Amazon is rumored to be releasing a $50 tablet. That would probably be one of the cheapest in the market when it arrives but we’re expecting specs won’t be as high. That’s fine because a tablet of that size, 6-inches, is good enough for web browsing, simple mobile games, and access to social networks. The company isn’t leaving the hardware business but unfortunately, it will have to give up the Fire Phone.
The company hasn’t made any formal announcement yet but the phone is already sold out and there’s no information when it will be available again. The 32GB and 64GB models are listed as out of stock anywhere and looks like there won’t be another new product since the phone-making division has already been dissolved and some employees were laid off. A couple of weeks ago, we also learned that Amazon is scaling back on development of consumer devices. And while a formal announcement has yet to be made, we somehow know the truth: the Fire Phone is dead.
Amazon’s Fire Phone was a flop despite the big launch. An unlocked model started at $649 but price was slashed off to $189. That’s a huge discount but Amazon needed to make a wise decision because not many people are buying. The $189 price was even cheaper than the $199 2-year contract price on AT&T but the latter was changed to $0.99–another huge discount.
Amazon may bid the phone business goodbye but the hardware division will still remain. The Echo Bluetooth speaker and virtual assistant is successful, as well as, its Kindle and Fire HD line. Amazon also has a winner in Dash buttons but they’re only available for Prime members. We’re expecting the product will be ready for more consumers anytime soon. But for now, we’re mourning the end of an era.
Goodbye, Fire Phone. RIP.
VIA: SlashGear
