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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.
Amazon Should Offer More Services on the Kindle Fire 2
5. A new design
The Kindle Fire comes with a design that can about match all of last years products. But with the Surface showing off a unique new design and the Nexus 7 looking awfully attractive, its time Amazon comes up with something a bit more future-focused and appealing.
6. More powerful components
Following that, Amazon cant lose sight of the importance of the devices internal components. From a quad-core processor to vastly improved graphics, the Kindle Fire 2 will need to be able to match its competitors on power in order to hang tough in the tablet space.
7. Choices
One of the things Google and Barnes & Noble arent doing is offering consumers enough choice in their selection of tablets. Amazon can change that. The company can offer the aforementioned larger screen, as well as a smaller version to compete directly with the Nexus 7. Choice matters.
8. Amazons smart advertising strategy
One thing Amazon must continue to do with its Kindle Fire 2 is engage in its smart advertising strategy. The company used the popularity of Amazon.com to promote its tablet to everyone who visited. The move prompted huge sales in the fourth quarter. Amazon must follow that strategy again with its next Kindle Fire.
9. An eye on Apple
Apple might not be a direct competitor to Amazon at the moment, since theyre targeting two different customers, but that doesnt mean the online retail giant cant watch what the iPad maker is doing. Apple is the trendsetter in the tablet market, and the benchmark by which all other companies are judged. Not to evaluate Apple would be a mistake on Amazons part.
10. More services
One of the smartest things Amazon did with its Kindle Fire was to include its many services in the device. This time around, Amazon should offer more services or try to improve its offerings as much as possible. Amazons Web services, like Prime Instant Video and cloud storage, help distance the company from the competition. It cant forget that.