As you know, Amazon has just launched its first color e-reader, the Kindle Colorsoftand the first feedback from users is making people cringe. Imagine that this little e-reader with 300 balls comes with a surprise bonus that no one ordered: a mysterious yellow band that appears at the bottom of the screen. Not really the kind of exclusive feature we were hoping for!
We had pocket books and then the first LCD screens which yellowed over time. Well, the Colorsoft Kindle has decided to pay homage to this era, but right out of the box! Thus, many users report that a yellowish discoloration spoils their reading experience, as if their e-reader had spent too much time in the sun. The problem seems especially noticeable when lighting is turned on, and some users even note that the discoloration appeared after an initial update.
The Reddit community, always on the lookout, quickly took up the subject and discussions are going well between those who request an exchange of their device and those who, more philosophical, see in this yellow stripe an involuntary retro charm. On Amazon, the average rating of 2.6 stars speaks volumes about the enthusiasm of first-time buyers, although opinions are divided on the severity of the problem.
Faced with this situation, Amazon has not remained silent. Through its spokesperson Jill Tornifoglio, the company said: “We are aware that a small number of customers are reporting a yellow band along the bottom of the screen. We take the quality of our products seriously and investigate the problem. If customers notice this on their device, they can contact our customer service.”
In short, either it's a software bug and a patch is coming, or it's a hardware problem and… you know the Amazon return procedure.
The funny thing is that the visibility of the defect varies depending on users and conditions of use. Some find it barely noticeable, while others find it prohibitive. The Verge also reports that the problem is more visible in photos than in real use, which could partly explain the extent of the controversy on social networks, where photos circulate widely.
Personally, I hadn't noticed anything, but on mine, I also have this yellow mark. It's barely visible at the moment and it doesn't bother me, so I'll wait a bit. Of course, for those who were hesitant to take the plunge towards this color e-reader, the current situation calls for patience and it is likely that Amazon will correct the situation in future versions.
So, if you already have a Colorsoft Kindle and you're seeing that famous “sunset yellow” effect, here are some suggestions:
- Check if the problem is present in all lighting conditions
- Test different brightness levels to see if this lessens the effect
- Document the problem with photos if you plan to contact support
- Do not hesitate to request an exchange if the defect bothers you too much
- Keep an eye out for system updates that might improve the situation
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