Amazon to Control Tablet Costs by Reducing Touch Inputs?

As details begin to emerge of the expected Amazon tablet, it looks like the company may be opting for a low-cost touchscreen to keep costs down, while still providing consumers with the most basic functions. The lower-end panel Amazon may use for its Android tablet will only be capable of two-finger multi-touch, rather than most of its competitors, like the iPad and Honeycomb tabs, which have a 10-finger solution. 

Though this may hinder the device’s ability to handle some Android apps that require multi-touch capability, this practice is becoming increasingly common among entry-level smartphones and tablets, according to Digitimes. While Amazon and other companies must compete with Apple on both functionality and price, expensive components limit companies from offering tablets at a less expensive cost.

Though these details were not confirmed by Amazon, the company is set to announce its earnings and may include a quick mention of its upcoming tablet, which is said to be scheduled for a fall launch. 

The rumored Amazon tablet has seen a good deal of press regarding its release date, specs and a possible smallere sibling. Though past accounts detailing the upcoming device vary, TabletPCReview has reported that the tablet won’t feature a camera, which could be another way Amazon looks to cut costs.