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Amazon's new budget tablets include 6- and 7-inch sizes, as well as a kids edition
Here's the funny thing about Amazon: Because it's already selling you stuff, it has an easy way of knowing when a product category is starting to take off. Case in point: budget tablets. After reading lots of user reviews complaining about cheap, unreliable slates, the company had two major takeaways. One, people actually buy this crap and two, maybe Amazon can do better. That brings us to today's news: The outfit just introduced a 6-inch, $99 tablet, its least expensive yet. In addition, the company refreshed its $139 Kindle Fire HD 7 along with so-called Kids Edition models, which are basically the same 6- and 7-inch tablets, just with a two-year warranty and some robust parental controls. All of them start at under $200.
Which cheap tablets are worth buying?
A few years ago, tablets were poised to replace laptops as the computing device of choice. That never happened, as we've largely stuck with laptops and phones as our daily drivers, with tablets relegated to a secondary role. If you don't use a tablet that much, it certainly seems wise to avoid dropping a lot of cash on one. But a lower price often means compromises, and too many compromises means you won't be using the tablet at all. To figure out how many corners you can cut when it comes to purchasing a sub-$200 tablet, we've gathered opinions from across the web, from our own reviews to the opinions of other trusted critics. Which cheap tablets balance performance and price to still deliver a good experience? When is it worth spending just a little bit more money? And which deals are too good to be true?
Amazon Deal Center is a one-stop shop for discounted Kindle Fire apps
Looking for a deal? Amazon's trying to make it a little easier for you. The company just announced on its developer community page that the Amazon Appstore is getting a new section: Deal Center. The feature is exactly what it sounds like -- a central location that lists discounted apps and special offers, such as apps that give customers Amazon Coins with purchase. Amazon says the deal page was designed to help developers broaden their customer base, and developers don't have to do anything special to be featured in the Deal Center; it's mostly automatic. If you installed the Amazon Appstore manually, however, you're out of luck: Deal Center is only visible on Kindle Fire HDX and HD devices, at least for now.
Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: winter 2014 edition
The tablet landscape is changing rapidly. It's now relatively trivial to find a cheap, full-featured Windows slate, and we've seen a number of smaller models that still manage to pack plenty of power. In light of those shifts, our tablet buyer's guide looks very different this winter. Dell and Nokia are on the list for the first time, and Windows tablets sit shoulder-to-shoulder with their mobile OS rivals. We've even brought back an older Nook that's received a new lease on life thanks to updated software and a significant price cut. Whether you're looking for a productivity machine or just something to watch movies on, we've got a tablet that should fit the bill.
Amazon launches Fire HD, HDX and Kindle Store in Australia
It's a good day for you, mates from down under -- or at least for those with a hankering for Amazon's Kindle devices. The e-commerce giant is bringing the Kindle Fire HD and HDX to Australia, following the Paperwhite's release in the country. As things often go in the continent, the devices cost a bit more than their counterparts in the US: the Kindle Fire HD, which is now available at retailers Dick Smith and Big W, sells at AU$189 (US$176). The 7-inch Fire HDX will arrive on November 26th, with its most basic model priced at AU$329 (US$306), while the 8.9-inch HDX will land on December 10th and begins at AU$479 (US$445). In addition to its tablets, Amazon's also launched the Australian Kindle Store curated especially for the country's audience, which features works from local authors and publishers. Finally, Kindle Direct Publishing is now active on the Amazon AU site, enabling indie authors to sell their work in the land of kangaroos, koalas and Chris Hemsworth.
Amazon opens pre-orders for Kindle Fire HD and Fire HDX in the UK and Canada
Amazon just announced its latest tablets are available for pre-order in the UK and Canada. While the updated Kindle Fire HD will begin shipping in both countries on October 24th, Canadian customers will have to wait until November 26th, almost two weeks later than their UK counterparts, to get their hands on Amazon's newest tablet flagship: the Kindle Fire HDX. The 16GB version HDX, will cost $254 CDN/£199 (with Special Offers). The 7-inch HD however is $254 CDN/£199. Both the HD and HDX come in 8.9-inch variants with more storage too, starting at $284 CDN/£229 for the HD. The only question now is if the super-glossy display, upgraded CPU and Fire OS 3.0 are worth the extra scratch.
Amazon Prime is the first subscription video service with an offline option, on Kindle HDX
As a part of delivering its newest lineup of Kindle Fire HDX tablets with Fire OS 3.0, Amazon also added a new feature to its Prime Instant Video subscription plan that Netflix, Hulu and the rest don't have: downloads. The company told AllThingsD that this ability applies to "tens of thousands" of items from NBC, Viacom, Sony, Warner Bros. and CBS, with downloads ready for up to 30 days, and viewable for up to 48 hours after users start watching. Amazon hasn't announced any plans to bring the feature to its older slates or other platforms, nor has it shared other details about how it works. We'll have to wait and see if the competition negotiates / implements similar features soon -- that we can't even watch some OITNB or House of Cards stored on a tablet during a plane ride without going to some third party tech like PlayOn seems absolutely silly. Update: As a point of clarification, Amazon's product description reveals that offline playback for Amazon Prime videos is also possible on the newly released Kindle Fire HD. [Thanks, Quinn]
Amazon's Fire OS 3.0 'Mojito' arrives just in time for those new tablets
New hardware without a software refresh? Don't make Jeff Bezos laugh. Today's arrival of three new slates also marks the unveiling of the company's latest tablet operating system. And this time, it even has a name. See, Amazon's been using "Fire OS" internally to describe the software powering its tablet line, and now we get to use it as well, with the arrival of version 3.0. As ever, Bezos and Co. have based the OS on Android (Jelly Bean, this time out), with this year's codename being "Mojito" -- a move from candy names to sugary cocktails. The operating system will ship on the new HDX and HD devices. We weren't able to confirm that it will roll out to older devices, but an Amazon rep we spoke with implied that there's a good chance of that, given earlier precedents. First thing's first: there's still no Google Play access. No surprise there, of course. After all, the company's in the habit of subsidizing the cost of its hardware based on future content sales. Still, as ever, the company was quick to point out the speed with which its proprietary app store has grown in recent years. UI-wise, things look familiar. Content is still king, with the home screen built around a river of apps, games, movies, music, et cetera. The company did respond to customer concerns, however, by adding a more familiar grid-style layout that you can access with a swipe up, which should appease all you Android users out there. Swipe from the right, and you'll see Quick Switch, which lets you switch between different recently used pieces of content.
Amazon refreshes Kindle Fire HD with new body, $139 price tag
It's no surprise, of course, that the Kindle Fire HDX was the thing Amazon wanted to shout about from the Seattle mountaintops today. But Jeff Bezos had another little surprise up his impeccably tailored sleeves -- a surprise that makes the $229 HDX look downright extravagant. A warm (if decidedly overcast) Pacific Northwest welcome to the new Fire HD. Well, "new" is perhaps not entirely accurate. This Kindle shares a lot with its predecessor, though there are some notable changes. Namely, the body. See, if we're strictly talking form factor here, this guy is a dead ringer for the 7-inch HDX. Inside, however, you'll find last-gen processing power: a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, and on the front, the same old 1,280 x 800 display. Still, not too shabby for $139 -- that's $60 less than the last version cost moments before this post went up. That price also gets you access to Fire OS 3.0, aka "Mojito," Amazon's latest sugary rum of an operating system. Naturally, some of the new features just won't work on this hardware -- things like Mayday, which requires a microphone for use. Like the HDX, this slate plays nicely with those neat new Origami covers. You can pre-order one right this second, but you'll have to hang on until October 2nd before it actually starts shipping. Philip Palermo contributed to this report.
Amazon offering up Origami covers for those fancy new Kindle Fires
So, imagine you just shelled out $200 or $300 for one of those new Kindle Fire HDXs, only to have it scratch in your backpack as you pull it out to gloat to one of your friends. Oh, you poor, poor soul. If only you'd had the foresight to pick up an Origami cover. Like the new tablets, the case goes up for pre-order today -- and will start shipping at the same time as their respective devices. Jeff Bezos was pretty keen to show the accessories off today, demonstrating how built-in magnets allow them to fold together in such a way that the tablets can be positioned in either landscape or portrait modes. Neater still for the 8.9-inch version (the one with the rear-facing camera, mind), is a feature that triggers the photo app when the cover is slid down on the slate. Behold, magnetic magic that would leave the Insane Clown Posse pondering scientific inquiry for months to come. Amazon's made cases for both HDX models and the new HD. The polyurethane versions of the 7- and 8.9-inch HDX cases run $50 and $55, respectively, with the leather versions coming in at $65 and $70. The covers for the HD run $45 and $60. Philip Palermo contributed to this report.
Leaked Kindle Fire render lends credence to incoming refresh
The case for an incoming Kindle Fire update seems to be getting stronger every day -- not only have we seen benchmarks and alleged photos of the device, but now @evleaks seems to have come across an official render. The purported press image matches previous leaks in bezel size and design, but lacks the front-facing camera Amazon introduced with the Kindle Fire HD. This leads us to suspect that the render is of a non-HD model of Bezos' latest tablet. The flagship model is rumored to have a 2,560 x 1,600 resolution, the aforementioned camera upfront and an OS based on Android 4.2.2. We're still waiting for Amazon to give the official word of course, but for Kindle users waiting for an upgrade, it's something to salivate over.
Amazon's refreshed Kindle Fire HD allegedly leaked in new photos
According to the folks at BGR, you're looking at Amazon's next iteration of the Kindle Fire HD. While it isn't the first we've heard of the forthcoming tablet, it is the first we've seen, should these pictures prove to be authentic. There are a few obvious design changes, including the angular (and somewhat chunky) shape and the relocated power and volume buttons, which are now situated on the back of the device. BGR has only provided photos of the 7-inch version, but it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility to expect something similar from the anticipated 8.9-inch model. If the benchmarks we came across last month are any indication, we can expect -- at least on the larger tablet -- a Snapdragon 800 SoC, Adreno 330 GPU and an improved display (2,560 x 1,600 for the 8.9-inch screen). To see more photos, head on over to the source link below.
Benchmarks hint at Snapdragon-based Kindle Fire HD with 2,560 x 1,600 display
While benchmark leaks can be wobbly info-stones to tread upon, the arrival of some purported Kindle Fire HD scores could be the first steps toward a timely refresh. The results in question refer to a "Amazon KFAPWA" device with a reported Adreno 330 GPU, which by implication would likely mean a Snapdragon 800 SoC. The field that really leaps out, however, is that 2,560 x 1,600 resolution. If true, it could mean the 8.9-inch version is getting a bump from the previous iteration's 1,920 x 1,200 display. This certainly chimes with earlier reports, and, if nothing else, would certainly make that new browser UI all the more pretty to look at.
How would you change Amazon's 7-inch Kindle Fire HD?
Yes, it's basically a trojan horse, convincing you to buy stuff from Amazon's online store, but at least it's beautiful. HD display, stereo sound and decent hardware propelled the Kindle Fire HD to second place when it first came out, right behind the original Nexus 7. Still, this is "How Would You Change," where we ask you to pretend that Jeff Bezos is listening to your ideas and show the world your innovative ideas on where the company can improve matters for generation three.
BBC Sport app comes to Kindle Fire, now lets you filter out Chelsea news
iOS users already had access to the BBC Sport app's customizable "quick links" feature, which provides more direct access to favorite sports, but an update has just taken the idea a bit further. Quick links now work across Android and the freshly-minted Kindle Fire version too, and they additionally allow you to filter news according to which football club(s) you want to follow and which bits of multi-million-pound transfer gossip you'd rather just ignore. Other, more general improvements include refreshed indexes for a total of 41 different sports and greater prominence given to major tournaments like Formula 1 and the Ashes. If you want to check out the app on a Kindle Fire or Fire HD, you'll need to be in the UK -- an international version is still in the works and will be "available soon." There's a hat-trick of relevant download links below.
Path comes to Kindle Fire HD, proves stickers are inflammable
Life-sharing service Path has had a rollercoaster of a year. When it wasn't spamming its userbase's contacts, it was uploading their personal information without consent. That doesn't seem to be slowing down its rate of expansion, though -- there aren't many mobile ecosystems where you can't find the stylized P. Starting today, we can add another platform to that burgeoning list, as the app is out on Kindle Fire HD. Now that it's available on the 7-inch, 8.9-inch WiFi and 8.9-inch 4G tablets, everyone with the shopping giant's other hardware foray can slap stickers wherever they may be.
New York Times app now available for Kindle Fire tablets
All the news that's fit to print is now officially headed to a Kindle Fire screen near you. It's hard to believe that, before today, the New York Times didn't have a presence on Amazon's tablet ecosystem, but that drought is no longer. The new NYTimes app has been optimized for viewing on Kindle Fire tabs and to kick things off (and entice new digital subscribers), the Times is temporarily lifting the paywall and granting users free access to all news sections through July 31st. After that, you'll need to be a paid sub to continue with the all access pass, otherwise you'll be subject to that three articles per day limit. It's live now in the Appstore, so hurry up and download it now while the goods are free for all.
Vine graces Amazon Appstore, gives Kindle Fire HD's front-facing cam a workout
Sure, the Kindle Fire HD may only have a front-facing camera, but its solitary shooter is about to start flexing more than its video chat muscles. Vine has just arrived on Amazon's Appstore, and it's ready for owners to download and churn out as many six-second video clips as they please. Hit the source link below to grab version 1.2 of the free app.
Amazon's bringing its Kindle Fire HD 7, 8.9 to India on June 27th
Having recently rebranded its operations in India under the Amazon name, the retailer announced today that it's launching the Kindle Fire HD 7 and 8.9 there later this month. Due on June 27th, the two tablets will ship for 15,999 ($275) and 21,999 ($380) rupees with access to a reported 1.9 million-plus apps, games and books. The company opened its Kindle store locally last year, accessible via the older Kindle device sold at retailer Croma, as well as Kindle Paperwhites currently listed on the Amazon India store. The Kindle Fire will also be sold through "over one hundred" brick and mortar stores in India, with a list available on the Amazon website. There will also be locally-sourced content available with tablet-optimized apps for Indian video services like Big Flicks, Chhota Bheem and more, plus e-book prices that are promised to be the lowest in the country.
Kindle Fire HD 7 and 8.9 now available for pre-order in 'over 170 countries' (update: Appstore open in 'nearly 200')
Amazon's Kindle Fire HD 7- and 8.9-inch slates have only seen limited shores since they were formally announced, but today the company said they're now available for pre-order in more than "170 countries and territories around the world." We could try and list all the new tablet markets, but it's easier to say that until now, they've only found spots in Amazon stores in the US, Europe and Japan. We're not surprised to see the hardware get a much wider release, given that the e-tailer revealed its plan to take the Appstore global last month. The only other nugget in the PR is an expected shipping date of June 13th. Head over to your local Amazon portal to confirm if your region is one of the lucky 170. Update: Amazon's issued a second PR saying those international plans for the Appstore are no longer plans -- it's now up and running in "nearly 200 countries."
