According to a new report via DigiTimes this afternoon, online retailer Amazon could be preparing a new version of its recently released ‘Kindle Fire’ branded tablet for introduction in the second quarter of 2012.
Thought to boast a 8.9-inch diagonal display, the rumor arrives via “supply chain makers” within Amazon’s production and manufacturing setup, with the site specifically noting Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) could become the ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) of the device.
Alongside reports of the company developing a 8.9-inch version of its current 7-inch Kindle Fire, DigiTimes also reports the firm is hard at work on a 10.1-inch flavor of the tablet, too – the first of which could launch in Q2, 2012.
Amazon is developing 8.9- and 10.1-inch next-generation Kindle Fire models and has selected an 8.9-inch model for launch by the end of the second quarter of 2012 due to LG Display’s and Samsung Electronics’ promotion of 8.9-inch panels and to avoid competition with 9.7-10.1-inch products offered by other vendors, the sources said. Foxconn will begin ODM production of 8.9-inch Kindle Fire in the middle of the second quarter of 2012, the sources indicated.
The two rumored tablets, particularly Amazon’s 10.1-inch offering, are said to be in development due to the company wanting to further compete with other tablets in the market, such as Apple’s iPad and iPad 2.
According to AppleInsider, who originally reported Amazon was thought to be working on producing such a device back in September, the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire will feature an “amazing form factor”.
