Amazon planning a tablet launch later in 2012

Amazon have experienced a high level of success with the Kindle Fire in America, achieving strong sales in the budget sector of the tablet market. The latest news indicates that they are preparing to launch at least two more tablet computers later this year. Digitimes have said that the number of tablets might even increase to four.

I chatted with some industry sources last night and they confirmed that Amazon are talking with HannsTouch about touch sensor technology for a 10.1 inch tablet. Rumours suggest a $299 price point for this machine. They are also planning a 7 inch model which will be priced lower, around $199, shipments for this are suggested to start at the end of Q2.

Digitimes seem to have additional information, they say “Amazon is also soliciting quotes for another 7-inch model to be priced at US$169 for the entry-level segment, indicated the sources, but adding that makers in the supply chain are reluctant to offer quotes for low-margin hardware products.”

Amazon could achieve high sales, up to 20 million in 2012, from 6 million in 2011.

Kitguru says: We do feel if they release four tablets in 2012 that they might confuse the buying public. Apple have had great success with a single model structure, which simply gets improved and replaced every year.

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