Amazon has introduced a redesigned Kindle Oasis e-reader that upgrades the Kindle Voyage with new features and a higher $290 price. The device is now available for pre-order and will start shipping on April 27. Amazon started replacing the old-school QWERTY keyboard starting in 2011, but Oasis's new ultra-thin design lets users flip over the unit to switch the hand holding it, and includes a bump on the back for more comfortable holding.

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Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos teased the new Kindle model last week. The Oasis' thinnest point is 0.13 inches (3.4 millimeters), 0.33 inches (8.5 millimeters) thick, and weighs 4.6 ounces (131 grams). Meanwhile, the price tag is $310 without special offers, and $360 with free 3G service.   

One drawback of the thinner profile is the new Kindle's battery life is around two weeks on a single charge, according to Ars Technica. Past models lasted one month.

However, the Oasis also includes a charging cover that boosts the battery life an extra six weeks for a total of two months. The e-reader's cover is available in black, merlot (dark blue), and walnut finishes, which add another 3.8 ounces (107 grams) to the device's total weight.   

Oasis keeps Voyage's 6-inch 1448x1072 300 PPI E-Ink touchscreen. In addition, the ambient light sensor helps the e-reader save battery life and keeps the unit at a comfortable reading level.

In addition, the frontlight's 10 LEDs are significantly higher than Voyage's six and Paperwhite's four. Amazon explains this will light up pages more evenly.

Another big change for the Oasis is the return of page-turning physical buttons. Amazon removed the feature from Kindle a few years ago, while Voyage only included pressure-sensitive buttons.

The Kindle Voyage ($200), Paperwhite ($120), and standard Kindle ($80) keep their original price points. Shoppers must decide if they are willing to pay one-third more than Voyage for Oasis's major redesign and new features   

In related news, last year Amazon sold millions of Echo smart speakers with Alexa talking technology. It is able to stream music and is now included in the $90 Echo Dot that is a small Alex microphone that plugs into a hi-fi system, according to The Wall Street Journal.  

Here's a hands-on for Kindle Oasis: