Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos unveils Kindle Fire tablet computer
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos holds the new Amazon tablet called the Kindle Fire on September 28, 2011 in New York City. The Fire, which will be priced at $199, is an expanded version of the company’s Kindle e-reader that has 8GB of storage and WiFi. The Fire gives users access to streaming video, as well as e-books, apps and music, and has a Web browser. In addition to the Fire, Bezos introduced four new Kindles including a Kindle touch model.
Amazon entered the highly competitive tablet computer market Wednesday, unveiling its Kindle Fire, which the company is positioning to challenge Apple's iPad.
The Kindle Fire will have a 7-inch display and sell for $199, compared with $499 for Apple’s cheapest iPad, Bloomberg reports. The Kindle Fire's price undercuts U.S. rival Barnes & Noble's Nook Color by $50..
Until now, Amazon has stuck to making black-and-white e-readers, the BBC says. The new device will run a modified version of Google's Android software.
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Amazon Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos introduced the Kindle Fire, as well as a cheaper Kindle touch model, at an event in New York City.
Bloomberg says the Kindle Fire does not have a built-in camera or microphone, but does include Wifi connectivity, although not 3G access.It is due to go on sale on Nov. 15 in the United States. Global release dates have not yet been announced.
Hewlett-Packard discontinued its TouchPad in August, only about a month after its debut, Bloomberg notes.