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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 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 brings Verizon LTE to Kindle Fire HDX
Okay, okay, one more bit of info to share from Amazon tonight. Those snazzy new Fire HDX tablets are, as expected, getting cellular options. This time out, however, the company is adding an additional carrier. In addition to AT&T, Fire buyers will be able to go with a Verizon version. That upgrade will cost you an extra $100 on top of the base price, bringing the 7-inch version to $329 and the 8.9-inch one to $479. According to Amazon, "standard plans" will be supported for the two carriers. A breakdown of that pricing can be found after the break.
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.
Amazon debuts Kindle Fire HDX 7- and 8.9-inch tablets, we go hands-on (update: video)
"Today, we're going to show you the third leg of our device business strategy," Jeff Bezos begins. His audience is modest: four people sitting around a table in an Amazon conference room. It's a far cry from the Santa Monica airplane hangar his company rented out for last year's event. Bezos picks up a dry erase marker and begins breaking down the first two parts, elements the company has focused on since it first began building Kindles. "One," he says, narrating the words as he goes along, like an enthusiastic high school teacher, "premium products at non-premium prices. Two: make money when people use our devices, not when they buy our devices." "We sell our hardware and roughly break even and then when they use the devices and buy content," he adds. "Our point of view is that this is more aligned with the customer. We don't have to get discouraged when we see people using fourth-generation Kindles. Bezos draws a Venn diagram to illustrate the third part of the puzzle. He writes "customer delight" on one side and "deep integration throughout the entire stack" on the other. The intersection houses the "hardest" and "coolest things," which utilize OS, key apps, the hardware stack and the cloud. "It's a little abstract," he adds, "but I think it will be extremely clear when I show it to you." The template for the third piece of the puzzle is the new Kindle Fire HDX series -- the company's latest premium tablets.
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.
Amazon gives Silk browser UI a major overhaul
Amazon made a big deal out of the Silk browser when it launched, but we've heard little about this particular brainchild after that. Now, nearly a year after the Trending Now section was introduced, the company has unleashed its first major update. We're talking about a complete redesign that begins with a mini-tutorial the moment you launch the updated browser. Opening a tab brings its new start page populated with your most visited websites and address bar. The bookmarks and browsing history that used to live here? They've shifted to a menu section in the hidden left panel. Speaking of bookmarks, you can now view them in either list or grid forms; if you decide to fire up a few URLs, the updated tabs' more rounded design could make switching between them easier. A smattering of other interface and under-the-hood changes also come with the new Silk -- the question is: will they be enough to push it past the remaining mobile browser contenders?
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.
Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: summer 2013 edition
Tablets are virtually tailor-made for our summer vacations, whether we're checking email at the hotel or watching movies during an airport layover. The manufacturers must know this, as there's a surge of new slates set to arrive while the weather's still scorching. Our 2013 summer tablet buyer's guide will help you decide which of these models is worth space in your travel bag. There are also several veteran tablets we recommend, although some of them could be obsolete soon -- we'll let you know when newer devices loom ahead. Whether or not you want the latest hardware, though, our guide should have the tablet you need.
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.
Watch ABC app with live TV streaming comes to Kindle Fire, but not Google Play
ABC dipped its toe into live network TV streaming with the Watch ABC app on the web and iOS earlier this month, and now it's followed up with a version for Amazon's Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD tablets. Unfortunately, despite the Amazon Appstore listing it's still not in Google Play so other Android devices can't get easy access yet. At launch the press release mentioned Samsung Galaxy hardware will also be supported this summer, but there's no word beyond that. Of course, the same location restrictions still apply no matter what platform, with Watch ABC currently available in NYC and Philadelphia only. Through the end of June anyone in those areas can tune into the live streams, however after that it will require authentication with a participating cable or satellite company. Viewing areas will also start to include into other markets throughout the summer and fall based on ABC's agreements with its affiliates. The Watch strategy has worked well so far for Disney's cable networks (ABC Family is up next), whether its push to bring live network TV to the internet is spurred by Aereo or Nielsen's new ratings, we hope more can watch it soon.
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."
Amazon Coins available for Kindle Fire, users enjoy $5 credit to get started
Forget Bitcoin: Amazon's got a digital currency of its own, known as Coins, coming to the Kindle Fire right on schedule. The virtual money, which was originally announced back in February, is now ready to go for anyone who frequents the Amazon Appstore or uses a Kindle Fire to purchase apps and games. Bezos & Co. is willing to throw in a bit of an investment to get you started, as the online retailer will hook up existing and new users with 500 free coins -- a value of $5. Need more than that? Head to the More Coverage link below to grab as many coins as fits your fancy. A 10 percent discount awaits those who purchase in bulk, which adds a tad more incentive to go all-in on the new service.
iPad tops J.D. Power's customer satisfaction survey for second year in a row
Once again, Apple's iPad has topped the J.D. Power and Associates ranking of tablets as it pertains to customer satisfaction. In its most recent survey, J.D. Power surveyed 1,857 tablet users who have owned a tablet for at least one year. The survey measured satisfaction across five factors; performance, ease of operation, styling and design, features and cost. Each factor was weighted differently, with performance and ease of operation being afforded the most pull. When the data was tabulated, the iPad emerged victorious, edging out Amazon's Kindle Fire and Samsung's assortment of tablets as well. In achieving its top-spot ranking, Apple performed well across all factors, save for cost. The Kindle Fire, meanwhile, scored markedly high with respect to cost. The study also found that 94 percent of tablet owners who expressed high satisfaction were likely to purchase other consumer electronics from the same manufacturer. Clearly, this figure bodes well for Apple. Also interesting is that 51 percent of all tablet users were found to share their device with at least one other person: While the incidence differs across brands, tablet manufacturers may benefit from promoting shared usage as a selling point, as satisfaction increases when more people use one tablet device. When a tablet is only used by one person, overall satisfaction is 824 (on a 1,000-point scale), 28 points lower than when a tablet is shared by four or more persons (852). Apple is of course no stranger to accolades from J.D. Power customer satisfaction surveys. For nine years running, Apple's iPhone has topped J.D. Power's customer sastisfaction survey for smartphones.
Xbox SmartGlass now available on Amazon's Kindle Fire tablets
Amazon's just updated its Appstore today with a much welcome offering for avid gamers: Xbox SmartGlass. Microsoft's app-based second screen solution has been available on iOS and Android since late last fall, but despite sharing a kernel with Google's OS, hadn't been made dispensable to Kindle Fire / Fire HD owners until now. The app's been configured to scale natively on Amazon's refreshed tablet line, letting users navigate their Xbox 360 remotely, push and pull streaming content, as well as access achievements, messaging and Xbox Music. So if it's the living room of the future you're after, you might want to hit up the source and make that free download your own.
Chitika's March Tablet Update shows iPad usage share rising, still dominating competition
Chitika, the online advertising network, has released its latest Chikita Insights usage share data report for tablets for the March 2013 period. According to the company, based on US and Canadian tablet ad impressions running through the Chitika Ad Network, the iPad still overwhelmingly dominates web traffic on tablets, at 81.9 percent. In fact, the iPad has seen its first month-on-month growth in web traffic share since December, 2012, a 1.4 percent basis points increase since February. Chitika partially attributes this growth to Apple selling refurbished fourth-generation iPad and iPad minis at a discount beginning in mid-March, 2013. Android tablets unsurprisingly dominates what's left. The Kindle Fire comes in second at 7.1 percent, Samsung Galaxy Tablets third at 4.3 percent and Google Nexus tablets fourth at 1.7 percent. Interestingly, Microsoft's Surface tablet only took 0.4 percent of tablet web traffic and the defunct HP TouchPad took 0.1 percent. The full Chitika report is available on the company's website here.