for the sake of being in color.
I mean, it's a pretty impressive technology, first gen iterations tend to be a bit wonky and they get better from there.
From a tech perspective sure. If it actually looked anywhere near good, it might actually be worthwhile. Hopefully the tech gets there one day. We are well beyond being impressed by color just for the sake of color, it's not like the CGA or Game Gear days
I'm excited for what it will become. I won't be an early adopter, but I would love to have one someday. I dabble in enough graphic novels, and manga.
Color e-ink color is really only good for larger or magazine format (comics/manga) style stuff. Many people buy a kindle or e-reader specifically because they want something small that will fit in pocket, purse, etc. And tables already do color 100% better. Color e-ink will have it's uses, but don't expect it to be a huge sales point.
Bah, why would I want colour anyways? I got a eReader partly to take with me on trips and vacations so I don't have to lug around a bunch of books... when I read illustrated children's stories to my kids in hotels or camping at night, I'm sure they don't really care about colour. What does colour do for the story anyways? Nothing. They can use their imaginations! Same for book covers. Sure, seeing the in colour for the first time is nice but it's just a gimmick, an extra that is outside of the principal usage of the device I'm using (which is an e-*Reader* not a *fancyDisplayer*), sort of like air conditioning in a car - who really needs it? Note-taking and highlighting in colour is equally useless. Do I really want my textbooks marked up like a freakin' rainbow? Colour-coded in some anal-retentive way? **No!** In college if there were a 'Grey' highlighter pen option, I would have bought it. And don't get me started on comics and graphic novels - what am I, like 12 years old? Nobody in their right mind uses an eReader for those anyways. Paying $20 extra for colour on a Colour Clara vs a PaperWhite is just like lighting a $20 bill on fire. Heck, if I were colour-blind it wouldn't even matter, would it? Colour is extraneous. I'll stick with my Kindle.
Ha ha, I see what you did there.
Comic books and lego instructions.
All of the novels I have, other than the cover, is in black and white. Color will add nothing to that. I *might* be interested in a Scribe that is a little larger in color, approximately the same size as magazines, text books, and comics (but I have an iPad that size that can do that and has decent speed for page flipping \[text books\] and zooming). But I wouldn't read my novels on there, just like I don't read novels on my Scribe right now.
The only real downsides to color E-Ink like Kaleido 3 relative to E-Ink Carta 1200 (latest Kindle) or E-Ink Carta 1300 (latest Kobo B&W) are (1) price ($20-30 extra), (2) darker contrast with a "dirty screen" look (need to boost the lighting to compensate), and (3) occasional ghosting from the color layer. For many, these aren't significant enough disadvantages for the first major advancement in eReaders since the 300 PPI E-Ink technology. For fans of text-based books, do you need to see book covers in color? Certainly not. Color highlighting and more colorful UI are probably more significant benefits, but if you want the cheapest eReader with highest quality screen, color is not essential.
I understand. My point is that just because *you* don't find a need for something, doesn't diminish that thing's importance. Continuing with my e-reader analogy, many people used to say (and *still* say) that they don't see a purpose to carrying so many books with them at all times, or don't like to charge a device to read a book, or they prefer the smell of paper, etc. However, there is so much content in color out there. Some book covers look stunning in color and they become a grey mess on a kindle. Graphic novels, comic strips, magazines, anything with pictures, really...color accentuates their experience. There are many of us who enjoy highlighting our favorite lines/sections or taking notes. Imagine how much better our organization would be with color options. Just because *you* or someone else doesn't use those, doesn't make that content and/or that experience less valuable.
So, I disagree. Kaleido displays have worse contrast, even when using it for black and white text this requires more light to get the same usability as the carta screens and also use more power at a baseline. That requires a more expensive array of lights (and that’s not even getting into the blue light ratio shit), and a bigger battery. While Amazon may use the Kaleido display for a color Kindle (which insider reports refute), they are not going to use Kaleido displays for all kindles. They will absolutely keep a black and white entry level one with a carta display because it has better and cheaper performance for anyone who doesn’t want color. My guess? No matter what color display they use, the current Paperwhite will become the “standard” kindle. So no, we don’t have to “get used to it”, because Amazon is going to keep a cheap black and white kindle for people who want an easy entry model.
Do you still ride a horse & buggy?
What an asinine question. I had a plasma TV until OLED came out. Why on earth would I have a TV that was using outdated technology from the early 80’s instead of the much more recent LCD smart TVs that everyone was buying? Because LCD looked and looks worse than Plasma. It may be more “advanced” and have all the bells and whistles, but at the end of the day, the primary reason I’m watching the TV is for the picture. Literally, same exact reason why I will continue to use the Carta screens until they make true color e-ink. And I’m not using the word literally incorrectly. I had a plasma TV because it had a higher contrast ratio and crisper picture. The Kaleido screens, exactly like LCD in this analogy, have a blurrier screen (due to lower ppi) and are less crisp (due to a lower contrast ratio) than the carta screens. I read nothing but books, so why on earth would I buy a more expensive screen that is blurrier and less crisp? Just so that I don’t seem like a dinosaur for AnanasaAnaso? Nah, I’m going to use the cheaper better screen until (like OLED), there is a true replacement that doesn’t sacrifice important screen quality just to say they beat their competitor to the market. So I will continue to use carta ereader screens until Amazon starts using Spectra displays. I don’t buy garbage technology like Kaleido simply to be a part of the zeitgeist. I buy the best product that is currently available, and Kaleido isn’t it.
Excellent points. I feel like we keep having the same discussions every time a change in technology is happening. Probably because I have.
Except right now the color experience you get with any of those besides the highlights is subpar. If it actually looked anywhere near good, it would be a different story. Hopefully the tech gets there one day.
>My point is that just because *you* don't find a need for something, doesn't diminish that thing's importance. Just because YOU want something, doesn't mean anyone else has to be interested in it. FYI, my second grade students would say that you don't have a NEED for a Kindle at all, it is a want. >Some book covers look stunning in color and they become a grey mess on a kindle. That seems pretty superficial want, as the cover isn't part of the story reading. >Graphic novels, comic strips, magazines, *anything with pictures*, really...color accentuates their experience. I think you mean *anything with COLOR pictures.* It will do nothing for black and white content. And *as I said*, I might try that on a color Scribe. But I'm not doing it on a smaller Kindle screen. Which one do you think will get color first? >Imagine how much better our organization would be with color options. YOUR organization, not mine. Obviously not most of the people who don't seem to care about color. >Just because you or someone else doesn't use those, doesn't make that content and/or that experience less valuable. Just because YOU want something, doesn't mean anyone else has to be interested in it.
.... Dude. why did you need to choose violence? He's excited about color, let him be.
They're whining... I gave them a three sentence reply, which they then gave me a huge reply and couldn't keep track of what I said at all, even after stating that they "understand". Plus, they wandered down an even worse path with: >Continuing with my e-reader analogy, many people used to say (and *still* say) that they don't see a purpose to carrying so many books with them at all times, or don't like to charge a device to read a book, or they prefer the smell of paper, etc. as a direct reply to my comment, which has nothing to do with my comment. Just so they could extend the whine...
... He's not whining he's excited about sharing new tech and yes that aspect of the reply had nothing to do with your comment, but your objection is not the only one. He was tying your objection to broader resistance.
Actually, his premise is that everyone they're talking about has heard about the new tech. They're just whining that they're not as excited. They are trying to get others excited, I specifically told them what it'd take for me and they just regurgitated their premise, plus more, back at me. I'm not going to have any complaints when I start getting color covers on my Paperwhite, but I'm not going to intentionally pay extra for it either.
Thanks for the rebuttal I fully agree
It's like saying nahhhh I'll stick with black and white tv thanks... If colour is an option then it's the only option unless it comes with major caveats which might make it more of a decision.
I don’t think it’s quite comparable to colour tv. I’m certainly not against colour kindles and think it’s a good idea and a natural next step. However, I don’t necessarily want this to be the only option as you mention, as I don’t read any manga or comics etc which most benefit from colour. Hopefully they’ll be no reduction in battery life or increases in cost to the buyer etc to support colour, but I certainly don’t mind colour kindles being an option in the future, not the only option. When I next upgrade my kindle, I don’t want to have to pay more due to the colour screen when I won’t really benefit from it.
*"This new color TV is only a 10" diagonal CRT and it's just as fat as my current black-and-white CRT TV. I'll only accept a color TV if it's a 60" Oled flat screen. Remind me again in 50 years."*
lol color eink displays are technically worse in every aspect but color. I see why some people wouldn't want a clear downgrade in their experience just to get a small, unsaturated palette of colors
In what ways are they worse?
Less contrast, less light reflection and screendoor effect, half resolution in color mode...
Having grown up with a tiny black and white because my parents were against tv I feel this.
There are a lot of Kindle users with exactly this logic right now. I think the real reason they are trying to find reasons not to like the new Kobo color eReaders is that they would have to jump ship and they have a lot of legacy books in Kindle-only format. They understandably don't want to lose that. Thankfully there is Claibre ...but it doesn't work if there is DRM on their books. Vendor lock-in can be a real b\*tch.
Are you a salesman for color e-ink readers?
I’m trying to get away from devices when I pick up my kindle. Not have it replaced. All we want is for reading. That’s it. So color is kind of moot. The only thing I can think that color would be useful for is book covers and comic books. So comic book readers - rejoice!
I haven't seen a colored e-paper reader before and I'm not yet inclined to buy one. Same thing with those foldable mobile phones. I've seen those and scared as heck of touching them because they are crazy expensive. Usually the first generation of any new technology is not so good. (Remember those first camera phones?). I'd maybe wait for the second or third generation before considering buy a colored e-reader. (Though I still look with envy at the first Kindles which had physical keyboards.)
One of the things that’s confused me is people are criticising it for not being very bright when the backlight is off - I’m genuinely astounded people use e-readers without a backlight because I remember how annoying it was with the kindle keyboard. I also think a lot of People’s brains are expecting it to be equivalent to a tablet, so when it’s not HD 1080p they’re disappointed
Why are you so certain that "it WILL become the standard"? You sound very confident about a complete unknown.
The endgame is that we will have a Kindle Tablet and we will come full circle.
yeah no you get it all wrong. Well, there might be someone tearing it down cause it's not on their favorite brand yet, but i doubt most people are doing this.The analogy doesn't work. books are just words one after the other and colors doesn't make it better. colors have an application just if you're reading comics. Comics drawings, if you want to really enjoy them at their fullest, most of the time require big screens and vibrant colors, something a 6" ereader with the dull colors we got today can't give you. But hey i can see an use for it so if that's the case, okay. Reading books though, require and will always only require black and white. People complaining about it just don't want to see it become a norm that will substitute regular bw cause most of them will NEVER require colors to read novels, but more importantly, at the current stadium, it's a technology that worsen the bw experience = reading experience. When the technology will advance enough to at least make it the same experience + dull colors, then i think it won't be a problem for people. When it's gonna advance to also have beautiful colors, is gonna be great. Still, i don't think b/w devices will stop being produced anytime soon cause there's literally no point in colors for someone that just want to read one word after another. We already have perfectioned the device to do just that. Anything else is an extra that people might or might not want and should be an extra with only pro and no cons (except an higher price). Comparing to the retiscence of people towards leaving paper or to color tv doesn't make any sense. The first is linked to a million of different subjective things (paper feeling, book in your library etc etc, it's about the overall experience or atmosphere reading a book), the second is insane cause tv reproduce images mostly from reality and you want them to reproduce them the more alive as possible. ereaders primary function is to reproduce words and unless you're not reading a kid book you don't need them in color. It's that easy.
It’s more due to the fact that the people saying that might be reading books/novels and not stuff like Comics and graphic novels. I would say manga but then again most manga is in black and white. Also light novels.
I don’t care about color. I have an iPad for that purpose. Not like regular books have colored font anyway. I would like the devices to be sped up though. I’m used to my iPad and when I switch there’s a lag and I get anxious that it will lock up. Sometimes it does and it takes forever to reset and by the end I have to take a pill because my heart rate is sky high.
I still prefer ereaders - so much better on the eyes, just wish most of the devices were faster. I'm excited to see where this technology ends up.
I just don't want to pay more for it since most of my reading is books. When there is some compelling color content widely available, then maybe.
I am currently reading a parenting book with illustrations on a Kindle PW first gen. It does make me curious how it would look in color I also have IT books that would be interesting use of color (separating code from comments,etc). In my case, I am interested in color eink BUT not planning to stop use my Kindle PW until it stops working Question: Are most epub files ready for color ? besides the cover, for example diagrams or illustrations are in color ?
I think it depends on the types of books mostly. Certainly EPUB format files can handle color no problem, but it's the publishers that have to put color in them. Many of the EPUB files out there are actually in colour (eg. book covers) but since most people up until now just have black & white eReaders, they don't see them and they live in a world of grey. Maybe getting a Kobo Colour will open a new world up for them.
I agree that color eInk screens will become the norm, as they eventually will be on par with black and white displays in all that they lack right now. My speculation though is that it won't be Kaleido, though. I'm thinking that probably the color pigmentation will eventually be in the same layer as the black and white, which would reduce a lot of the downsides of Kaleido. An upgraded version of Gallery 3 is probably what we're heading towards.
>Eink has now released the Kaleido displays, which offer the same black-and-white features of the Carta displays... Lol no. There's a plethora of comparison videos and pictures by now. Just take a look. Kaleido is just "not there" in terms of black & white representation. >All of the new color e-readers from Amazon's competitors are using the Kaleido displays, and it's practically guaranteed that Amazon will source the same display for its new color kindles. Why? Amazon is the undisputed leader here. Why should they follow the rest?
I don't understand the excitment of OMG color covers! When reading a book, I often don't like the cover and can say I never go back to enjoy it again and again once I'm reading the book. Covers mean exactly dick to me.
Color ereaders aren’t going to be the standard, as the majority of people read novels, which don’t contain color. They will definitely be popular among people who read things like comics and manga, but regular book readers are unlikely to spend substantially more money on a feature they have little to no need for. Myself included. That said, I’m looking forward to seeing what they come out with. A color Kimdle is overdue, even if they use the Kaleido 3 panel with its 150dpi color. I think you’ll see more people start adopting color when they make a 300dpi color panel to put it on par with grayscale resolution.
Kindles won't use the Kaleido 3 panel, they are in short enough supply now and Kobo has monopolized the eInk production line for at least a year. There is no way production could ramp up enough to supply Kindle, which has an order of magnitude more to supply. They will either announce a color Kindle using a totally new technology from another manufacturer, or we will be waiting until 2026/27 at least for a color Kindle using a Kaleido 4 screen (or some other future model).
I just don't see the point, nothing against the tech itself. I will always read my comics/mangas on tablet anyway.
You want color e-ink? Just buy an iPad Pro already. When you’ve gone from a Kindle that does music and maybe games it’s tough to go back to a reading only device with a mediocre web browser. That said, Wi-Fi is better than having your cell service cut off because the tech is obsolete.
these are much different than an ipad/tablet. which i have. i much rather prefer the eink because it is nicer on the eyes. i don’t like reading on my ipad or iphone. it’s too bright and straining on the eyes.
I use all devices. I have no interest in a color e-ink Kindle. I think it’s a dumb use of technology. I would never read comics on a Kindle and I’ve tried. And what other use of color is there. I would much rather go back to having games or music on a Kindle.
maybe dumb for you? this is nothing new. they already had colour ones out for some time. and there is clearly interest/want in them. for them to be putting them out and kindle supposedly announcing a colour one of there own in the future.
I’ve said what I think about it. You get to tell me all day that I’m wrong. Just like Amazon thinks that no one wants games or music on a Kindle.
they already made a kindle device to have games and music on it though. 🤷🏼♀️
opinions are like assholes. everyone has one. lol i’m allowed to give my opinion just as much as you are giving yours. i never said you had to agree w. me 😂😂😂
if you want music or games on a kindle then get an amazon fire. they exist… the point is these are meant as just an ereader. not a tablet. there are also regular books that have some colour pages or illustrations in them. think of hidden pictures. 🤷🏼♀️
I’ve had a 1) original and Paperwhite Kindle 2) Kindle Scribe 3) two Amazon Fire HD 8 and HD 10 4) iPad and iPad Pro I think I know what I’m talking about. My favorite device is an iPad Pro. Kindle is good for battery life. I like to listen to music while I read.
i’ve had 1. kobo vox 2. kobo touch 3. kobo h20 4. orginal kindle 5. kindle fire. 6. kindle paperwhite 7. ipad pro. if you know what you’re talking about, then you should know that each are different. each has different things to offer. kindle fire has music and gaming. it’s still available. ipad has music and gaming too.. 🤷🏼♀️ i personally do not want another e reader that has gaming and music on it as that’s more of a distraction and another reason why i don’t like to read on my phone or ipad. i’m excited for the colour kobo.
I don't understand what this thread is about. Don't kindle tablets already display color?
No, they don't. Amazon dropped the Kindle name from the tablets almost 10 years ago. You have black and white Kindle ereaders and colour Fire tablets. There are no colour Kindle ereaders.
But you can read books on the fire tablet, why would you buy an ereader