Amazon launches iPad rival, the Kindle Fire

 

 

NEW YORK(AFP): US online retail giant Amazon unveiled a tablet computer, the Kindle Fire, on Wednesday that costs $199, less than half the price of the cheapest iPad from market-leader Apple.
The Kindle Fire, which has a seven-inch (17.78-centimeter) screen, smaller than the iPad's 9.7 inches (24.6 cm), will be available in the United States on November 15, the Seattle-based Amazon announced at a launch event in Manhattan

"Kindle Fire brings together all of the things we've been working on at Amazon for over 15 years into a single, fully-integrated service for customers," Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos said.
Presenting the new tablet to the press, Bezos said Amazon is hoping to sell "many millions" and touted the features of a new Web browser in the Kindle Fire called Amazon Silk.

New basic Kindle for $79

Bezos also unveiled three new Kindle electronic book readers: a new basic Kindle for $79, a Kindle Touch for $99 and a Kindle Touch 3G for $149.
The Kindle Fire has Wi-Fi connectivity only and is powered by Google's Android software. It does not have a camera like many other leading tablets, including the latest iPad.

The most serious challenge yet to the iPad

According to technology analysts, a low-priced Amazon tablet could pose the most serious challenge yet to the iPad, which has dominated the fast-growing market for tablet computers since it went on sale in April 2010.
"Amazon will sell millions of tablets, and the rapid fire adoption of the Kindle Fire will give app developers a reason -- finally -- to develop Android tablet apps," said Forrester Research analyst Sarah Rotman Epps

No serious competitors until Windows 8 tablets launch

"Apple's place as market leader is secure, but Amazon will be a strong number two, and we expect no other serious tablet competitors until Windows 8 tablets launch," Rotman Epps said.
According to technology research firm Gartner, the iPad will account for 68.7 per cent of the 69.7 million tablets sold this year and will remain the top-selling device over the next few years.

Competing on price, content, and commerce

At $199, Amazon is significantly undercutting Apple with the price of the Kindle Fire. Apple's cheapest iPad sells for $499.
"Amazon is competing on price, content, and commerce," Rotman Epps said.

Pre-installed Amazon shopping application

 

The Kindle Fire comes with a 30-day free subscription to Amazon Prime, whose members pay $79 a year for free shipping and receive other benefits such as unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows.
It also has a pre-installed Amazon shopping application as Amazon seeks to drive Kindle Fire buyers to its online store, which features books, music, movies, TV shows and games.

The goal is to drive business

"Over the past few years, Amazon's customers have gotten used to one-click purchases of books and other published content via the Kindle," independent technology analyst Carmi Levy told AFP.
"(Amazon's) goal is to drive as much business as possible to and through its online retail presence," he said. "Amazon doesn't need to maximize its profits on every tablet sold

Amazon's Tablet Kindle Fire

Apple sold 9.25 million iPads last quarter and has sold nearly 30 million since launching the device in 2010.
Amazon shares were up 4.16 per cent at $233.54 in midday trading on Wall Street.

Top 10 Tablets

 

The future of portable computing, tablets give you the portability and versatility that no laptop in the world can even think of offering.
Whether you're an Apple fan or you prefer the stylish Android lot, our list will help you make the perfect choice.

Check out the list of top 10 tablets:

Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi

 

Price: Rs 29,500
It may look as though Apple's secondgen tablet merely tweaks the formula that made the original a genre-defining monster, but the changes are significant enough to keep it well clear of the Android pack. On the outside it's been slimmed down to a smartphone-thin 8.8mm, shed 70g of weight and gained two cameras. On the inside it's had a major power boost, its new dual-core A5 processor keeping it faster and more responsive than any rival. Add to that the best screen going and the unparalleled riches of the App Store and you're left wondering how it's also one of the cheapest in its class.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer

 

Price: Rs 32,999
With its detachable keyboard, fast processor and impressive multitasking ability, this Android Honeycomb 3.1-powered 10.1-incher renders netbooks obsolete. Throw in big battery life and it's the first Android slate that offers a genuine alternative to iOS.
Image courtesy: asus.com

Asus Eee Pad Slider (on sale in November)

Price: Rs 36,999
The Eee Pad series of tablets from Asus receives yet another boost with the launch of the awesome Android Honeycomb 3.1 powered Eee Pad Slider. This one packs in a slide-out keyboard, unlike the detachable one on the Transformer.
Image courtesy: asus.com

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

 

Price: Rs 36,200
Rejoice: there's no longer any need to ship Samsung's second tablet in from the US. That's good news, because the 10.1 is thinner and lighter than the iPad 2, has a lovely display and runs Honeycomb smoothly. Only Android's lack of killer apps lets it down.

Motorola Xoom 3G

Price: Rs 41,490
The first tablet to run Honeycomb gives the iPad 2 a bloody nose thanks to its better camera and built-in HDMI and SD ports. The Xoom also excels at appjuggling and has a great screen, with the update to Android 3.1 unlocking extra functionality.
Image courtesy: motorola.com

BlackBerry PlayBook

 

Price: Rs 27,990
The diminutive PlayBook is aptly named; its sharp display, versatile, user-friendly OS and full HD video camera all point to a life lived outside of the boardroom. If 7 inches is enough for you, it's well worth considering - but it needs more apps, and quickly.
Image courtesy: in.blackberry.com

Acer Iconia Tab A501

 

Price: Rs 34,500
Slim, shiny and chic, Acer's 10in 3G Honeycomb tablet proves Android can compete with Apple when it comes to looks, even if it's a little rough around the edges in operation. The combination of a 10-hour battery life and 32GB of storage makes it a solid all-rounder.
Image courtesy: us.acer.com

HTC Flyer 3G

 

Price: Rs 39,890
For watching videos and gaming, the 7in Flyer's size and power put it up there with the best, but an outdated version of Android means its clunkier in operation than the others. At this price it's impossible to recommend over a Honeycomb-powered rival.
Image courtesy: htc.com

Acer Iconia Tab W500

 

Price: Rs 34,499
If you don't mind using the tablet version of Windows 7, the W500 is a decent option. It lacks app variety, but the ease of use and familiarity of Windows gives it plenty of versatility. The Android-running A501 is a better option, though.
Image courtesy: acer.us

Samsung Galaxy Tab

 

Price: Rs 26,149
With its mobile phone usability and responsive screen, the Galaxy Tab was the pick of the 7in tabs until the PlayBook arrived. In that company, its single-core CPU and reliance on Android 2.2 leave it looking sluggish. It doesn't cost as much, mind.
Image courtesy: samsung.com