Kindle Fire 2: What Features Does it Need?

With rumors running rampant on the Internet that Amazon is preparing to launch a new version of its tablet, AKA the Kindle Fire 2, many people are putting their two cents in as to what would make a potential upgrade worth their while.

Specs for the new tablet have not yet been made public, so any discussion of what changes might be made to the Kindle Fire is simply speculation for now. Sales for the original device have been terrific, with just under 4 million units being sold in the last quarter of 2011 alone. Still, with enough positive changes to the product, a new version release could well surpass those numbers.

However, here are just a few of the hopes that current used of the device might be hoping to see when the new release does indeed come to light.

• Screen size: It could be that Amazon will release two different forms of the Kindle Fire 2, one with the same 7-inch screen of its predecessor, and one with a larger 10-inch screen that would put it more in line with the Samsung Galaxy. Or, if only one version is ultimately released, it might be an in-between size that ends up being used.

• “Cool” operating system: Right now, Kindle Fires run on an older operating system nicknamed “Gingerbread” and not the more modern “Ice Cream Sandwich.” If this upgrade is not included in a new version, sales cannot be expected to be as high.

• Increased connectivity: Kindle Fires are fine for those with Wi-Fi, but have no use for those who use a Bluetooth or other similar methods of connection which are used by other tablets. This flexibility will be essential to maximize a new product’s reach in the market.

• Front-facing camera:With the increased popularity of software like Skype, it only makes sense for any Kindle Fire 2 release to come with a built-in camera. At a minimum, a screen-facing camera should be included, if not the “reverse side” or “back” camera that comes with iPads.

• Increased storage:The more memory that the device contains, the more valuable it becomes. Certainly 8 GB is nothing to sneeze at, but at the very least some sort of option for add-on memory via an external slot should be there for those users who do need the additional storage. Odds are that an increase to 16 GB will happen, with an SD card slot slightly less so.

• Speed:By adding a faster processor, the Kindle Fire 2 is going to assuage one of the primary complaints from current users, namely that it’s a bit too slow. However, this improvement might require a much higher price tag, and as such, might end up scrapped for the time being in order to keep the product at a competitive cost.

• Battery life: The original Kindle Fire has a maximum of eight hours of battery power, and runs through that even quicker when video is being streamed by the device. However, it is unlikely that there will be much difference in this department.

 

• HD: While this too might drive up the price, it does appear that Amazon may lean towards a high-definition display of 1920X1200 in its new release. If true, then don’t expect to see a price tag under $200 when this product launches.