New Kindle Paperwhite integrates Goodreads

Amazon has revealed a new version of the Kindle Paperwhite, which includes an integrated version of the book recommendation site Goodreads.

The new model of the Paperwhite, which features a new higher contrast display and "the next generation" of built-in light, costs £109 and will ship on 9th October.

Amazon bought social media site Goodreads in April this year for a reported $150m and the new Paperwhite model will incorporate the social recommendation site, allowing users to “connect with like-minded readers, share recommendations and decide what to read next, straight from your book,” according to Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos.

Other new features include a new vocabulary builder which allows people to look up words in a dictionary, a Page Flip function which allows users to search through chapters without losing their place, as well as a powerful processor and the latest touchscreen technology.

On Amazon’s website, Bezos said to customers: “Kindle is the best-selling e-reader in the world for six years running. No one is investing on behalf of readers or pushing the boundaries of hardware, software and content for readers like the Kindle team.

"We continue to invest not only in new hardware like the new Kindle Paperwhite, but also in new features and benefits that make Kindle a superior service, Kindle MatchBook, Kindle Owners’ Lending Library and many more.”

New Amazon US initiative MatchBook, bundling digital e-books with print purchases, was unveiled yesterday (3rd September).