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

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.

Mobile

The 5 best tablets for seniors in 2024

Senior citizen using Alexa to stay connected

Technology has become an important part of our daily lives, and while somebody who's in the later years of their life might not feel the need for it, modern technology, like tablets, can still come in handy. For example, there are a lot of great assistance apps on tablets that a senior could download, and while the bigger screen makes it easier to make the UI and font bigger without making it feel cramped. Tablets can also interface with devices like hearing aids and smartwatches, which themselves can have assistance features like emergency alerts.

All of that is to say that buying a tablet for a senior makes a lot of sense, especially given how much quality of life they can add. If you're planning to grab one for a senior, then check out our favorite picks below based on different categories. Also, you may want to check out these excellent tablet deals as well if nothing below tickles your fancy.
The Best Tablets for Seniors in 2024

Mobile

The 6 best tablets for watching movies in 2024

Two iPad Pro tablets next to each other against a black background. Both have Apple's Magic Keyboard case.

Tablets are incredibly versatile devices, allowing you to surf the web, check your emails, or play games without the need for a larger (and clunkier) laptop. But one of the most popular ways to use a tablet is as a screen for your favorite movies and TV shows. Since they're slim enough to pack into a backpack and light enough to prop up while laying in bed or on the couch, tablets are a great way to catch up on your favorite shows.

However, not all tablets are great for watching movies and TV shows. Some are built with lackluster displays that can't capture the nuances of important scenes, while others are cheap and unreliable – making them a poor long-term investment. That can make it difficult to shop for the best tablets for watching movies, as there are hundreds of products vying for your attention. But if you know where to look, it's easy to find a premium tablet that'll serve you well for years.