Android

Amazon to launch 8.9-inch Kindle Fire later this year

Jake Smith | May 14 2012 - 12:31 pm PT

As a successor to its successful Kindle Fire, Amazon will launch an 8.9-inch version of the tablet later this year, according to a new report from Reuters. At 8.9-inches, the larger Kindle Fire would be closer in size to its most notable competitor: the Apple iPad. Announced in last September, the Kindle Fire currently has a 7-inch display, which has proven to be the optimal size for many tablet users. The key factor for the Fire, however, is the price. It is only $199, which very enticing for new tablet owners.

With a 1.9-inch increase in size, it is not clear how much Amazon will raise the price. Pricing is obviously a key draw for the tablet and something that needs to be really considered by Amazon execs.

Currently, the Kindle Fire sits with roughly half of the Android tablet market share. Amazon has not released any numbers regarding sales, but it is said to be solid at more than 5 million units shipped. Today, Reuters also provided more information on the next Kindle eReader, claiming it will include a front-lit screen—much like the glowing eReader that Barnes & Noble recently released.

According to the report, Amazon’s glowing Kindle will launch in July, according to “a source who has seen the prototype.”

Earlier reports said Amazon will launch three new Kindle Fires this year: a low-end 7-inch model (resolution of 1024-by-600), a medium- to high-end 7-inch model (1280-by-800), and a high-end 8.9-inch (1920-by-1200), backing Reuter’s report today.