Today Amazon introduced the brand new Kindle Fire tablet, which uses the Android operating system. This device is squarely targeted at the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Apple’s iPad. But the big news is the price point. $199!
Amazon is betting that the sub $200 price point, combined with their ability to bring a LOT of attention to a new Kindle, will sell the millions of units they say are in production. Having said that, my guess is that they will definitely sell out of Kindle Fire units before the holidays so you should head over and order one (or more) NOW before they are gone. Amazon says they will ship on November 15, 2011.
Here’s the link to pre-order one: Kindle Fire, Full Color 7″ Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi
The Kindle Fire features a 7″ touchscreen with a Dual-core processor, WiFi, battery life equivalent to 8 hours continuous reading or 7.5 hours
video playback, and 8GB internal storage plus unlimited storage on Amazon’s cloud for any content you purchase from them.
Amazon Kindle Fire Specifications
| Display | 7″ multi-touch display with IPS (in-plane switching) technology and anti-reflective treatment, 1024 x 600 pixel resolution at 169 ppi, 16 million colors. |
| Size (in inches) | 7.5″ x 4.7″ x 0.45″ (190 mm x 120 mm x 11.4 mm). |
| Weight | 14.6 ounces (413 grams). |
| System Requirements | None, because it’s wireless and doesn’t require a computer. |
| On-device Storage | 8GB internal. That’s enough for 80 apps, plus either 10 movies or 800 songs or 6,000 books. |
| Cloud Storage | Free cloud storage for all Amazon content |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours of continuous reading or 7.5 hours of video playback, with wireless off. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as web browsing and downloading content. |
| Charge Time | Fully charges in approximately 4 hours via included U.S. power adapter. Also supports charging from your computer via USB. |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Supports public and private Wi-Fi networks or hotspots that use the 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.1X standard with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication; does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks. |
| USB Port | USB 2.0 (micro-B connector) |
| Audio | 3.5 mm stereo audio jack, top-mounted stereo speakers. |
| Content Formats Supported | Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively, Audible (Audible Enhanced (AA, AAX)), DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, non-DRM AAC, MP3, MIDI, OGG, WAV, MP4, VP8. |
| Documentation | Quick Start Guide(included in box); Kindle User’s Guide (pre-installed on device) |
| Warranty and Service | 1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 2-year Extended Warranty available for U.S. customers sold separately. Use of Kindle is subject to the Kindle License Agreement and Terms of Use. |
| Included in the Box | Kindle Fire tablet, U.S. power adapter (supports 100-240V), and Quick Start Guide. |
Amazon Kindle Fire Web Browser
The Kindle Fire will also employ a new cloud computing accelerated Web browser which is supposed to be MUCH faster than any other tablet. Here’s how they did it:
Pre-Order the Kindle Fire NOW!
So, what are you waiting for? Go order one now! I just ordered 5 myself! 
UPDATE: I’m giving one away! Here are all the details.
By the way, Amazon also announced the new Kindle 3G Touch and an updated Kindle E-reader for $79! Check out that coverage too.
Looking forward to learning more about the Kindle Fire (KF). For example, what keyboard options will be available? Amazon apps have several available but not sure how they would work on the KF. Personally my favorite keyboard app is Swype.
Also, will the Kindle apps (like those from 7 Dragons, etc.) work on the KF? Currently those automatically port over on Kindle devices but not to Kindle phone app.
What OS will it use?
It’s an Android platform. But I think they are going to have it kind of locked down so you can only get apps from the Amazon curated app store.
John P.
John I am sure this will be rooted quickly meaning you will be able to install the android market. I will be looking into getting one of these as I like the price point and this will supplement my phone quite nicely. I will use my phone for calls and texting and music since those dont require a large screen while I tether this to it and use this for everything else like browsing the web and videos and books. The small 3.2 inch screen of my samsung galaxy prevail sucks for reading books.