Kindle Kids Edition -- Amazon launches ebook reader for younger bookworms

Amazon Kindle Kids Edition

Amazon has launched a child-friendly version of its Kindle ereader -- the Kindle Kids Edition.

At $110, this special edition device is slightly more expensive than the cheapest Kindle, but it has one massive advantage that will appeal to parents, kids and others: it is free from ads. But there are lots of other features to cater for young readers, including access to more than 1,000 books, and achievements to encourage reading.

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Amazon promises that the devices provide "just reading", going on to say that "no games, ads or videos means zero distractions". While there are no games as such, the Kindle Kids Edition uses gamification to encourage reading and to help children build up their vocabularies.

The ereader comes complete with a cover to help keep it protected from knocks and scrapes, and a year's worth of FreeTime Unlimited, giving access to thousands of books.

Amazon says of the new device:

Set educational goals and manage content with easy-to-use parental controls. Parents can view their child's reading progress for each book and track reading accomplishments for each day. And because Kindle Kids Edition is designed only for reading, in FreeTime kids do not have access to the Internet or social media.

The Amazon Kindle Kids Edition comes with a two-year guarantee. Here are the full specs:

Display: Amazon's 6" display technology with next generation e-paper and built-in light, 167 ppi, optimized font technology, 16-level gray scale.

Size: 6.4" x 4.7" x 0.5" (162 x 119 x 14 mm).

Weight: 10.2 oz (288g); Actual size and weight may vary by configuration and manufacturing process.

System Requirements: None; fully wireless and doesn't require a computer to download content.

On-Device Storage: 8 GB; holds over a thousand FreeTime Unlimited books.

Cloud Storage: Free cloud storage for all Amazon content.

Battery Life: A single charge lasts up to four (4) weeks, based on a half hour of reading per day with wireless and Bluetooth off and the light setting at 13. Battery life will vary based on light settings, wireless usage. Audible audiobook streaming (coming soon) over Bluetooth will reduce battery life.

Charge Time: Fully charges in approximately 4 hours from a 5W power adapter or computer via USB cable.

Wi-Fi Connectivity: Supports public and private Wi-Fi networks or hotspots that use the 802.11b, g, or n standards with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).

Accessibility Features: Kindle includes the ability to adjust font size, font face, line spacing and margins.

Content Formats Supported: Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, PMP through conversion; Audible (coming soon) audio format (AAX).

Documentation: Quick Start Guide; Kindle User Guide. Additional information in multiple languages available online.

Subscription: Includes 1 year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited for new subscribers.

Warranty and Service: 2-year worry-free guarantee. Use of Kindle is subject to Amazon's Conditions of Use.

Included in the Box: Kindle, cover, USB 2.0 charging cable and Quick Start Guide.

Age range: Ages 7 and up.

Generation: Kindle 10th Generation - 2019 release.

Colors: Black Kindle with Pink/Blue/Rainbow Birds/Space Station cover.

You can pre-order the Amazon Kindle Kids Edition here for $109.99, with devices due to ship on October 30.

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