Amazon's Next Kindle to Dethrone the Apple iPad?
Amazon's next Kindle model may soon be announced and commentators believe it could make a bid to end the iPad's current tablet reign.
Anupam Palit, an analyst at GreenCrest Capital Management in New York, revealed that "the latest iteration of the e-book reader will have an improved interface and double as a tablet computer, with a touch screen in full color."
Amazon just sent out invitations for their planned press event in New York City next Wednesday. The emailed invitation to reporters listed the time, date and location and a brief comment: "Please join us for an Amazon.com press conference."
No other specific details were given on the event. Some reporters believe that given the timing, this event may mark the unveiling of further Amazon's Android tablet news. Analysts and bloggers say a new seven inch. and 10 inch Kindle e-reader will also be revealed at the event.
TechCrunch.com reported that it had a chance to use a pre-release version of the Amazon tablet. The online news site reported that the Android-based device will come with a full-color 7-in. touchscreen. The price is reported to come in at $250.
The TechCrunch.com reviewer said it looked very similar to the Research in Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook.
Amazon's expected Android tablet is expected to challenge Apple's iPad top spot. The price factor may come into play due to the iPad's starting price of $499. Amazon's new tablet computer and its cheap price could attract Apple's customers.
A reviewer for the site confirmed the expectations of analysts who have said the device will be back-lit and not be an e-ink device like the Kindle e-readers. The reviewer noted that the device looked a lot like the Research in Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook.
Many reports had suggested that the announcement of the Amazon tablet would come in October, and that the device would hit stores in November. Next week's press event is being watched closely as it may show the new tablet early.
