NEWS ANALYSIS: Amazon's Kindle Fire 2 is expected to be released soon to challenge tablets such as the iPad and e-readers such as the Nook. What will this device need to succeed?
The
tablet space has dramatically changed the way companies are operating.
Years ago, no one would have thought that Google and Amazon would be competing
in the tablet market against each other. In fact, its quite possible that, if
asked just five years ago whether Google and Amazon would be competitors on
hardware, the vast majority of industry observers and analysts would have
laughed at such a question.
But
alas, we find ourselves in the middle of a tablet market in which the companies
are doing just that. And with the announcement of the Nexus 7, Google and
Amazon are going for each others throats.
Realizing
that, Amazon is ready to fire back.
The company is reportedly working on a new tablet to replace the Kindle Fire. Amazon hasnt, of course, confirmed
thats the case, but given the state of the tablet market right now, it seems
like the obvious decision. Amazon needs a new Kindle Fire, and that device
better come with all of the features consumers are looking for or itll be
ignored.
With
that in mind, what features does Amazon need to include with the Kindle Fire 2
to make it the type of tablet people will want to use, while maintaining its
core function as an e-reader?
1. A bigger screen
Amazons
current Kindle Fire comes with only a 7-inch screen. Thats fine for some
consumers, but in order for the device to attract the mainstream, itll need a
larger display. Amazon should at least match the iPads 9.7-inch screen with
its Kindle Fire 2.
2. Mobile networking
Although the current Amazon Kindle Fire can connect to the Web via WiFi, matching its chief competitors, the Nexus
7 and Barnes & Noble Nook tablet, the next device should come with 3G.
After all, it would be a differentiating factor, and something that would help
it provide more value than its top competitors.
3. More storage
In
the low-end tablet market right now, devices are coming with far less storage
than is necessary. Although storage can be expensive, and thus drive the price
of its tablet up, Amazon should endeavor to bundle the device with at least
32GB. The Nexus 7s maximum of 16GB of storage doesnt cut it. And consumers
will quickly find that out.
4. Improved software
The
Amazon Kindle Fires built-in operating system, which is based on Android, is
one of the more unique implementations yet. But with each new launch, customers
are expecting dramatic improvements not only to hardware but to software. In
the next Kindle Fire, if Amazon doesnt deliver improved software, itll fail.
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