Amazon Media Event Set for September 28th, Tablet Announcement Expected

[MacRumors]

As noted by AllThingsD and This is my next, Amazon has just sent out invitations for a media event scheduled for next Wednesday, September 28th. The invitation is silent on what the topic of the event will be, but the company is widely expected to introduce its own low-cost Android tablet.

Reports from earlier this year indicated that Amazon was planning to launch a 9-inch Android tablet before October, but it appears that Amazon's first offering may in fact be a 7-inch tablet. TechCrunch's MG Siegler spent some hands-on time with the device, noting that Amazon has basically forked Android to create its own look tightly integrated with Kindle and other Amazon offerings.

Simply put: it looks nothing like the Android you're used to seeing.

The interface is all Amazon and Kindle. It's black, dark blue, and a bunch of orange. The main screen is a carousel that looks like Cover Flow in iTunes which displays all the content you have on the device. This includes books, apps, movies, etc.

[...]

But the key for Amazon is just how deeply integrated all of their services are. Amazon's content store is always just one click away. The book reader is a Kindle app (which looks similar to how it does on Android and iOS now). The music player is Amazon's Cloud Player. The movie player is Amazon's Instant Video player. The app store is Amazon's Android Appstore.

Perhaps most notably, Amazon is said to be targeting a $250 price point for the device, half that of Apple's entry-level iPad.

Numerous iPad competitors have been introduced over the past 12-15 months, with a number of them being hailed as the biggest challenge to Apple's dominance before failing to gain customer acceptance. But Amazon's ability to integrate its extensive content offerings with a low-cost tablet device has sparked renewed speculation that Apple may finally face a strong challenge in the tablet market.

Article Link: Amazon Media Event Set for September 28th, Tablet Announcement Expected

 

[AAPLaday]

Interested to see what Amazon can bring to the table(t). Although i will still keep my Kindle

 

[KingCrimson]

Obviously the Amazon tablet is coming out. But who cares?

 

[coder12]

I'm pretty anxious to see the new devices--the Nook Touch is really nice, but I think Amazon will do better than them.

If it's a tablet, I'm looking forward to specs and what OS it runs.

 

[mms13]

Ha! Because Apple is failing miserably at holding media events - MACrumors.com has to report on Amazon media events.

 

[z3r0inc]

How come Amazon announces an event before Apple does? They stole Apple's THUNDDEERRRRR!!!

/sarcasm.

 

[Sackvillenb]

Well this will be interesting to see... especially the exact features and functionality... but with it's lower price point, this could (maybe) make some changes in the tablet market. It would be nice to have a decent but cheap tablet entry...

 

[arkitect]

Obviously the Amazon tablet is coming out. But who cares?

You obviously don't.

Many, me included, do.

 

[product26]

how is this apple related?

 

[Scott90]

I saw "Media Event" in the title before Amazon and got all excited

 

[jhall527]

how is this apple related?

Relevant competition.

 

[DrJohnnyN]

It will fail.

 

[blacktape242]

the amazon arrow looks like a penis........

 

[YeahBuddy]

Not the media event invitation I was hoping for.

 

[product26]

Relevant competition.

Maybe so, but tablets are mainstream now. 'Competition' is everywhere.

Apple on my desk, android in my pocket. I check other sites for non apple tablet news.

 

[nylonsteel]

re amazon tab

i'll only get one if it is free with a sub to amazon prime

 

[flottenheimer]

Just wondering. Has Amazon ever released sales figures for their Kindles? And what did they say?

 

[tigres]

how is this apple related?

They are getting as tired of the lack of announcements? So they said, hey- here's something .

 

[Roessnakhan]

With Amazon's ecosystem (and if the price is right), I will love this tablet.

 

[Adidas Addict]

the amazon arrow looks like a penis........

You better visit your doctor.

 

[andiwm2003]

if it's really that cheap and focussed on usability then it's difinitely worth a try. apple caters more to the high price toy market.

if the amazon tablet would come with a stylus, supports a few useful apps, has a useful file system and allows to transfer files via usb then I can see getting one isted of upgrading my iPad.

I have no problems dropping $829 on an iPad3. But with it's limited usability and locked down file system I just don't know what to do with it beyond watching videos and similar media consumption stuff.

 

[iEvolution]

Finally, a big company challenges Apple on the price point. Can't wait to see how this turns out.

 

[aziatiklover]

It will fail.

Not with the price is right ppl will buy it. Look at the HP touchpad how it sold when the firesale started! So an Amazon tablet around 150-250 that's some big competition to Apple.

 

[Swampthing]

the amazon arrow looks like a penis........

You might need a medical check-up if that's what yours looks like..



Haven't you ever noticed, the Amazon line is a grin with a dimple on the cheek. Sheeeeesh.

 

[DJAKO]

Looking forward to competition in this market. Can't wait to see what amazon is going to bring to the tablet.