Amazon's Next-Gen Kindle Paperwhite Already In Development

Amazon AAPL is already working on another e-reader. According to TechCrunch (via The Verge), Amazon will release the next-generation Kindle Paperwhite early next spring. The new e-reader will come with a display resolution of 300 ppi, topping the nearest competitor (the Kobo Aura HD, which features a 265 ppi display) by a significant margin. Codenamed "Ice Wine," Amazon is building its e-reader with an improved light sensor that will automatically adjust the display's brightness depending on how well the room is lit. The e-reader's typography options will also be improved. According to the report, Amazon hopes to include a custom font that is specially designed for reading books on the device. Better still, TechCrunch reported that the device's edges will be transformed into squeezable buttons that will allow users to change pages more easily. All of these improvements are designed to get users to upgrade and to attract new buyers who may not own an e-reader. But don't expect Amazon to start talking about this device for a while. The company is still heavily pushing the current Kindle Paperwhite, which is being featured on Amazon.com's main page this week after Oprah announced that it was one of her favorite things. Thus far, the company is not offering any massive pre-Black Friday deals on the e-reader, though shoppers can get 20 percent off a cover when they purchase a Kindle Paperwhite. Related: Amazon's $139 Kindle Fire HD Could Sell 2 Million Units Before December Amazon is expected to discount its Kindle Fire line of tablets on Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday. These often prove to be two of the biggest shopping days of the year for Amazon, especially for its own electronics. The Kindle Fire HDX currently starts at $229 for the 16GB model With Special Offers (AKA advertisements). The 8.9-inch model starts at $379. Buyers will have to pay $15 more if they want either device without ads. The Wi-Fi Kindle Paperwhite currently sells for $119, while the 3G version retails for $189. Both versions can be purchased without ads for $20 more. Amazon's older e-readers -- the Kindle ($69) and Kindle HDX ($239) are also available. While the capacity for most Kindles is limited to 1,000+ books, the Kindle DX can hold more than 3,000 e-books. It does not appear that Amazon will increase the storage for its next-generation Kindle Paperwhite. Disclosure: At the time of this writing, Louis Bedigian had no position in the equities mentioned in this report. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ