Practically two years following the launch of the original iPad, a competitor has finally emerged to take on Apple's “post-PC” gizmo. Sales so far suggest the Kindle Fire offers an appealing blend of pricing, marketing and ecosystem, certainly enough to capture tablet buyers not already wedded to Apple's own closed model.
Amazon is predicted to ship 3.9 million Kindle Fire tablets during Q4 2011, as reported by iSuppli, giving the company 13.8% of global tablet shipments. Samsung will occupy the #3 spot with an estimated 4.8%. Market leader Apple will drop its share from 69.7% to 65.6%, its fourth consecutive drop, according to the tracking company.
At $US199, Kindle Fire just ignited the Android tablet market. Amazon plans to use its new device to help sell its other inventory, the company’s core business, so it has no hesitation in selling the Fire as a loss-leader, something most other competitors can't mimic.
With every Kindle Fire, US owners receive a free one-month membership to Amazon Prime, free access to movies and TV, and access to the Kindle ebook lending library. It's not clear what additional benefits Fire owners outside the US will be eligible for, but each market will undoubtedly get its own market-specific perks.
Source: iSuppli
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