Watch CBS News

Amazon Unveils New Kindle Fire

SANTA MONICA (AP) — Amazon is updating its Kindle Fire tablet computer as it steps up competition with Apple's iPad.

It will cost $159, down from $199 for the old model. It will start shipping Sept. 14.

Amazon also refreshed its line of stand-alone e-readers.

The Fire is an effort to take a larger share of a tablet computer market dominated by Apple's iPad. It could help Amazon.com Inc. boost sales of digital goods such as e-books and movies.

The announcement was made at a former airplane hangar in Santa Monica, Calif.

Amazon has pursued the strategy of selling lower-priced tablets at razor-thin, if any, profit margins in order to boost sales of digital items from its online store. The Kindle Fire has a smaller screen than the iPad.

RELATED STORIES:

Apple Invites Media To Event, Hints At iPhone 5

Amazon Says Kindle Fire Is 'Sold Out'

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.