Amazon is widely expected to launch an Android tablet later this year. When asked to comment in an interview with Consumer Reports this week, Jeff Bezos simply said “stay tuned.” All he would add was that such a device would complement rather replace the Kindle. Now, AndroidandMe.com has learned that Amazon’s plans may be more ambitious than a single tablet.
Citing "industry insider with direct knowledge," AndroidandMe.com has learned that Amazon is planning to launch an “entire family” of Android devices this holiday shopping season. No further details are given unfortunately. Could Amazon be planning differently-sized tablets, an Android-powered eReader (similar to the Barnes & Noble Nook), or even a smartphone? One device that appears to have been ruled out is a colour e-ink reader as Bezos indicated that the technology is “not ready for prime time…the colors are very pale.”
One thing is clear: An Android tablet would be an excellent fit for the growing list of services Amazon now offers: Its AppStore, Cloud Drive digital music locker service (along with its AmazonMP3 store), Unbox movie and TV streaming and Kindle ebooks.