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03/28/2024 09:29:37 pm

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Amazon and Baidu Launch Amazon Fire Tablet in China

Amazon and Baidu Launch Amazon Fire Tablet in China

(Photo : Getty Images) Amazon is partnering with Baidu to launch its Fire Tablet in China.

Amazon as turned to China's top search company Baidu to power Amazon Fire tablet in China where Google and its services are not welcome.

Amazon Fire tablet was launched first in the U.S. in September and is now available in Mainland China at the price of 499 RMB (around $80). Baidu is the default search engine that is featured on the device. Baidu apps include its search engine, video player, and other mobile apps.

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The two main features on the Fire tablet are English language learning and its large Kindle library, targeting students and schools. This might be a tough sell because Chinese mobile owners enjoy video, shopping, and gaming more than reading.

A Baidu spokesperson has confirmed that apps of the Chinese firm are provided via 91 Wireless and online video via its iQiyi service. The company bought the Android app store 91 Wireless for $1.9 billion in 2013. iQiyi service is the second largest YouTube-like site in China behind only Alibaba-owned Youku Tudou.

Xiaomi's new 999 RMB Mi Pad 2 is one of the tablet devices available in China. It is more cheaper and glamourous than the Fire tablet. A rise in Chinese ownership on the streaming service can be seen if Amazon pushes through on pre-installing Twitch.TV on its Fire tablet.

Amazon decided on this solid partnership with Baidu to help in marketing the device and equipping it with the right services for Chinese consumers. Amazon plans to launch its inexpensive Fire tablet in China to try competing against China's top tablet makers.

Through this deal, Baidu will gain mobile market share for its search engine, which has lost ground to Qihoo 360 and Shenma, and will also increase the popularity of its video service against Youku Tudou and Sohu. Amazon's Fire tablet can draw more customers to its own e-commerce service. Currently, Amazon has 1.5 percent sales of all products sold online in China.

Chinese manufacturers Lenovo and Huawei are the two major brands that are making major gains in the tablet market.

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