Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), the online retail giant, is getting ready to launch Kindle Fire 2, the successor to one of their hottest selling gadgets. A new rumor regarding the upcoming tablet computer indicates that the new tablet will feature Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) Navigation.
Reuters reported the story first. They cited an unnamed source, which claimed that at least one new version of the Kindle Fire 2 will feature navigation capabilities with the help of a GPS chip or Wi-Fi triangulation.
Mapping services have become de rigeur for both smartphones and tablet computers. The Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) tablet computer already features a mapping application.
It’s been reported all summer long that Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)would release a Kindle Fire 2. Some are even speculating that they will release three different versions of the popular tablet computer. Richard Shim, analyst for DisplaySearch, predicts the following: one tablet will feature a 1,024 x 600 pixel display without a camera; a second tablet will feature 1,280 x 800 display without a camera; and the third tablet will feature 1,280 x 800 with a camera.
These reports are just speculation and nothing has been confirmed yet.
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s Kindle Fire is one of the most successful Android-based tablets on the market. It’s also a solid, affordable alternative for people who don’t want to buy the more expensive iPad. Of course, all of that may change if Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) ends up releasing the rumored iPad Mini.
The Kindle Fire is a hot selling tablet for a reason. It not only feature’s Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s popular Android software, but it’s easy to use and quite affordable. Consumers value user-friendly technology and affordability, two things Amazon offers with the Kindle Fire.
I have high expectations for Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) Kindle Fire 2 and I have little doubt that it will sell well. If the rumor that Amazon is releasing three different versions of their popular tablet proves true, I think that offering a variety of devices might help improve their sales even more.
Stifel Nicholas reports today:
We think Amazon will need to offer more compelling features to ensure success of its new tablet devices. The original Kindle Fire’s largely offered an e-reader/content consumption experience with a small selection of apps limiting its appeal as a full featured tablet. Also, to remain competitive in the pocketable (7 inch) tablet category, Amazon will have to price the Kindle Fire update at or below the existing $199 price point given that the recently released Google Nexus 7 offers features similar or in cases better than the Kindle Fire at the same price. With the introduction of shared data plans for multiple devices on both Verizon and AT&T, we believe it is increasingly likely that Amazon will offer cellular connectivity in some models. We think Amazon faithfuls already in possession of a Kindle Fire will find few reasons (with the exception of a camera) to immediately upgrade. Everyone else in the market for a pocketable tablet will likely wait for a possible smaller iPad form-factor by Apple before making a purchase, in our view. However, if Amazon chooses to offer the existing, first-generation Kindle Fire at a reduced price, we believe the company could grab a meaningful share of the tablet market going forward. According to IDC, the Kindle Fire represented 5% of the tablet market C2Q12, compared to iPad’s 68% share. We would also remind
investors of Good Technology’s reports that enterprise/commercial activations of tablets show the iPad as having a +95% share.
