The Rise and Fall of the Kindle Oasis
The first-generation Kindle Oasis made its debut in 2016 and received worldwide acclaim upon its release on April 27. One of its notable features was the accelerometer, which allowed users to rotate the display for convenient one-hand operation. The Oasis also boasted a symmetrical design and physical page turn buttons, making it a favorite among readers.
However, the Oasis had its drawbacks. The fragile battery barely lasted a few days, prompting Amazon to develop a removable leather cover that extended the battery life by an additional week. Additionally, the first-generation model only offered 3GB of storage, limiting users’ ability to store a large number of books.
Amazon addressed these shortcomings with the second-iteration Kindle Oasis, released on October 31, 2017. The company increased storage configurations to 8GB or 32GB versions, providing users with more options. The second-generation Oasis also introduced a larger 7-inch screen and enhanced durability with its aluminum finish. Notably, it became the first Kindle to be water-resistant up to two meters for up to 60 minutes.
The third and final version of the Kindle Oasis arrived in 2019, maintaining the improvements made in the second generation. However, the Oasis 3 boasted a front-lit display with amber LED lights, offering a warm effect. It came in two elegant colors: graphite and champagne gold. This model featured page turn buttons, Bluetooth support, and a micro USB for charging.
Discontinuation and Future Prospects
While there are still a few remaining units of the Kindle Oasis in international markets like Canada and the United Kingdom, they too will soon vanish from the Amazon Store and comparison charts. The discontinuation of the Oasis in the United States reflects its declining popularity and relevance in the e-reader market.
As technology advances, Amazon has introduced newer models like the Kindle Paperwhite, which now features a 6.8-inch screen – similar in size to the Oasis but at a more affordable price point. For those seeking a larger reading experience, the Kindle Scribe offers a 10-inch screen with 300 PPI, marking Amazon’s current premium-level device.
Overall, the discontinuation of the Kindle Oasis signifies a shift in consumer preferences and highlights the need for constant innovation in the e-reader market. As readers seek more affordable and feature-rich options, it is crucial for companies like Amazon to adapt and meet their evolving demands.
Analyst comment
Negative news: The discontinuation of the Amazon Kindle Oasis in the United States reflects its declining popularity and irrelevance in the e-reader market. As consumers prefer more affordable and feature-rich options, Amazon needs to adapt and meet their evolving demands. The market will shift towards newer models such as the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Scribe.
