Amazon
claims that both devices go "beyond HD" with exceptional pixel
density – the 7-inch version has 323 pixels per inch (ppi) and the 8.9-inch
version has 339 ppi. They also feature reduced glare, dynamic image contrast,
and improved brightness for better viewing in any lighting conditions,
according to Amazon.
Both
devices run on quad-core Snapdragon 800 processors running at 2.2 GHz,
providing over three times the processing power of the previous generation of
Kindle Fire HD tablets. They also feature an Adreno 330 graphics engine and
twice the amount of memory, creating an immersive high-frame rate HD gaming
experience.
Weighing
in at 13.2 ounces (374g), the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX is 34 per cent lighter
than the previous generation. It also features a front-facing HD camera for
Skype calls and a new 8 megapixel rear-facing camera for taking photos and
1080p HD video. (The 7-inch version only has a front-facing camera).
Amazon
claims that the devices have 11 hours of battery life based on mixed usage, and
up to 17 hours of reading. Both the 7-inch and 8.9-inch versions have dual
stereo speakers with Dolby Digital Plus audio and are available with 4G LTE
wireless.
They
run the latest version of Amazon's Fire OS, which is based on Android Jelly
Bean and overlaid with Amazon's user interface. Amazon said that Fire OS 3.0
“Mojito” includes hundreds of new and upgraded features, platform updates, and
Amazon-exclusive services.
For
example, both tablets feature what Amazon has called the "Mayday
Button", which instantly brings up a video chat with a tech-support
representative who can tell a user how to operate the device or even do it for
them remotely.
They
also come with "X-Ray for Music", which displays the lyrics of songs
as they play and automatically scrolls line by line, as well as "Second
Screen", which turns your TV into the primary screen and frees up your
Fire HDX to provide playback controls.
“It’s
been just two years since we introduced the first Kindle Fire, and the team is
innovating at an unbelievable speed,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Founder and
CEO.
“2.2
GHz processor, 339 ppi display, new 34pc lighter design, Fire OS 3.0, and new
exclusive features like the Mayday button, X-Ray for Music, Second Screen, and
Prime Instant Video downloads. We’ve worked hard to pack this much hardware,
innovation, and customer obsession into these prices.”
The
7-inch Kindle Fire HDX costs $229 (£143) and will begin shipping on 18 October
in the United States. The 4G version is $329 (£206) and will begin shipping on
14 November.
The
8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX costs $379 (£237) and it will begin shipping in the US
on November 7. The 4G version is $479 (£299) and it will begin shipping on 10
December.
Amazon
did not confirm UK pricing and availability.
The
latest numbers from the IDC research firm show that Amazon's Kindle Fire has
slipped out of the Top 5 in IDC’s quarterly ranking of the top tablet vendors.
The company shipped 1 million devices in the second quarter, down from 1.2
million in the same quarter last year.
It
is thought, however, that the launch of new tablets ahead of the Christmas
season could propel the Kindle Fire back into the Top 5 before the end of the
year.
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