Amazon has scheduled a media event September 6th in Los Angeles, reportedly to unveil a Kindle Fire that has significant improvements over its predecessor and a second tablet that's ad-supported and a slightly upgraded version of the current model. Both tablets would have 7-inch displays, a new report from CNET claims, debunking earlier rumors of a 10-inch model. While the tablets are still using the Android platform, Amazon partnered with Nokia instead of Google for location and mapping services for the new device. The Kindle Fire 2 is also expected to have a front camera for Skype calls, a higher-resolution screen, quicker processor, a new user interface, and an HDMI port. The retail giant said the first generation Kindle is "sold out," and the device has taken 22% of the U.S. tablet market, claiming a distant second place to Apple's iPad.
What Else You Need To Know
- Amazon is using Nokia Maps pending development of its own mapping application. In July, Amazon purchased for an undisclosed price 3D mapping start-up UpNext, which covers 50 cities in the U.S.
- The Kindle Fire 2 is expected to launch at the same $199 price point as the current Kindle Fire and the Google/Asus Nexus 7. The ad-supported, slightly updated version of the first-gen Kindle Fire is expected to sell at a lower price.
- The Verge leaked an image of an alleged Kindle Fire that has streamlined user interface with less "chrome" and a 4:3 screen ratio (current model has 17:10 ratio).
- Also expected to be unveiled is a Kindle Touch eReader that's front-lit and has a significantly improved "Paperwhite" display.
Other sources
This would dramatically lower the price and prospectively allow you to purchase it for just over $100, which would dominate the market.- Michael Kozlowski, Good E-Reader
It would be cool to have an Amazon Kindle Fire 2 that’s both cheap, packed with a front camera, GPS and Nokia Maps.- Radu Iorga, Tablet News
- Other
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Managing Expectations for Amazon's Upcoming Kindle Event
As reported by AllThingsD’s John Paczkowski, there will be an updated seven-inch device, which is expected to be thinner and lighter than the original.
- PCWorld
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10-Inch Kindle Fire May be Delayed
Although a 10-inch Kindle Fire has been expected since last year, All Things Digital reports that the tablet is “definitely not a done deal,” citing several anonymous sources.
- Engadget
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Amazon Kindle Touch goes out of stock, sparks conspiracy theories
Suffice it to say that the timing of this vanishing act is extremely convenient in light of Amazon's special event next week, although just what it means is very much an unknown. Is there a light-up sequel on its way?
- The Next Web
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A best-seller sells out: Amazon pulls Kindle Fire sales ahead of September 6 tablet refresh
Rumors have it that Amazon will introduce more than one new tablet in the coming week, maybe even a smartphone.
- Other
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Kindle Fire is now sold out, has 22 percent of the US tablet market
Unsurprisingly, Amazon took this moment to tout the Kindle Fire's success — while the company still hasn't officially given any sales figures, Amazon claims the Kindle Fire has taken 22 percent of the US tablet market. That's impressive, but it's worth nothing that the Fire has basically no global presence.
- Gizmodo
- The Kindle Fire Is Sold Out
- Engadget
- Amazon's Kindle Fire has sold out just in time for the company's next big event
- Other
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Amazon Stops Selling the Kindle Fire (For a Week)
Amazon says the original Fire has “captured 22 percent of tablet sales in the U.S.”, but doesn’t cite the data source for that one. Wonder what Apple and Google have to say about that.
- TechCrunch
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Amazon Wants Everyone To Know The Kindle Fire Is Sold Out
Amazon is clearly desperate for attention. And so, just like the, days before the announcement of the next model, Amazon is suddenly out of stock of its best selling item — and quickly issued a press release bragging as such.
- Pocket-lint
- The Kindle Fire is dead, long live Kindle Fire 2
- More...