New York Times: Apple plans smaller iPad while Amazon works on a larger Fire

In the tablet market’s current state, Apple enjoys a near-monopoly on the 9.7” tablet design, while Amazon lies content with their Kindle Fire’s 7” form factor.  However, things could shake up a bit in the near future, with each company heading toward opposite spectrums in order to catch the biggest slice of the pie.

According to The New York Times, “a developer briefed on Amazon’s plans” has informed them that the company is developing a Kindle Fire with a larger display to directly compete with the iPad. The Times also furthered previous rumors about a smaller iPad, claiming that it will come in at 7.85” and “sell for significantly less than the latest $499 iPad”. The report offered no other details about either device, although spokesmen for both companies declined to comment.

While a larger Kindle Fire could potentially steal sales away from the iPad, Apple’s current rock-solid hold on the market could prove too big an obstacle to overcome. On the other hand, Cupertino could end up driving users away from the numerous 7" Android tablets and into their outstretched arms, and Amazon could be left fighting on multiple fronts.  In any case, it should be interesting to see if users flock to one device over the other and if any one company can actually “rule them all”.

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