We're still awaiting the Kindle Fire on these shores, but already comes word that Amazon is preparing a much bigger version to launch this summer. DigiTimes reports the book pusher is working on a 10.1-inch version of the Android tablet, to take on the iPad.
This bigger Fire -- the hardback to the existing model's paperback -- is expected to launch between July and September, according to the rumour. Amazon was said to be preparing an 8.9-inch version, but that's apparently on hold for now.
This 10 incher is aimed straight at taking on the iPad. The 8.9-inch model was expected to rival the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9, but now Amazon has abandoned it to focus on beating Apple at its own game. That's according to the source who spoke to DigiTimes, anyway.
The current Kindle Fire stands at 7 inches, with no camera, and a bargain-basement price tag that set tongues wagging. It also has an Amazon-skinned version of Android, setting it apart from other Google-powered tablets.
We're still waiting for a UK release, and the last we heard was that Amazon was speaking to music and film bods to seal some deals and ensure the device is packed with tunes and movies when it does hit the UK. Amazon's Anthony Bay told a conference: "If you're not talking to us, you should be."
Content is Amazon's ace card. Its business model depends on it selling plenty of books, music and movies for use on the device, hence the rock-bottom cost of the Kindle Fire itself. A larger screen would inevitably bump up the price, but could still cost a lot less than Apple's iPad. Meanwhile, Apple is said to be working on a smaller iPad, to cut off the threat from Amazon.
Such is the Kindle Fire's success, that Amazon is said to be working on a smart phone too -- which would be interesting indeed.
Would you buy a bigger Kindle Fire? And how much would you pay for a 10.1-inch model? Let me know in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page.
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Comments 8
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Leszcz 21 May, 2012 00:47
'giant hand' - brilliant
anonymous 21 May, 2012 02:01
Yes, i would buy a 10 inch Amazon Kindle. First of all, I don't even own a Kindle reader and **** I would have that suddenly. Then, in addition, I would finally get a tablet which I also don't have. Hello? Anybody remember the economic crisis? Many of my friends are also awaiting a nice bargain. Apple is usually priced much higher in any category. Finally, I'll get a chance to raise my quality of tech while spending less that than the exorbitant Apple prices and with a lower price tag, I could up the memory and still get a dynamite machine for less. YES! I'm interested. Also, frankly, I spent a whopping 300 bucks for a Droid Bionic from Verizon, which unfortunately needs battery help every few hours, and I feel greatly tricked. I'd rather spend the bucks on Amazon's possible new launch and stay with Amazon than with Verizon (unless Amazon will only launch the machine and not the service).
anonymous 21 May, 2012 20:47
getting fed up of waiting, i think I'll get me an ipad instead!
anonymous 21 May, 2012 20:51
Amazon are shooting themselves in the foot by delaying the launch in the UK, people are going to buy others that are available now. I go on holiday in 3 or 4 weeks and was hoping to have a kindle fire for then but it looks like I'll be buying something else!
anonymous 21 May, 2012 21:11
Both my wife & I have Kindle Fires. Mine since November launch & my wife about month.You can get them from USA for £140. Its easy to get apps for it as well. Why wait for official UK frelease
anonymous 23 May, 2012 11:54
The thing I like about the Kindle Fire is that at 7 inches it fits in to a large jacket pocket. For me it fits perfectly in my inside jacket pocket. I can't do this with my iPad and it's a big bonus not having to carry a tablet around. I do still have several issues with bugs on the Kindle Fire and really hope Amazon will continue to release updates.
anonymous 24 May, 2012 07:27
Asus Transformer Pad TF300 for me
oliverpisces 30 May, 2012 13:59
Yes, it's just what I've been waiting for - I've had the Kindle reader for over a year and found it amazing. When the Kindle Fire appeared, I was sorely tempted but fortunately I suspected that a larger version might soon appear on the horizon. Since I'd want it for its wide range of UK tv comedy series that we don't get in Cyprus, I'm hoping it'll cost about 250 to 300 dollars - but maybe I'm being too optimistic.