Amazon teams up with search engine giant Baidu to launch Fire tablet in China
Amazon will launch its Fire tablet in China soon, and it has agreed to a partnership with local search engine giant Baidu to provide search and applications for the device, the US online company said.
“With access to hundreds of thousands of Kindle books and with English-language learning features like Word Wise, Fire is an easy and affordable option for customers who want to read or learn English,” Amazon said in a statement Thursday (local time).
It added that Baidu would “provide a search, apps, and online video experience on Amazon tablets in China.”
The seven-inch screen tablet will sell for 499 yuan, or under US$80.
“We’ve already sold millions of Fire tablets since launch, and we’re excited to now make it available to customers in China,” said Neil Lindsay, vice president for Amazon Devices.
“With millions of readers already using Kindle e-readers in China, we’re excited to now offer another incredibly affordable option, particularly for customers learning to read English.”
The US retail giant is believed to have only a small share of the global tablet market led by Apple, Samsung and Chinese manufacturers.
Analysts say Amazon uses the devices to build brand loyalty and sell more e-books, video and music.
