Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has come up with the latest and the most advanced e-reader from the Kindle range, the all-new Kindle Oasis.
The new e-reader comes with few hardware improvements and new features.
Notably, Amazon has underperformed the industry on a year-to-date basis. Shares of the company have gained 32.7% compared with the industry’s growth of 53.2%.
More Into The Headlines
The new version has many impressive features. It is the first waterproof Kindle device, which is protected against immersion in up to two meters of fresh water up to 60 minutes.
Secondly, the new Oasis has Audible built in, which allows users to quickly switch from reading to listening a book on Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headphones. Currently, it has 250,000 audiobooks available for download.
The new e-reader also comes with a great battery life. Its battery can last for up to six weeks and once discharged, it can be fully charged in less than two hours.
With a huge seven-inch screen, the new Kindle version fits 30% more words per page than the earlier version.
Much like the other devices in the range, Kindle Oasis flaunts features like the latest touch technology, enhanced page-turning experience and an X-Ray feature offering useful insight into books.
Shipment & Pricing
Priced at $249.99 for the 8 GB model and $279.99 for the 32 GB model, the latest Kindle Oasis is available for preorders. Additionally, Kindle version with cellular connectivity too is available for $350. Amazon expects to start the shipment of the device starting Oct 31.
However, the new model is way more expensive than the earlier ones. Currently, Amazon’s basic Kindle version is available for $80 while Kindle Paperwhite with high resolution display and adjustable front light is priced at $120.
The latest Kindle Oasis’ elevated price is definitely a drag as many low-priced options are available in the market. Naturally, it might not necessarily attract dedicated e-readers who are keen on investing in a product with high screen quality, durability and battery life.
To Conclude
Amazon, the world's largest Internet retailer has been constantly upgrading its e-book readers and the related app to benefit customers and maintain its position as the leading e-book seller. The company, with its Kindle upgrades, has strengthened its presence in the market.
Although the e-book market has matured overtime, a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) revealed that the consumer e-books (excluding educational publications) market is poised to reach the £1 billion mark by 2018.
However, if Amazon fails to upgrade its Kindle devices or maintain competitive pricing, it could witness a major decline in overall e-reader sales.
Stocks to Consider
Currently, Amazon has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). A few better-ranked stocks in the broader technology sector are Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) , sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) , holding a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Long-term earnings per share growth rate for Applied Materials, NVIDIA Corporation and ASML Holding (AS:ASML) N.V. is projected to be 17.1%, 10.3% and 30.0%, respectively.
Wall Street’s Next Amazon
Zacks EVP Kevin Matras believes this familiar stock has only just begun its climb to become one of the greatest investments of all time. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in pure genius.
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA): Free Stock Analysis Report
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report
Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT): Free Stock Analysis Report
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