As the whole world is getting ready for iPad3’s release, it seems Apple is quietly working on its next product. According to some Asian supplier’s, Apple is working on a new device of size around 8-inches. No prizes in guessing that this move is to blunt the competition arising from Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Availability of choice in choosing device size is one item that was on top of the wish lists of iPad users.
As per reports, Apple is qualifying suppliers for these new devices and is working with Taiwan based AU Optronics & South Korea’s LG. These devices are supposed to come with resolution similar to iPad 2 – ie. 1024×768. The new designs are only in the testing phase and nothing concrete about future plans though. But a move like this definitely fits the bill allowing Apple to have best of both worlds – targeting both high-end consumer with configuration like iPad3 and not so high-end consumers with a iPad Mini like device. Apple followed similar strategy in its iPod product line where it catered to a number of shapes and sizes.
Not just Kindle Fire, even Samsung’s Galaxy Note comes in small size at 5.3 inches and is doing well. This clearly shows that there is market at this Form Factor also. Samsung’s Galaxy tab comes in three different sizes and maybe it’s time Apple gives its tablet users also the choice in device size.
