Not wanting to leave its hugely successful Kindle brand behind, Amazon has introduced an update to its own line of tablets today. What we have is an upgrade for the already existing Kindle Fire HD model, and a brand new plaything: the Fire HDX. Note the X.
This newer device comes equipped with better specs, notably a 2.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM and Adreno 330 graphics, the latter of which ups the device’s graphical power by as much as four times. All combined, these new innards get around 11 hours of mixed battery life. As with other Kindle line ups, there will be both a 7 inch and 8.9 inch version. The larger model boasts a screen resolution of 2560 x 1600, while its little brother runs at 1920 x 1200. The bigger model even manages to shed 34 percent of the weight off of last year’s one.
An HD front-facing camera has been fitted to both, while the 8.9 inch will also hold an 8 MP rear-facing camera, capable of HD video recording, LED flash and electronic image stabilisation. In the US there’ll be 4G connectivity (for a higher price), though it’s unknown if that same feature will reach the UK. As for sound, there’s dual stereo speakers and Dolby Digital Plus audio.
While the HDX is designed as a replacement for the HD model, that hasn’t stopped Amazon from refreshing its popular device. Right now it’s only the 7 inch device that’s being updated, which keeps the same display (1280 x 800) and packs a dual-core 1.5GHz processor and dual stereo speakers. It’s not the specs that are the new selling point though, rather the price. It will launch in the US for $139, which translates to £86 in the UK, though this hasn’t been confirmed. For comparisons sake, the current Kindle Fire goes for £130, while its HD model is at £160. So quite a drop, then.
Again, the US has prices for the HDX – $229 ( £143) for the 7 inch model and $379 ( £236) for the 8.9 inch one. Adding 4G will take the former to $329 ( £205) and the latter to $479 ( £299). HDX’s 7 inch model is expected to ship in the US on October 18th and November 7th for the bigger one. he 4G LTE models will ship from 14 November and 10 December respectively, while the new Fire HD will hit much earlier on October 2nd.
Lots of news, lots of models, lots of options – which will you get (if any)?
Source: Pocket Lint
