Amazon Kindle Possibly Delayed Due to Screen Light Problems

Though some may disagree, potential delays to product releases aren't usually fun, so Amazon probably isn't too enthused about the status of its Kindle e-reader.

If Digitimes is on the mark, the worldwide retailer will not be able to launch the new Kindle E-reader when it was meaning to.

The situation is at once similar and different from that of the next-generation Kindle Fire tablet.

It is similar because that product has also been delayed (according to some) and different because the causes do not match.

Verily, it isn't all that clear why the tablet was pushed back (assuming it wasn't all a misunderstanding), but the e-book reading device has problems.

To be more precise, mass production isn't going forward as planned due to some problems with the front light design.

As it stands, the likelihood is that the introduction will happen in the latter half of Q3 instead of this month or the first half of the next.

In fact, Amazon could completely stop E Ink e-paper display orders during July and August, in order to focus on the front light issues. This will cut E ink's shipments by 1.5-1.8 million units.

Adding front light to the e-book reader became necessary because Barnes & Noble already have such functionality in the Nook Simple Touch (the GlowLight display). So far, Amazon has been holding its own by offering low prices, but that will not work forever.

Front lighting becomes necessary when trying to read in low light areas. As long as Amazon's Kindles don't have something similar to GlowLight, they will need an additional light source, like a lamp.

Which brings us to the group of people that won't be enthused by the design update. Accessory makers will be devastated by no longer having a market for clip-on reading lights or cases with integrated, small, suspended light bulbs.