Amazon.com Inc., the world’s largest online retailer, plans to introduce the next version of its Kindle electronic-book reader in August, according to two people familiar with its plans. The device will be thinner and have a more responsive screen with a sharper picture, the people said, who didn’t want to be identified because the plans aren’t public. The new Kindle won’t include a touch screen or color, they said. Amazon.com, which introduced the Kindle in 2007, faces increased competition from Apple Inc.’s iPad — a tablet device that lets users browse the Web, watch video and read digital books. The company also faces a renewed challenge from Sony Corp., which introduced a touch-screen e-reader last year. Sony also added a service that lets users download books wirelessly, matching a feature of the Kindle. – From Bloomberg