Amazon discontinues beloved Kindle device after eight years and angry fans vow to buy rival alternatives
AMAZON is giving up on one of its beloved Kindle models after eight years on sale.
The online retail giant has been making popular Kindle e-readers since 2007 and routinely shakes-up the product line-up.
Book lovers were delight after the firm announced the first ever colour Kindle, called the Kindle Colorsoft.
It uses colour e-ink and also features auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging and longer battery life.
But the arrival of a new model has spell the end for an older favourite.
The Jeff Bezos-owned company has decided to discontinue the Kindle Oasis.
What made the Kindle Oasis standout among fans is that it was the last Kindle to feature physical buttons.
There have been three versions of the Kindle Oasis since 2016, with follow-ups launched in 2017 and 2019.
But Amazon has revealed that there will be no more Kindle Oasis models once current stock is gone.
“Once current inventory of Kindle Oasis sells out online and in stores, we will not restock the device,” an Amazon spokesperson told The Verge.
“Today, all of our devices are touch-forward which is what our customers are comfortable with.”
This doesn’t mean that existing Kindle Oasis devices will stop working – but for those who preferred the model it is the end of the road.
Fans have shared their dismay at the announcement on social media.
“I’ve always been willing to pay a premium for the button kindles even when they were outdated compared to the other offerings,” one wrote on Reddit.
“Will definitely look elsewhere for my next reader.”
Another said: “Three Kindles in, never buying touchscreen only again. Amazon is clueless.”
A third commented: “I won’t buy a Kindle unless it has physical page turn buttons.
“I’ve been waiting for an Oasis refresh for years.”