Amazon hasn’t officially announced anything about the discontinuation of the Kindle Touch, but it seems that’s a trend of theirs now, as they didn’t say anything about the Kindle DX either. Currently, the Kindle Touch is “currently unavailable” from Amazon’s website, and it directs users to a “newer model” of the item, which is the Kindle Paperwhite.

This isn’t a huge deal per se, but those who are wanting a Kindle ereader are left with very few options at the moment. The Kindle Paperwhite is still back-ordered by “4 to 6 weeks,” and that may even change in the coming weeks if or when Amazon re-evaluates their inventory. That’s enough to make holiday shoppers a little nervous if they plan on buying a Kindle Paperwhite for a loved one.

The only Kindle ereaders currently available are the regular Kindle starting at $69, and the Kindle Keyboard at $139. Both models are barebones and come with only a fraction of the features of the Kindle Paperwhite, so we’re guessing not a lot of people will want to jump for those models. In any case, the Kindle Touch is dead. Long live the Kindle Paperwhite.

[via Paid Content]

Starting right off with Sony, we have a hands-on post with the absolutely massive 84-inch 4K Bravia 84X900 TV for you to check out. If a display that’s a little more wearable is more your cup of tea, then have a look at our hands-on with the Sony HMZ-T2. Of course, we’ve also got a hands-on with the Sony VAIO Duo 11, and for those of you who still want more big, we’ve got you covered there too with this Sony Tap 20 oversized tablet hands-on.

Lenovo has announced a number of devices during IFA, revealing the IdeaPad S Series Laptops. We have a hands-on with the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 for you to peruse, along with this Lenovo IdeaTab S2110 hands-on and this hands-on with the IdeaTab A2109 and A2107. That does it for the Lenovo and Sony hands-on articles, but in the words of some guy we see on TV all the time, “we’re not stopping there!” We also spent some quality time with the new Liquid Image EGO HD Mountable Camera, and we recommend that you also have a look at our hands-on with the HTC Desire X.

At IFA today, Toshiba announced a set of three new ultrabooks, and ZTE was there to show off its new Grand X IN smartphone – the first ICS phone to sport Intel inside. It seems that the incoming Windows 8 is making manufacturers go a little bit touch-crazy, and today we were treated to a number of leaks in addition to all of the news from IFA. The Motorola DROID RAZR M 4G LTE has suffered yet another leak, and it would seem that both the next Kindle Fire and the next Kindle Touch were leaked today as well. Speaking of the Kindle Fire, it turns out that the tablets have sold out in anticipation of Amazon’s big reveal next week.

Samsung seems to be learning more toward Microsoft after its loss to Apple, and the company may just have a plan to make Apple pay up should the iPhone maker release a new device with LTE capabilities. The iPhone 5 was featured in a new video and photo leak today, Steam Greenlight is officially up and running, and the Mars Curiosity Rover has finally left its landing site to go and look for clues on the surface of the Red Planet. Finally tonight, Windows Phone 8 may be getting a handy new parental control feature, and Google and Apple’s CEOs have gotten together to talk about a potential patent settlement. That does it for Thursday’s Evening Wrap-Up, but be sure to join us back here tomorrow for more straight from IFA 2012!

Obviously, the term Paperwhite refers to the new display we can clearly see in the images. This looks to improve on the Pearl E Ink displays we’ve been seeing lately, and in these promotional shots, Amazon is touting “higher contrast, high resolution, integrated lighting, and eight weeks of battery life.” Perhaps most importantly, this new Kindle appears to sport a backlit screen, which you can bet will go over well with consumers.

And why wouldn’t Amazon offer an E Ink Kindle with a backlight? That would align this new Kindle to be the perfect competitor to Barnes and Noble’s Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight, and with that device on the scene, it makes a lot of sense that Amazon would want to offer a backlit eReader of its own. These images all seem legitimate too, which further reinforces the idea that Amazon is ready to pull the veil off a new Kindle Touch, perhaps alongside the next iteration of the Kindle Fire.

Of course, we’re still hesitant to call it a sure thing, but the good news is that we won’t have much longer to wait until these new devices are revealed. Amazon is holding a press conference on September 6, and all of new reveals are rumored to be going down there. Stay tuned, because we might just come away from that event next week with a number of new Kindle devices to talk about.

On the other hand, net income decreased 73% to $63 million in the third quarter of 2011 while net income in the third quarter of 2010 was $231 million. That’s a pretty big drop, if you did not know. It’s of course at this point in the presentation, right after dropping that relative bomb, that Amazon lets the board know that the Kindle Fire is doing really, really well. Have a look at this quote from Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com:

“September 28th was the biggest order day ever for Kindle, even bigger than previous holiday peak days – we introduced Kindle Fire for $199, Kindle Touch 3G for $149, Kindle Touch for $99, and our all new Kindle for only $79. In the three weeks since launch, orders for electronic ink Kindles are double the previous launch. And based on what we’re seeing with Kindle Fire pre-orders, we’re increasing capacity and building millions more than we’d already planned.” – Bezos

As far as the fourth quarter goes, Amazon.com expects things to be rather good. Net sales are being seen as quite possibly being between $16.45 billion and $18.65 billion, that bing between 27% and 44% compared to the same quarter in 2010. Similarly, operating income (loss) is set to be between a 142% and 47% decline when compared to the same quarter 2010. Have a peek at our hands-on with the Kindle Fire from the release day a few weeks ago below and see if you’ve got the hankering to add to the next quarter of Amazon.com sales greatness:

Get this update NOW via Amazon’s simple to use update process — not only will you get the update to be able to access your personal documents, there’s also an expansion of elements you’ve already been enjoying, including Whispersync of last page read, bookmarks, and annotations to your archived personal documents that have been converted into Kindle format. Can you resist such excellent updates all included in this free update?

All you’ve got to do to get to this update on your Kindle 3 is, starting from the Home screen, is hit Settings. From there you’ll see your Kindle version at the bottom of your display. If you see Version Kindle 3.1″ or earlier, you’ve got an update coming to you. To download, just head to Amazon or hit one of the following links:

Kindle Keyboard Wi-Fi: Download 3.3 
Your serial number will start with “B008″

Kindle Keyboard 3G (Free 3G + Wi-Fi) – U.S. and Canadian Customers*: Download 3.3
Your serial number will start with “B006″

Kindle Keyboard 3G (Free 3G + Wi-Fi) – European Customers*: Download 3.3
Your serial number will start with “B00A”

If you’re unsure of your Kindle serial number, just check at the bottom of your Settings menu just like you did for the Kindle software version. Once you’ve got the software downloaded, you’ll have to transfer it to your Kindle device. To do this, again follow directions as provided by Amazon:

1. Transfer software to your Kindle Keyboard: Turn your Kindle Keyboard on and connect it to your computer using the USB cable. Drag and drop the new update file from your computer to the root Kindle drive. (The drive contains a number of folders – such as “audible,” “documents,” and “music” – and is typically displayed as a “device” icon).

2. Monitor file transfer and disconnect: Check your file transfer progress to ensure file transfer to your Kindle Keyboard is complete before disconnecting. After the file has transferred successfully, eject the Kindle to safely disconnect Kindle Keyboard from your computer. Disconnect the USB cable from your Kindle Keyboard and your computer.

3. Start the software update: Go to the Home screen, press the Menu key, and select “Settings.” Press the Menu key again, and then select “Update Your Kindle.” (This option will be grayed out if the most recent update has already been installed or if the file transfer was not successful.) Select “Ok” when prompted if you want to perform an update. Your Kindle Keyboard will restart twice during the update. After the first restart, you will see “Your Kindle is Updating”.

4. Once the update is complete: Your Kindle Keyboard will automatically restart a second time. When you go to the Settings page, you should notice Version: Kindle 3.3 at the bottom of the screen. Once you see this, you know your update is complete.

Got it? Any troubles, ask below or go straight to Amazon for support. Get in the cloud!

BONUS have a look at the Kindle Touch while you’re at it.

Previous Kindles had allowed general web access using the 3G models’ integrated cellular modem, though the user experience was generally underwhelming until the third-gen brought the Webkit engine to the table. Just as with downloading ebooks and browsing the Kindle store, accessing regular webpages was included in the no-charge 3G access.

That’s all changed in the new Kindle Touch 3G, with all webpages bar Wikipedia access being out of reach for the 3G connection. The Kindle Keyboard 3G, the renamed third-gen Kindle, still has 3G webpage access, so that’s a good reason to opt for the older model if you think you might want to go online more often.

[via Beyond Black Friday]

Here’s the thing. One of the stronger arguments for why the iPad has succeeded where Android tablets have struggled is that Apple does an excellent job of putting its slate into context. Apple’s adverts are all about how you can use your iPad – how the functionality will come alive when you integrate it into your life. Its rivals, however, haven’t seemed to twig that potential buyers need a helping hand to figure out where these new fangled tablets really shine.

You could call that “perceived usefulness”, if “context” alone isn’t enough. That’s where, so far, the Kindle (and other e-paper based ereaders) have held their own against the iPad and other tablets: the context, the perception of their usefulness in the eyes of consumers, is very specific to reading. I doubt I’m alone in having both a tablet and an ereader, and as I wrote just before the Kindle Fire’s launch, the new Amazon model isn’t really targeted at the “avid reader” audience.

Some people never take a trip without their iPad: I seldom travel without my Kindle. Most of the time my Apple slate stays back home, while the Kindle comes with me. Yes, I could load the Kindle app on the iPad, but the Kindle package as a whole – form-factor, weight, battery life, e-paper rather than backlit LCD – means that it’s good enough to earn a spot in my rucksack.

That combination of “good enough” and “perceived usefulness” is what will cause the iPad headaches. I don’t disagree that Apple’s tablet has far more potential than the Kindle Fire when it comes to functionality. However, I also expect that many people will look at the price/feature balance and deem $199 sufficiently wallet-friendly to excuse the absence of some of the more advanced abilities, abilities that most iPad owners don’t get to grips with until they’re months into ownership. The Kindle Fire ticks all the obvious boxes – email, browser, video, etc – and best of all it comes from a retailer people recognize and trust to stick around for the foreseeable future.

How much will the Kindle Fire eat into iPad sales? That’s a question analysts are still arguing over; Munster suggests the iPad will hold a 60-percent tablet market share by the end of next year, with Amazon probably making the biggest gains out of Apple’s rivals. It’ll be particularly interesting to see how many people “downsize” from a tablet like the iPad (or a similarly priced Android model) and an e-paper Kindle, to just the Kindle Fire. I can’t see many people opting both for a 7-inch Kindle Fire and a regular Kindle/Kindle Touch, though maybe that will change once the rumored 10-inch Kindle Fire arrives.

The iPad isn’t going anywhere, we know that. It’s shaped the consumer tablet market immeasurably – well, I guess sales would be one good way of measuring – and has had a huge impact on how rivals have approached the segment. With the Kindle Fire, though, Apple will likely find it has to share some of its “game-changer” kudos.

Shown in the photo above, we have the Kindle Touch on the left (top) with the new Kindle Fire and its IPS display on the bottom. One thing I do want to note first is Amazon has always touted their e-ink and awesome Kindle displays for working great in any light condition, especially outside. It will be interesting to see how the Kindle Fire and the IPS panel handle the direct sunlight, but for now all we have is some video comparing text on the two so give it a look and let us know what you think.

Kindle Fire IPS vs Touch E-Ink screen comparison

As usual with e-ink you have this sort of “refresh time” as the display loads the content, this has always been a fast process and still works just as smooth and quick as any Kindle thus far. With the Fire we no longer have that issue, instead we have instant and smooth text, as well as great animations while flipping through the pages. The IPS display truly has an amazing set of viewing angles thanks to the IPS panel and can be seen at 178° and more. Sharing text and showing off stories or magazines will be easier than ever on the new Kindle Fire.

Even though the Fire only has a screen resolution of 1024 x 600 the text looks crisp, and vivid and will be easy on the eyes. Some may opt for the e-ink but this will ultimately come down to user need, and preference. Feel free to look over the rest of the images in the gallery provided, then let us know what you think in the comments below. For the rest of the Amazon Kindle coverage today just check out our Kindle portal.

Kindle Fire

The Kindle Fire is Amazon’s big news, the 7-inch Android-based tablet we’ve been waiting to see take on the iPad. Amazon may have used Google’s platform – and the smartphone version, Gingerbread, at that – but it’s been heavily reskinned to suit the retailer’s purposes. Behind the 1024 x 800 IPS LCD touchscreen is a dual-core Texas Instruments OMAP processor and WiFi, though by leaving out 3G, any cameras and Google’s Android Market certification Amazon has managed to keep the price down to $199.99.

You can check out all the hardware and software details of the Kindle Fire here, and our eyes-on first impressions here.

Kindle fire eyes-on video:

Kindle Touch/Touch 3G

The Kindle Touch and Touch 3G are the new mainstays of Amazon’s ereader line-up, dropping the third-gen model’s QWERTY keyboard in favor of an infrared touchscreen. With no physical buttons for page navigation, tapping the display itself moves through your ebook – Amazon has prioritized the page-forward control, with the majority of the touchscreen serving that purpose, while a smaller strip on the left handles page-back. Pricing is $99 and $149 for the WiFi and WiFi+3G models respectively, if you don’t mind adverts on the homescreen, or $109 and $189 if you do.

You can check out all the details on the Touch/Touch 3G here, and our hands-on report here.

Kindle

Amazon’s entry-level Kindle doesn’t have a touchscreen or a keyboard, but it does have a low price: just $79 for the Special Offers supported model ($109 without). Text entry is via the D-pad, moving around the on-screen ‘board, while edge buttons work to navigate through the ebook. WiFi is the only connectivity option.

You can find all the details here, and our hands-on here.

Kindle Keyboard

The third-gen Kindle hasn’t been put out to pasture: instead it’s had a change of name and a new focus. Those unwilling to deal with on-screen ‘boards can keep the physical QWERTY in the renamed Kindle Keyboard, priced at $99 for the WiFi-only or $139 for the 3G model. That’s with Special Offers discounts, mind; without you’re looking at $139 and $189 respectively.

Amazon Silk

Silk isn’t a hardware product, but in fact Amazon’s new browser. Designed for the Kindle Fire, it uses a combination of client- and server-side processing, caching and compressing to make browsing on the tablet faster. By shrinking images to suit the Kindle Fire’s display, as well as preloading common files from popular sites and predicting what pages people are likely to click on next, Amazon reckons Silk can considerably speed up your browsing experience.

The dimensions on paper – 6.8 x 4.7 x 0.4 inches – belie how the Kindle Touch actually feels in your hands. It’s an ounce lighter than the freshly-christened Kindle Keyboard (aka the old Kindle 3) but the best thing we can say is that you quickly lose sight of the device itself and focus on the screen.

The touch navigation – with the majority of the display used to move forward through ebooks, and a narrow strip on the left of it to move back – works well, and page refreshes are fast (for E Ink technology, anyway). The on-screen keyboard is no worse than the underwhelming buttons were on the Kindle 3, and the UI has been cleaned up a little too.

In short, it’s what we like about Kindle – the focus on reading – with less of the surrounding clutter. Check out the hands-on gallery for more.

Without the Special Offers discounting on the Kindle Touch 3G, the ereader is $189, while the entry-level Kindle jumps from $79 to $109 if you don’t agree to allow adverts on your homescreen. In fact, only the Kindle Fire doesn’t seem to come with an advert option, though there’s the possibility of promotions being injected into the Kindle Silk browser system.

Outside of the US, however, things are not so clear cut. With Special Offers not yet being an international service, that only leaves the non-subsidized pricing available; in the UK, for instance, the entry-level Kindle is £89 ($139) with WiFi only, and there’s no sign of the Touch or Touch 3G models. The Kindle Keyboard is still on sale in the UK, but the Kindle Fire is not.

Both have a new “X-Ray” feature which is used to store sections of titles you’ve read in the ereader’s cache, and allow you to return to them later on. As you can see from the photos, the sub-6oz Touch is considerably more compact than the model it replaces, helped by the removal of the dedicated keyboard.

The Amazon Kindle Touch is available for preorder from today, priced at $99. The Kindle Touch 3G will be $149 and include free 3G access as with the existing Kindle 3G. Both will ship on November 11.