Having
previously limited itself to making black and white e-mail readers, the company
will soon offer a colour tablet computer that will run on a modified version of
Google’s Android system.
Stiff
competition
The
Amazon Kindle Fire faces stiff competition in the tablet market, which is
currently dominated by Apple’s iPad. However, Amazon is hopeful that it can
leverage a significant market share on the strength of the Kindle brand that
has been built up over three generations of its popular e-book reader, as well
as its ability to offer content such as music and video.
It
has opted for a 7” screen, which is notably smaller than the 10” screen
preferred by most of its rivals. So far the 7” format has helped Amazon achieve
a lower price point, but has not proved widely popular with users.
There
is no denying the success of the Amazon Kindle, however. Though the company has
never released official sales figures it has stated that it is now selling more
electronic copies of books than paper versions.
Price
cuts
In
addition to announcing the Kindle Fire, Amazon has also revealed a refresh of
its Kindle e-readers with the entry level device now having its keyboard
removed – Amazon UK
Those
interested in buying a Kindle should check out 5hop5.ie for a number of Amazon voucher codes.
These include 20 per cent off any Amazon Kindle cover with your Kindle or
Kindle 3G purchase (offer ends October 12); or if you prefer books in paper
form, there is up to 50 per cent off new releases (offer ends November 30).
