Screen Discoloration Reported by Kindle Colorsoft Users: Amazon's Initial Response

Imagine purchasing the Kindle Colorsoft, the first full-color e-reader from Amazon, with great anticipation, only to discover an unexpected yellow tint at the screen's bottom. This has become a shared experience for many new owners who have taken to social media to express their concerns, ranging from mild irritation to requests for refunds.

Amazon's latest Kindle has generated excitement, particularly among fans of comics and graphic novels, offering rich and vibrant full-color pages. Even those transitioning from older Kindle versions have been keen to embrace these enhancements.

While the exact cause isn't confirmed, it's suggested that this yellow tinge may be linked to a glitch introduced by a recent software update. It's suspected that a further update could resolve this issue. Allison Murray, a user who has been evaluating the e-reader, finds the yellow mark absent during reading but noticeable in photos.

Prospective buyers shouldn't be discouraged from purchasing this innovative Kindle. However, if the yellow hue is problematic enough to consider returning the device, it might be wise to delay the purchase until Amazon addresses the problem.

One unhappy Reddit user shared, 'The yellow hue is incredibly obvious, especially when the device should have consistent lighting akin to paper. After contacting Amazon, I was offered a device replacement under warranty. I'll test the new one, but I may return it if it fails to meet the expectations set for a $300 product.'

While not overwhelming, this yellow band is noticeable enough to frustrate many, particularly given the device's cost. Once observed, it's hard to ignore.

An Amazon spokesperson assured ZDNET of their dedication to quality and acknowledged receiving some customer feedback about a yellow band at the screen's base, inviting affected users to contact customer support.

Another user reported, 'I noticed the yellow band immediately upon receiving my Kindle. The issue extended across the screen when opening a book. I opted for a refund through customer service, which did not offer an exchange.'

In addition to the yellow band, users have noted a crosshatched pattern on the display. This is attributed to the E Ink Kaleido 3 color e-paper technology, which layers a color filter over a monochrome e-paper, allowing up to 4,000 colors at 150 ppi for color images, with black-and-white content displayed at 300 ppi.