If Taiwanese component makers are to be believed, it looks like Amazon will officially enter the tablet market in August or September of this year. That release window makes a lot of sense in that it would allow Amazon to take advantage of the busy holiday shopping season which, in the U.S., essentially begins right after Thanksgiving.
The speculated release timeline is coming from DigiTimes, who generally has trustworthy sources at component makers. The tablet itself was directly hinted at by Amazon CEO, Jim Bezos in May. Bezos told Consumer Reports to "stay tuned" for information about a "multipurpose tablet device."
DigiTimes provides some further information about the device claiming:
"Amazon adopts processors developed by Texas Instruments, with Taiwan-based Wintek to supply touch panels, ILI Technology to supply LCD driver ICs and Quanta Computer responsible for assembly, the sources indicated. Monthly shipments are expected to be 700,000-800,000 units."
Right now Amazon hasn't confirmed any of this and has released no official information on the processor or screen. In fact aside from Bezos hinting at the tablet back in May there is absolutely no information out there about what it is or what it can do. The operating system of the device is still a giant question mark as well. Considering Amazon's support of the Android platform with their Appstore for Android, it's probably safe to assume Android is the route Amazon will take.
DigiTimes also got information from sources that "Amazon will provide streaming movie services for users of its tablet PCs." Whether this means an extension of their current video streaming or options specific to the tablet is unknown.
A tablet device for Amazon really does make perfect sense considering how big a push they are making in the digital market. With the introduction of their cloud music service, as well as video streaming (some of it free for Prime members), and ebooks, it makes perfect sense that Amazon would package all of these services into a single device. If Amazon can get this device in at the right price it could be just the right entry into the tablet market for many folks who don't want to shell out the cash for an iPad. Amazon's customer service and suite of products will make a very compelling argument for many consumers.
