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

Best Kindle deals: Get Kindle Unlimited for free

Amazon Kindle Scribe.

With so many quality tablets on the market nowadays, digital bookworms have a lot of options to choose from. Amazon’s Kindle lineup always seems to offer something that can compete or even top the best e-book readers. It's also a lineup that often offers some great e-reader deals. Some of the best Kindle deals taking place right now include Kids Editions and Paperwhite models. There are even several Kindle deals available that include free Kindle Unlimited subscriptions. We’ve tracked down all of the information you need in order to save on an Amazon Kindle, so read onward for all of the details.
Kindle Kids (2022) — As low as $96 with trade-in, was $120

With the 2022 model of the Amazon Kindle Kids you’re essentially getting a full-fledged Amazon Kindle, though it has a few features that make the e-reader a more suitable device for kids. The Kindle Kids comes with a kid-friendly cover that provides protection against wear and tear. This is also the newest model of the Kindle Kids, and it has an upgraded high-resolution display and twice the storage of previous generations. Longer battery life is also part of the package. With a purchase of an Amazon Kindle Kids you’ll get a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which provides unlimited access to to a huge digital library.

Mobile

No, we weren’t expecting this with the revamped iPad Pro

The refreshed iPad Pro that’s expected to be unveiled during a special online event on May 7 could come with Apple’s M4 chip, prominent Apple tipster Mark Gurman claimed in the latest edition of his tech-focused Power On newsletter, which he shared on Sunday.

The news comes as a big surprise as everyone had been expecting a routine upgrade to Apple’s current silicon, the M3, from the existing iPad Pro's M2 chip.

Mobile

The best Android tablets in 2024: the 11 best ones you can buy

OnePlus Pad with official Stylo pencil stylus on a wooden table.

Tablets may not be the hot new thing in 2024, but they're still excellent machines for streaming movies, playing games, or getting work done on the go. And while it seems like the best iPads dominate most of the tablet market, there are still plenty of excellent Android tablet options for consideration if you don't want to be locked in Apple's walled garden.

Whether you want an ultra-premium and superpowerful option, or something more affordable and compact, the Android tablet market has something for everyone. No matter your budget or spec preferences, here are the best Android tablets you can buy in 2024.