The Kindle Fire HDX review reports are already arriving in after reporters got an up-close and hands-on experience with the new tablets as of Tuesday, Sept. 25. The brand new Kindle Fire HD tablet, which now adds an "X" to the name, apparently lost weight, but gained heavily in terms of features. Could it be ready to take out the Apple iPad and iPad Mini tablets this holiday season?
On Sept. 25 the AP via Yahoo! Finance reported on the new device, making many comparisons to the Apple iPad Mini and full-sized iPad tablets. They note that the Kindle Fire HDX is 23% lighter than the prior version for the 7-inch tablet. The 8.9-inch version is said to be 34% lighter. Not only is the new 7-inch model lighter than the previous, but it's also said to be lighter than iPad Mini (by just 0.2 ounces), while the 8.9-inch version is lighter than a full-size iPad. In addition, the processor speed has been boosted to be what Amazon claims is "three times as fast as last year's" model. Add in the fact that Amazon is adding dual-camera lenses (front-facing for the 7-inch, front and rear for the 8.9-inch model), along with other nifty new features such as VPN connectivity to the network at "the office".
Also touted for the new device has been the improved hi-definition screen display, which boasts more vibrant colors and higher pixel density than the iPad's Apple Retina screen. The 7-inch has 323 pixels per inch, while the larger model has 339 pixels per inch. The updated screens will make better use of Amazon's streaming video service, as well as the new "Mayday" feature. This feature will allow the tablet owner to see a customer service representative via video on their screen. They'll be able to get 24/7, 365 days a year customer service support via video chat, with the rep able to hear the customer but unable to see them. In addition, the representative can see what's on the customer's screen and make drawings on the screen to help them out better. It could be a great way to help some of the less tech-savvy find their way around the device out of the box, and thereafter.
Overall, the new Kindle Fire HDX looks to be another potential winner from Jeff Bezos and Amazon, but it will ultimately be the customers who decide whether they like the newest version of the gadget. Will it be able to compete with the likes of the Apple iPad, Google Nexus and the Microsoft Surface tablets? Time will tell, but for now, things are looking "improved" for the Kindle Fire HD lineup.
