WSJ: There Will Be An Amazon Tablet to Rival the iPad By October

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amazon-tablet

Sources for the Wall Street Journal claim Amazon is getting set to launch its first tablet this October. The 9-inch device will go head-to-head against against Apple’s iPad, though it may not pack as many features.

The tablet will run Google’s Android platform, according to sources “familiar with the matter,” but unlike Apple’s latest iPad, it won’t boast a camera. Despite this, Amazon intends for the device to compete with Apple’s tablet:

The new tablet will intensify a growing clash between Amazon and Apple. The two tech-industry titans are already fighting for customers for their respective digital book, music and video businesses. Now Amazon will have a device that will compete closely against Apple’s popular iPad, as well as other tablets such as Samsung Electronic Co.’s Galaxy Tab.

Just like the iPad, Amazon’s tablet will push content consumption such as videos, music and eBooks — all of which can be purchased directly from Amazon’s store. However, it won’t be designed by the company. Instead, a second device which will be designed Amazon could be launched next year.

In addition to the tablet, Amazon is planning to launch two updated versions of its Kindle e-reader, according to the sources. One of which will boast a touchscreen, a feature seen in no previous Kindle device.

A camera may not be the only feature Amazon’s tablet is lacking, however. According to recent reports, Apple is set to launch a third iPad this year that will boast a high-resolution display. Will this device overshadow Amazon’s first tablet launch?

[via MacRumors]

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