On Thursday, Amazon.com unveiled four new models of the Kindle Fire. The largest online retailer in the U.S. included new models that had larger screens as the company heats up is competition with Apple just prior to the run up to the all important year ending holiday shopping season. Amazon’s unveiling of the Kindles with larger screens comes amidst expectations that rival Apple will introduce next week a smaller version of the popular iPad.
The large screen Kindle Fire has a screen that is 8.6 inches, while the current screen on the latest iPad is 9.7 inches. Prior to the new size, all Kindle Fire screens were a standard 7 inches. Industry experts expect the new smaller iPad or mini iPad as some are calling it will have a 7.85 inch screen size.
Apple has not made any comments publically whether they are developing a new smaller version of the iPad or what size it will be if they are developing one. However, an event by Apple is scheduled next week and most insiders believe the new iPhone will be introduced along with the mini iPad.
Amazon is hoping to grab a larger share of the worldwide tablet market. Apple had dominated the tablet market since its inception. Amazon has been selling a tablet that is lower-priced that has a very little profit margin, if any in order to increase its online sales of other products it offers. Because of this, the company has been able to compete in price with Apple.
The new 7-inch standard Kindle Fire will sell for $159, which is $40 less than the original price for the first Kindle Fire. Starting next Friday, the new models will be shipping. Apple’s cheapest iPad available is $399, while the latest version starts at $499.
The new 8.6 inch Kindle will have a retail price of $299.
