Tablet Screens Going Bigger To Challenge iPad

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Competition is heating up in the Japanese market for tablet devices as companies seek to entice buyers by offering larger screens.

The growing variety of devices may pose a challenge to the dominant market position in Japan enjoyed by Apple Inc. with the iPad.

Amazon Japan KK said Wednesday a new Kindle Fire HD with an 8.9-inch high-definition screen will hit the market March 12. The 16GB model will be priced at 24,800 yen.

Preorders are being accepted on Amazon's website, while consumers can also place orders at major electronic mass retailers.

The new tablet's rollout follows the 7-inch Kindle Fire HD that debuted in Japan in December.

Similarly, Google Japan Inc. this month launched its newest Nexus model equipped with a 10-inch screen.

The iPad from Apple Inc. has been a top seller in Japan based on volume.

But Taiwan's Asustek Computer Inc., which manufactures the Nexus 7 and others, nabbed a 44.4% share in December to top Apple's 40.1%, according to market research firm BCN Inc.

Amazon and Google aim to grow their market shares even further with the latest offerings.

(The Nikkei, Feb. 28 morning edition)

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