Earlier this week, Amazon released their first Android tablet, the Amazon Kindle Fire, which comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display. This new device marks Amazon’s entry into the competitive tablet market, which has been dominated by Apple’s iPad and other Android tablets. The Kindle Fire aims to attract users with its affordable price point and seamless integration with Amazon’s vast ecosystem of services, including e-books, music, and video streaming.
Rumors of a 10-Inch Kindle Fire
We had previously heard rumors that Amazon is working on a 10-inch version of the Kindle Fire. Initially, it was speculated that this larger model would launch in the early part of 2012. However, according to a recent report, we may actually see the 10-inch model before the end of 2011. This accelerated timeline suggests that Amazon is eager to capitalize on the holiday shopping season, which is a critical period for consumer electronics sales.
Amazon is expected to outsource the production of 10.1-inch tablet PCs to Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry), and shipments of the 10.1-inch tablets are likely to begin before year-end 2011 for holiday-season demand.
Strategic Move for Market Penetration
For Amazon to release a 10-inch version of the Kindle Fire, they would have to announce it sometime in October or November for it to go on sale before the end of the year. This strategic move could significantly boost Amazon’s market penetration. A larger screen would make the device more appealing for activities such as watching movies, reading magazines, and playing games, thereby attracting a broader audience.
Foxconn Electronics, known for manufacturing devices for major tech companies like Apple, is expected to handle the production of the 10.1-inch tablets. This partnership ensures that Amazon can meet the anticipated high demand during the holiday season. The involvement of a reputable manufacturer like Foxconn also suggests that the 10-inch Kindle Fire will be a high-quality device, capable of competing with other premium tablets on the market.
Potential Impact on the Tablet Market
The introduction of a 10-inch Kindle Fire could have a significant impact on the tablet market. Amazon’s aggressive pricing strategy with the 7-inch Kindle Fire has already set a new benchmark for affordability. If the 10-inch model follows a similar pricing strategy, it could force other manufacturers to reconsider their pricing, potentially leading to more affordable options for consumers.
Moreover, the 10-inch Kindle Fire would likely come with the same seamless integration with Amazon’s services, making it an attractive option for existing Amazon customers. The device could also feature improved hardware specifications, such as a faster processor, more RAM, and better display resolution, making it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts.
The potential release of a 10-inch Kindle Fire before the end of 2011 is an exciting development in the tablet market. Amazon’s strategic timing and partnership with Foxconn could position the company as a formidable competitor in the tablet space. As we await the official announcement, it will be interesting to see how this new device will shape the future of tablets and influence consumer choices.
Source DigiTimes
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