Amazon set to introduce 'five or six' new Kindle Fire models - report
Demos Parneros, president of U.S. Retail for Staples, said Amazon is gearing up to introduce as many as a half-dozen stock-keeping units, or SKUs, for new Kindle Fire models, according to Reuters. The new models are expected to be available in different sizes, including a larger 10-inch model that would more directly compete with Apple's 9.7-inch iPad.
It's likely that Amazon will not introduce up to six distinct Kindle Fire models. Instead, it's plausible that the models will offer varying levels of capacity, with more storage, or connectivity, with potential features like 3G or 4G LTE wireless.
Since the launch of the 7-inch Kindle Fire last year, there have been reports suggesting Amazon was exploring larger screen sizes of 8.9 inches and 10.1 inches for future models. The new hardware is rumored to debut later this year.
When the new Kindle Fire models debut, the existing model is expected to remain available at a discounted price of $149. That would undercut the new 7-inch Google Nexus 7 by $50.
For now, the Kindle Fire is available in only one model and once screen size at once price: $199. It debuted with a a strong start, but demand quickly collapsed, as customer satisfaction with Amazon's low-priced device was about half that of Apple's third-generation iPad, according to research from ChangeWave.
Amazon also stepped up competition with Apple earlier this month when the retailer announced its new GameCenter social network for Kindle Fire games. The service, compatible with popular titles like "Temple Run" and "Doodle Jump," is very similar to Apple's own Game Center for iOS.
62 Comments
There had better be an eInk model with a backlight. The cheap Android tablets are distracting from innovation in the eInk side of the Kindle world.
When the new Kindle Fire models debut, the existing model is expected to remain available at a discounted price of $149. That would undercut the new 7-inch Google Nexus 7 by $50.
At first I thought this was a bad idea. A lack of confidence in their product.
Then I realized that Amazon is just going for shelf space... merchandising.
Target will carry most, if not all, of the models (at least at first) that will allow Kindle a larger presence in retail... Combined with the "every price point" PC philosophy.
How about they fix the one they already have, before they add more fail to the market?
If we're talking SKUs, Amazon could add 6 models of Kindle Fire quite easily just with a variation of 3/4G option, color and storage sizes.
[quote name="Quadra 610" url="/t/151450/amazon-set-to-introduce-five-or-six-new-kindle-fire-models-report#post_2152044"]How about they fix the one they already have, before they add more fail to the market? [/quote] They are doing it right, so far. They have one model and they focused the consumer on it. Now they can expand their market. They already have 2 SKUs for the Fire so having a larger model, additional capacities, and/or cellular option sounds like balanced growth to me. Apple has 18 SKUs for their 10" iPad and still hasn't added Sprint to the line up. For comparison, I think MS should learn from Amazon in how to release a tablet that makes sense to the public.