AllThingsD is the latest to report that Amazon will launch a new Kindle Fire tablet in the second half of this year, possibly in late Q3. It sources, “familiar with Amazon’s plans.” indicate that Amazon is already talking to developers to bring them up to speed on the changes coming with the new tablet, notably with the display.
The report supports earlier rumours that the display resolution will be bumped up to WXGA (1280×800). That will translate to a 67 percent increase in total pixels and 216 pixels per inch (PPI), making the display sharper and more vibrant. It will also mean that developers will have to deal with a new aspect ratio, as it will change from 1.71 in portrait mode to 1.60.
The new Kindle Fire will be both thinner and lighter than the original. A camera will be also be added (something we’ve heard before). AllThingsD also expects that it will come with a faster processor and an updated version of its heavily modified Android operating system.
There is no mention in this report of a second 7-inch Kindle Fire, a possible refresh with specifications more inline with those of the original version, to be sold at a lower price.
With the Google Nexus 7 and rumoured Apple iPad mini also entering the fray, the 7-inch tablet segment appears to be headed for some interesting competition in the upcoming months.
Read more: AllThingsD