First Look: Kindle Fire 7" HDX

The newest version of the Kindle Fire from Amazon.com started arriving at homes across the country today, and mine has been here for a few hours now.  First thing you notice is that Amazon put some time into packaging this time around.  Previous Kindle units have arived in a brown cardboard box with very few frills.  This time around we have stamped foil and full color graphics.  This is not critical, but it signals that Amazon is taking the fire far more seriously now than they have in the past.  A lot of that may be their sales in other retail stores, but I think with the HDX and all of the innovation it brings Amazon is finally where Jeff Bezos and his team always envisioned the Kindle would be: a single digital portal to everything the company offers in terms of entertainment and service.

The Fire HD that we saw last year was a decent Android tablet, but the Fire HDX is lightyears beyond.  The polish in this the third version of the KindleOS (now dubbed Mojito) is clear.  Add to this the hardware improvements and you start to see just how important this device can be.

The Welcome screen guides you through using the KindleWhen you power the kindle on you are guided through the setup process.  This is simplified if you have bought it online from Amazon as the device has already been registered to your Amazon account.  As you can see in the background of the picture above, my most recent book downloads are already there waiting for me to start reading once I complete orientation.  The wide range of entertainment options available through Amazon's cloud services is very comprehensive, and anything you have ever purchased is available to be downloaded or streamed immediately.  With the included PRIME membership you also gain access to free ebook rentals, streaming TV, and movies.  If you have never had the PRIME treatment before, this is a wake up call that you do NOT want to let the subscription lapse.

Now the important thing, use.  i obviously haven't had it long enough for a comprehensive review, but the speeed and elegance of this tablet is not to be ignored.  Sound is crisp, clear, and much louder than before.  The enhanced resolution of this model (1920x1200) means it has one of the crispest displays you will find in a tablet of this size.  In all there is no way to be disapointed in the hardware.

Many have been critical of the fact that Kindle devices do not have access to the Google Play store, but unless you have already invested money in Google's store I don't think you will miss the "Official" android marketplace.  Amazon has built their own OS from the skeleton of Android, it will not resemble any version of the "Official" AndroidOS you have ever seen.  However I think that Amazon does one thing better than any other player in this game:  they know what their customers want.  For the vast majority of Kindle buyers what is wanted (and needed) is something that is easy to use and understand.  Add the new live concierge support that the "MayDay" button brings and you have a recipe for great customer experience.

I'll have a full review in a few days, but right now I can't think of anything that I will find that could possibly change my take on this device.  If you've been waiting for a new tablet and aren't waiting to see what Apple announces next week, get this one before supply is limited.

Breaking: Amazon announces new Kindle Fire HDX

The new Kindle Fire HDX features full 1080P HDAmazon today has announced the latest in their Kindle line of tablets, the Kindle Fire HDX 7" and Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" tablets.  The 7" features a 1920x1280 display at 323ppi, Quad Core 2.2Ghz processor, dedicated video chip, and 2GB of RAM and will start at $229 when it goes on sale Oct. 18, 2013.  The 8.9" version upgrades the display to 2560x1600 at 339ppi and will start at $379 when it ships Nov. 7, 2013.  Both are available in 4G versions for $100 premium, and this time are available both on AT&T and Verizon.

Amazon is also adding a new feature to the HDX line, something they are calling the "Mayday Button".  Pressing this button will connect you to a live video chat with support personell and gives them the ability to see your Kindle's screen and even draw on it like a telestrator to show you exactly where to touch.  Not a new concept in support, but definately new to the tablet world.

In all this new offering looks amazing, and as always I'll be recieving a unit on launch day to review.  Stay tuned, this should be good.

Review: Kindle Fire HD 7"

It was about a year ago that I started this website with a review of the Kindle Fire.  A lot has changed since then.  Tablets have grown to a point where the iPad sold more than any BRAND of PC last year.  Expectations have been increased to monumental proprtions that few devices have a chance of living up to.  Google worked with ASUS to release the Nexus 7, and still didn't capture 10% of the global tablet market.  With all of these facts, Amazon announced their new Kindle Fire HD line.  The first device to arrive in consumer hands is the 7" version.  

The Fire HD improves on every aspect of the original, without increasing the price. The Kindle Fire HD 7" is $199 for the 16GB version, $249 for the 32GB variety.  The new Fire HD is much faster, resolving all of the actions attempted more than twice as fast as the original.  All of the problems I had with the original have been resolved, much to my enjoyment.  The Book app now allows for changing the background color, font size, and font quickly and effectively.  The addition of hardware buttons corrects the most glaring flaw of the original.  Most importantly, Amazon's app store offerings are now much more robust, with many applications already updated to take advantage of the improved resolution of the HD.

Starting at $299, the new Kindle Fire HD 8.9" is likely to cause the biggest stir when it arrives in November.  At the price points Amazon is able to deliver, the competition is not easily going to be able to compete.

Look below for pictures of the unboxing and getting started guidance.

Amazon to release new Kindle units over the next several months

On Wednesday, Amazon held a press announcement in Southern California to announce the roadmap for Kindle device releases through the end of November.  Coming in at a variety of price points, here is the new line-up:

1. Kindle, 6" E Ink Display, Wi-Fi - Includes Special Offers

The basic Kindle has been updated with better fonts, 15% faster page turns, and improved wi-fi.  Oh, and they improved the price....the Kindle is now just $69 and is available now.

2. Kindle Paperwhite, 6" High Resolution Display with Built-in Light, Wi-Fi

Amazon announced a new front-lit e-ink reader to compete with the Nook Glow-Touch.  From the images we've seen and the demo on Wednesday it looks like a winner, and comes in almost $30 dollars less than the Nook at $119 for the Wi-Fi version.  It is also available with 3G at $179.  The PaperWhite will ship the first week of October.

3. Kindle Fire HD 7"

Amazon announced a new HD version of their popular Fire tablet, bringing a faster processor and 720p video to the platform, while doubling memory capacity from 8GB to 16GB.  The amazing thing was the announcement that the price would remain $199, and the original Fire would be upgraded slighly while reducing the price to $159.  The 7" HD will begin shipping Sept. 14th.

4. Kindle Fire HD 8.9"

The big news of the day was the announcement that they were "Going Big".  Jeff Bezos and company announced an 8.9" tablet in the Fire line.  Boasting 1080p video with HDMI output, 32GB of RAM and a processor that it claims has 2x the performance of the Tegra 3 Chipset, the Kindle Fire 8.9" HD is making a very strong play.  The important part of this announcement isn't the specs though, it is price point.  Starting at just $299 it is going to provide stiff competition to Apple's iPad line, coming in $200 lower than the entry level iPad.  Amazon also announced a 4G LTE version of the 8.9" tablet, with the offer of 250MB of 4G data for just $50 a YEAR.  Compared to the $25 monthly charge of the lowest priced Apple tablets and you have a solid counter punch to sway budget-minded consumers your way.  While 250MB of data isn't much and there still has not been any announcement of other data plans, this could be huge for Amazon this holiday season.  The 8.9" units will start shipping in late November.

We have all 3 new units on their way, and I'll post reviews as soon as possible.

Hiding in plain sight - The best in bookbinding meets technology

There are two companies that have set a new standard in merging ancient techniques with modern technology.  Pad & Quill and DODOcase.  They first came to my attention with the iPad, but have since expanded their lines to include the Kindle Fire, and now even the MacBook Air.

I have always loved my DODOcase for my iPad, but have also been impressed with the quility of Pad & Quill's iPad and iPhone 4 cases.  So when I had the opportunity to put multiple products from each company head to head, I couldn't pass it up.

DODOcase sent me their "Morris Lessmore DODOcase", and the "DODOcase for Kindle Fire".  Both have amazing quality, and perfect attention to detail.  From the well chosen colors to the detailed embossing and foil stamping on the Morris Lessmore, to the well done wood burning of a campfire inside the Kindle Fire case, DODOcase has brought the craft of book binding to a new audience that is quickly replacing well-crafted first edition books with eBooks.

DODOcase's Morris Lessmore cover for iPad2DODOcase's Kindle Fire offering

Pad & Quill sent me the "Octavo Case For iPad2®", "The Cartella Case For Macbook Air 11 inch", and the "Fire Keeper".  Pad & Quill allow for more color choices for end papers, and also allow for an optional inside pocket (options not as cusotmizable from DODOcase).  Like DODOcase they have great crafters making the binding shine, and their attention to detail is amazing.

The Octavo cover for iPad2 from Pad & QuillPad & Quill's "Fire Keeper"

I really have a hard time calling one better than the other, as they both are making some amazing products.  DODOcase has done some very nice things with special editions, incorporating some beautiful artwork from local artists, and using classic embossing and foil stamping techniques sets them a little bit above Pad & Quill from a looks standpoint.  On the other end, Pad & Quill have a solidly built product that offers a bit more protection.  The wood tray that holds the device (regardless of model) from Pad & Quill is more solidly built, and shows more polish than DODOcase's offerings.  

Over the last two weeks I have switched back and forth on my iPad 2 and still cannot decide which I like more. Our house is divided when it comes to the Kindle Fire products.  I love the DODOcase, my teen daughter prefers the offering from Pad & Quill.  Both are well built, and I think for her it came down to the cute little ribbon bookmark that comes out at the bottom and functions as a nice way to remove the device from the case when wanted. Since DODOcase hasn't made a product for the MacBook Air yet, my Air hasn't left the Pad & Quill case since it arrived. I haven't had any heat issues, the cutouts allow for use of all ports quite nicely, and the polish makes it comfortable even with my hands resting on the wood while I type.

Corner detail on Pad & Quill's The Cartella Case For Macbook Air 11 inch

No matter which company you go with, you are sure to be pleased.  Both companies are bringing old fashioned technology to a new audience, and doing it with amazing levels of style.

Case Roundup - Kindle Fire

Ok, so I've had the fire for a couple of weeks, and have enjoyed using it.  I also have had the opportunity to review a few cases, and figured I would share my thoughts.

As with any tablet, protection is important.  I wouldn't think of carrying my Fire without a case any more than I would my iPad or iPhone.

Marware - Microshell

The Microshell from Marware comes first.  I really like the way it fully surronds the tablet, providing a non-slip surface on the out side, and combines a great east to fold back cover.  This makes reading it like a book quite easy, and provides decent scratch protection for the entire unit quite nicely.  I have my doubts that it would provide much as far as impact protection, but I don't really plan on treating it too rough any way.

Marware - C.E.O. Hybrid

Marware's C.E.O. Hybrid is a beautiful case.  Nice leather grain, with just a touch of padding makes it feel much more likely to provide impact resitance should I lose my grip on the Fire.  It has a nice hand strap for easy one-handed holding of the Kindle Fire, and a strap that holds the cover tight to the screen when closed.  It provides coverage to the corners, but very little to the edges, making it much more of an executive and responsible adults type of case.

Belkin - Verve Tab Folio for Kindle Fire

Belkin's case is pure simple utility.  Not a lot of bells or whistles, not much to protect your investment.  The magnetic closure on the strap is a nice touch, but there are far better cases (like those above) available at the same price point.

Amazon Kindle Fire Review (round 2) - The Boy takes another swing at it

After more usage of the Kindle Fire, I seem to understand it more.  It's heavier than the iPhone, lighter than the iPad, and it's size meets directly in the middle of the two.  It seems to me that it's more of a device for somewhat, quick usage for like checking up on e-mails and reading a book to pass the time.  It seems to be pretty good for number of things.  For anybody who wants something bigger than the iPhone and smaller than the iPad, this is for you.  Personally, I would recommend all three because they are all really good devices to have.  But don't get any goofy ideas because the Kindle, like any device that isn't a phone, won't call other people's phones of course.  Definitely recommended.

Kindle Fire Review Part 3 - The Boy

The Kindle Fire seems to weigh... an average amount for it's size.  However, the sleekness of it is too smooth, thus making it too hard for me to use without a case...... the case is definitely recommended.  

The up side to it is that the arrangement of the device is making much easier to access the music, applications, and the other stuff.  It's basically a smaller version of the iPad... Kinda...

Kindle Fire Review Part 2 - Mom

During the week I commute by train between home and work. I also travel for work and spend a good amount of time in airports and airplanes. I like having the convenience of multiple apps in one device, which makes my iPad and iPhone very convenient.

I have not been a Kindle user as a stand alone device, but I like the size of the Kindle Fire and find it works much better for commuting than the iPad. The screen size on the Kindle Fire is great for reading, to play games and music. However, I prefer the screen size of the iPad for watching movies over the Kindle Fire.

If I want to go relax at a coffee shop to read and listen to music I would prefer working with the Kindle Fire. But, if I want to be productive and work at the same coffee shop I will take my iPad.

Kindle Fire Review Part 1 - Dad's Take

OK, the Kindle Fire arrived this morning.  

The first thing you notice when you turn it on is the small things.  As soon as it connected to Wi-Fi, it popped up with my name and a welcome.  No registration (Amazon took care of that before shipping), no login to my Amazon account.  It just knew and worked.

The Carousel already had all of the books I have ever bought from the Kindle store ready to download.  It knew I was a Prime member and video streaming was ready as soon as I tapped on the video link.  Selecting music brought up not only music bought from the Amazon Music Store, but also the music and audio books I have uploaded to my cloud drive.  Sometimes the small touches make all the difference, and just like with the original Kindle Amazon gets them right.

The weight is on par with other tablets of this size, which is to say it is heavier than expected but not uncomfortably so.  This is the part where most reviewers would recap the specs and compare them to the iPad, or the Nook Tablet that is being released today.  I don't think the target audience of this tablet really cares though, so I'll keep this easy.  The screen quality is great, whether reading a book or watching video or playing a game.  The sound from the speakers is good and can get loud enough to be heard.  Overall it is a serious device, and comes across solid and well executed compared to other tablets I have tried.

Looking deeper into how things work in normal use, there are a few choices that Amazon made that are interesting to me: 

First, reading (which the Kindle brand is known for) is easy.  However, one of the features I love from the iPad version of the Kindle Application is nowhere to be found.  There is no way to change the background or text color that I can find.  While black text on a paper white background is ok, I find a sepia type background easier on the eyes.  I can make the change with two taps on the iPad app, but it isn't anywhere that I can find on the Fire.  Adjust the brightness makes it easier on the eyes, but still a curious decision.  

Second, Applications, which I would have thought would be better refined (highlighting the applications made specifically for the Fire) were anything but.  Bestselling applications are front and center, rather than applications made for Fire.  Not good or bad, but an interesting choice.

Third, Newsstand needs work.  I downloaded Car & Driver magazine as a test, and was less than impressed.  Once the magazine loaded there were large blank grey spaces at the top and bottom of the page.  When zooming in to read, movement to the next column actually moved to the next page, which was again reduced to the point that it was unreadable.  They are going to have to get this better to compete with Zinio.

Overall, I think Amazon will do well with the Kindle Fire.  It's price point sets a new bar in the Android tablet game, and Amazon's reach and mind share will bring it to a far broader audience than the others in this space have been able to garner.  Add all of this to the fact that Amazon has an ecosystem in place to handle all of the consumption of media and applications the common user could ask for and you have a recipe for success.