Amazon is apparently planning to launch three next-generation additions to its Kindle range before the end of the year.
According to “trusted sources” speaking to BGR, Amazon is looking to refresh its Kindle range with three next-generation tablets that launch just in time for Christmas.
The first will be a replacement for the current 7-inch Kindle Fire, which will introduce a 1280 x 800p resolution display, bringing it into line with the Kindle Fire HD tablet. Currently the Kindle Fire has a 1024 x 600p resolution IPS display.
The Kindle Fire HD will also be getting a replacement. Although retaining the 7-inch screen dimensions, its resolution will be boosted to 1920 x 600p from the 1280 x 800p resolution it currently has.
Also getting a 2013 refresh is the Kindle Fire HD 8.9. Packing the largest screen size of Amazon’s Kindle range, it will soon have iPad 4 Retina display rivalling resolutions of 2048 x 1536p.
Screen resolution aside, the Kindle tablet range will also be treated to a bit a design update too. Amazon is said to be ditching the smoothly sloping back in favour of a more angular finish that one of the sources describes as “chiselled”.
Within the new designs, Amazon is apparently relocating the power and volume buttons. They will move to one of the angular portions on the rear of the device, but not positioned so that accidental button presses will occur when the tablet lays flat on its back.
The Kindle Fire range will also be shedding a few pounds as Amazon is said to be making them a lot lighter.
Although no pricing details were given by the “trusted sources”, Amazon is apparently working hard to stay close to the existing price points for the range. The new models are expected to launch in September.
Currently, the Kindle Fire retails for £129, the Kindle Fire HD is on sale for £139 and the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 can be purchased for £229.
Next, read our pick of the best tablets of 2013.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.