On Wednesday, Amazon introduced a new Kindle lineup, including the first color model. As many expected, the company also ended the Oasis model, which was last updated in 2019. Amazon told The Verge that it won’t replenish current stock once it sells out.
This decision effectively means the elimination of physical page-turning buttons, signaling the end of an era for Kindle design.
Why it matters. The Oasis was the premium device in the Kindle lineup. It provided a refined reading experience, a distinctive design, and physical buttons that were becoming increasingly rare in the Kindle models. Additionally, it featured a touch screen.
Reading between the lines. The decision reflects two changes in Amazon’s strategy regarding its e-readers:
- A strong focus on touch interfaces.
- The belief that the Kindle Paperwhite is premium enough, with the Kindle Scribe positioned as a superior option.
An incomplete lineup. The Kindle Oasis features a 7-inch screen, while the Scribe has a 10.2-inch display, making it too large to be as portable and versatile as other Kindles.
Additionally, while the Kindle Paperwhite is excellent, it doesn’t offer the unique appeal that the Oasis did.
Bottom line. Now that Amazon has discontinued the Oasis, users who rely on the physical buttons to turn pages on their Kindle will have to say goodbye to that feature when they upgrade. However, those who enjoyed the premium design of the model have a choice:
- Downgrade to the Paperwhite and save money.
- Upgrade to the Scribe, which is more expensive, larger, and less portable, with a focus on writing with a stylus (a feature that you may or may not find useful).
Unfortunately, the Kindle family has bid farewell to the Oasis.
Image | Xataka
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