Kindle Fire: Why Amazon's tablet is not coming to the UK
Amazon overhauled the Kindle range this week, but it also made one vital, shock announcement – that the new Kindle Fire will only be going on sale in the US for now. We really wanted the Fire to launch over here as well – join us after the break to find out why it hasn’t.
We’ve been waiting for the new Amazon Kindle Fire for some time, with the belief that the latest tablet would be a lot cheaper than existing products. That’s turned out to be in the case – in the US at least – but Amazon has decided against releasing the Kindle Fire in the UK.
Find out more about the Amazon Kindle Fire!
The Kindle Fire looks like being one of the most exciting tablets yet – it may lack the bells and whistles found on an iPad – such as a camera or 3G – but as most tablets are used in the home, does it really need them? We were more interested in the bargain basement price and ease in which you’ll be able to purchase magazines, which could potentially open up a whole new market.
Why hasn’t Amazon launched the Kindle Fire in the UK then? Unfortunately, the company is pushing its cloud-based storage service, which is currently only up and running in the US. With the ability to access your online files, or download apps from Amazon’s Android store, the Fire makes a lot of sense.
Take away the ability to sync files, or to download the latest apps and games, and the Kindle Fire is then little more than a colour eReader. So it seems that we’ll be waiting for some time yet – at least until Amazon sorts out an online storage solution and app store over on this side of the Atlantic.
We’d like to hear your thoughts, though. Would you buy the Amazon Kindle Fire even if it didn’t offer support for online storage and apps? How much would it need to cost to make you consider it without all of the functionality? Or would you even be willing to buy one in the US, and try to install a regular version of Android on it?
Leave a comment below and let us know.
User comments (18)
Leave a comment
Mark29 September 2011
I was really looking forward to this, Gad damn you amazon!
Report as inappropriateJONO29 September 2011
amazon launched the kindle in america years before they brought it over to our shores, so is it any real surprise? although if history tells us anything it's that if it's good enough for the Americans it'll be over here eventually!!!
Report as inappropriateShell Malpas29 September 2011
Well that's made it easier for me. I was waiting for the results of yesterdays announcement on the Fire before I bought my partners B-Day pressy. So New version Kindle it is with it's 12th oct release date and £89 price tag it is. Sorted and pre-ordered. I hope we do get the Fire in the new year, the phase 2 version would be better and the price tag seems like a bargain compared to the rest.. I guess I can wait for a while for the new improved Fire launch. No way I can afford the IPad and it's glorified price tag with no usb ports. When there's an IPhone, Ipod and ITouch already in the house we don't need a bigger screen that badly to play magnified Angry Birds.....or do we? .
Report as inappropriateumar ikram29 September 2011
I think this is really disappointing from amazon because by the tine it is mafe available in the UK the craze will die certainly I won't want it as much!
Report as inappropriatejon lilley30 September 2011
This is ridiculous they could still realease it here then sort out there cloud storage. I notice it is 199 dollars in the states about £130 I bet its considerably more than that when it eventually does arrive!!!
Report as inappropriatecorrinne04 October 2011
This is ridiculous they could still release it here then sort the cloud & storage.i was getting well excited was my Xmas present soooooooooooo disappointed looks like i will have to think about the New version kindle :[ Amazon you let us down again .
Report as inappropriatecorrinne04 October 2011
This is ridiculous they could still release it here then sort the cloud & storage.i was getting well excited was my Xmas present soooooooooooo disappointed looks like i will have to think about the New version kindle :[ Amazon you let us down again .
Report as inappropriatechris banton13 October 2011
the kindle fire was delayed by a year and the kindle fire 2 has been scheduled for Q2 2012 so even if they did bring it out in the UK it would only be a sort of stopgap so their saving money from shipping it over here so fingers crossed the fire 2 next year
Report as inappropriatejanet waumsley03 November 2011
I am not very good at computer language. We intend to buy a kindle in the UK for our own personal use and would you explain why the button keyboard is any better than the one on the screen - we are rather ancient !!! I would also like to buy the Kindlefire for our son. Would it work in the UK if I bought one from America through a friend? Thanks Janet
Report as inappropriateluke ridge21 November 2011
Really disapointed by this when I heard. Id have the fire without all this cloud stuff. and why should the laxk of cloud delay its release by so much? Surley it just involves them installing a uk server?! the possible release of the fire means i havnt gone for the new kindle either.
Report as inappropriateCarlMorrell21 November 2011
i know 199 dollars converted to pounds is about 120 pounds but will they stick with that
Report as inappropriateMitesh Agrawal25 November 2011
I would surely buy one K Fire either from here or US does not matter, as far as I am able to browse internet.
Report as inappropriatekristie west27 November 2011
Could the Kindle Fire not just connect to WiFi as the kindle does now? isn't that what the ipad does - but have a much better screen for browsing the internet and using apps?? if it was a basic tablet that you could have apps and use wifi for web browsing as well as use as ereader, and it was under £200 I think I would definitely buy it. The ipad is a great groovy little gadget but very over priced when you can get a laptop for £299, I think the Fire would be a welcome substitute for those who can't afford the ipad.
Report as inappropriaterosy27 December 2011
I received the Kindle Fire fro xmas from my partner and its is FAB ! the only thing i have found at the moment is that i cannot down load apps,but i am hoping this will change in 2012, if they sell it here in the UK. Will let you know more , as and when I find out more.
Report as inappropriateThis comment is awaiting moderation.
lolllollo03 February 2012
are you 100% sure this is the right info
Report as inappropriatematthew23 February 2012
I have one. Got from the us. It it fantastic it fills good looks good and plays good. It needs to come out in the Uk fast.
Report as inappropriatewilliam03 April 2012
there is a way around this, log on to eBay and people are shipping over the new kindle to the UK, very good price in comparison to the ipad
Report as inappropriateJoin Channel 5
Creating an account is free, will only take a few moments and will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of 5FWD and Channel 5:
Leave a comment