After the huge success in e-book industry through its e-book reader kindle, amazon is now offering a new product to customers. Kindle Fire is an android based tablet which seamlessly connects with amazon’s services and offers unlimited cloud storage. It has a 7-inch screen identical to those used in apple devices through which the user can view 18 million movies, TV shows, songs, magazines, and books all available at amazon’s website. It also includes the amazon’s silk browser which is supposed to provide the fastest browsing experience.
Technical specifications
- Processor- 1 GHz Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 dual-core processor
- RAM- 512MB
- Display- 7″ multi-touch display with IPS technology and anti-reflective treatment, 1024 x 600 pixel resolution at 169 ppi, 16 million colors.
- Internal Storage- 8GB
- Connectivity- Wi-Fi (802.11n) and USB 2.0 (Micro-B connector). The device also includes a 3.5mm audio jack.
- Battery- 4400 mAh
The Fire runs on a customized version of android 2.3 Gingerbread OS which includes a curated Google app store. The entire user interface is different from the typical android OS. The device lacks back and home keys. Everything is placed as on shelves through which the user can swipe. Videos and music are streamed effortlessly thanks to the dual core processor flexing its muscles underneath the cute exterior. Web browsing is smooth with the cloud accelerated browser called Silk. The device also supports off device computing through amazon servers which results in more speed, more computing power, more battery life. The touch screen is capacitive and the uses gorilla glass for construction. Both these alleviate the fears of unresponsive screen and scratches. As of now the device comes with one month free subscription of amazon prime which includes unlimited, instant streaming of over 10,000 movies and TV shows, Free Two-Day Shipping on selected items and access to kindle owners lending library all of which require a Wi-Fi connection. The device includes 6.5GB of user accessible storage space where one can store both amazon and non amazon content. The price tag of $199 makes Fire the most affordable android tablet.
Pros
- Amazon actually selling the tablet suffering a loss of about (3-10$) which makes it the most affordable tablet.
- The interface is user friendly and simple.
- Fulfills your needs if you are a frequent amazon buyer and plans to continue as one.
- The user is provided with unlimited cloud storage for amazon content.
- Amazing battery life.
- Fast web browsing.
Cons
- The android OS used is outdated.
- The tablet lacks features like external memory, bluetooth, 3g, camera.
- The user is hooked to amazon services for life.
- The app store is limited to amazon picked apps.
- There are concerns of privacy when all the user content is resting in amazon servers.
- Needs uninterrupted connection to Internet to enjoy all services.
Verdict
Fire is a brilliantly designed tablet which is both affordable and user friendly. It meets the needs of an average person who depends on amazon services almost entirely for his entertainment. But not recommended for a user who likes to customize , experiment and use his tablet to full potential.