Foldable phones seem to be getting more and more popular, and now it seems that companies are wondering what else they can fold, and the humble e-reader is apparently being considered. According to Goodereader, Amazon is having internal discussions about the possibility of a foldable Kindle. This is only meant to be in a conceptual stage so far, so there's a good chance it won't happen, and if it does, it might not happen for a long time. But should I? We can think of at least three reasons why Amazon really should make a foldable Kindle, and two reasons why keeping it adamant might be better. You will find all this below.
Why Amazon Could Make a Foldable Kindle
If Amazon is serious about creating a foldable Kindle e-reader, the following three are probably big factors.
1. Could better reproduce the experience of reading a physical book.
Reading on a Kindle still isn't nearly as close to reading a book (Image credit: Future) Kindles are great for reading, but as visually impressive as their screens can sometimes be, they lack the foldable nature of paper. . That's not necessarily a problem, but it does mean that the experience is ultimately quite different from that of a book, where you fold it or maybe even fold the pages inside out. With a foldable Kindle, Amazon could get a lot closer to that sentiment. You'll probably still have the feeling of touching a screen, but you'll get some of the tactile capability of a physical book, and that might help convert those who prefer the physical nature of a paperback.
2. The size can be adjusted to fit both books and comics.
A foldable Kindle would be better suited for comics (Image credit: TechRadar) The compact size of Amazon Kindles makes them ideal for reading books, but they're not as naturally suited for newspapers, magazines or comics, which tend to be printed on paper more big. With a foldable Kindle, depending on the design, this could be fixed, allowing you to go from a book-sized screen to a screen closer to the size of a magazine. It could make Kindles much more versatile.
3. It would give Kindles a new selling point
Kindles haven't changed much (Image credit: TechRadar) The Kindle hasn't changed that much in years. Of course, the screen often gets slightly better with newer generations, the interface can get a bit smoother, and the layout can be changed, but ultimately, if your Kindle is one of the latest models or multiple generations, and if Whether it's the premium Kindle Oasis or the entry-level Kindle, the experience is pretty similar. With a foldable Kindle, though, you're getting something very different and new, which could make Kindles exciting again and push those who've hung up on their Kindle for years to upgrade.
Why Amazon Might Not Make a Foldable Kindle
While a folding Kindle has many potential benefits, there are also reasons why Amazon might reject the idea.
1. It would greatly increase the price.
We're not sure many want a Kindle more expensive than the Oasis (Image credit: TechRadar) Foldable phones are very expensive, and a foldable Kindle almost certainly would be too. We're probably not talking about the price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 here; after all, much of the hardware would be even more basic on a Kindle, presumably lacking cameras etc. But folding the screen and having a larger screen, as well as potentially a second screen, depending on the design, would inevitably drive up the price. This probably means that it would be a niche device, since one of the attractive aspects of the Kindle lineup is its affordability, especially for the base models. We doubt many people would want to drop several hundred dollars/pounds on a device that largely mimics the experience of reading a book, something you can already do without any expense other than buying the books themselves, which you would still have to do here. .
2. It would probably add weight
A foldable Kindle may be lighter than a hardcover book, but it probably isn't paperback (Image credit: TechRadar) Amazon has sometimes proudly advertised that the Kindle is lighter than a paperback, which is you almost certainly couldn't do with a folding model. Maximizing the screen (which would be part of the point of a foldable) would inevitably add weight, and marketing aside could be a real problem. Today's Kindle is so light that you can take it with you wherever you go and store it for long periods of time. If they go any heavier, these two outlets would be compromised.