Amazon to announce tablet Wednesday: analysts

By Andrew Couts September 26, 2011

amazon tablet android samsung — Image used with permission by copyright holder

After much anticipation, Amazon is expected to unveil its own tablet on Wednesday, according to market analysts who spoke with Reuters. Many believe an Amazon tablet stands the best chance of stealing some of the popularity thunder from Apple’s iPad.

“Wednesday is tablet day,” BCG analyst Collin Gillis told Reuters.

On Friday, Amazon invited select media outlets (including this one) to a mysterious event, which will be held this Wednesday, September 28. The company did not say why they are holding the event, or what will be launched. But it doesn’t take a genius to deduce that a tablet is in the pipeline – we’ve been hearing quite a few details about the device for some time.

According to a number of earlier reports, Amazon will release a 7-inch tablet, which is expected to be an extension of its Kindle e-reader line, but one that runs on Google’s Android operating system. A 10.1 inch version will reportedly be released sometime next year. MG Seigler of TechCrunch, who says he has actually played with the tablet, describes the “Amazon Kindle” tablet as “very similar” in look and “form-factor” to the BlackBerry PlayBook.

The timing of Amazon’s event is telling. If the rumors are true, Apple will unveil the iPhone 5 on October 4 – a little less than a week after the Amazon event. By holding an event this week, Amazon positions itself to steal the tech press spotlight in the lead-up to the alleged Apple event. After that, it’ll be all Apple all the time.

While there’s obviously a chance Amazon will unveil something other than a tablet on Wednesday, we will be highly surprised if that happens. Either way, we’ll be there to report whatever comes out, so check back with DT for the latest Amazon news.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…

Mobile

Apple accidentally revealed a big iPad Pro display upgrade

The iPad Pro (2022) sitting in the Magic Keyboard.

iPad Pro 2022 Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Apple is already past its usual upgrade cycle for the iPad Pro after the previous model was released in October 2022. Latest reports hint at an announcement now set for "early May" this year where Apple will unveil the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, even though a proper event seems unlikely. Despite Apple's suggested lack of fervor, these purported new iPad models are expected to bring significant changes, especially to the display.

Mobile

Samsung’s newest Android tablet is a perfect iPad alternative

A render of the front of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024.

Samsung has just launched a refreshed Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) for the U.S. exclusively through Amazon. This comes after Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) internationally.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) is the latest entry in Samsung’s midrange tablet lineup that made its debut in 2020. This newest iteration has the same overall design, S Pen integration, screen, and just 4GB RAM. However, it now has a new Exynos processor and comes with Android 14 right out of the box.

Mobile

Two popular iPad models just got pretty steep price cuts — from $250

A YouTube video playing on the iPad (2022).

The current and previous model of the entry-level Apple iPad have both received significant price cuts from Best Buy, so if you're on the hunt for cheap iPad deals, these are the offers that you wouldn't want to miss. The Wi-Fi, 64GB model of the ninth-generation Apple iPad is down to $250 from $330 for savings of $80, while the Wi-Fi, 64GB model of the 10th-generation Apple iPad is on sale for $349 following a $100 discount on its original price of $449. We're not sure how long stocks will last for these tablets, so if you're interested in taking advantage of either of these offers, you need to hurry with your purchase. If you don't act fast, you may miss out on the savings.
Apple iPad 9th Gen (Wi-Fi, 64GB) -- $250, was $330

The ninth-generation Apple iPad was released in 2021, but it maintains a spot in our list of the best iPads as the best iPad on a budget. It's still a very reliable and solid choice if you want an Apple tablet, with a 10.2-inch Retina display that's bright and beautiful, and smooth performance despite the relatively old A13 Bionic chip that was introduced in the iPhone 11 because it can be upgraded to the latest iPadOS 17. The device also features an 8MP Wide back camera, a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage technology, the Touch ID fingerprint recognition system for security, and battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge.