Amazon is preparing to launch its second-generation Kindle Fire tablet later this year, according to reports.

The tablet will sport an improved display with a 1280x800 resolution, as well as a front-facing snapper for video calls and Skype chats.

Previous reports have suggested the device will simply be named the Amazon Kindle Fire 2.

Sources told AllThingsD that the Amazon-branded slate will be slimmer and weigh considerably less than its predecessor.

According to SlashGear, developers have been informed to construct their apps to fit with the Kindle Fire 2’s reported 1280x800 resolution display – the original Kindle Fire has a 1024 x 600 resolution.

The news adds to the growing list of rumours that suggest Amazon is launching a new and improved tablet device.

As reported by T3 last month, sources told news site DigiTimes that the Kindle Fire, which is currently on sale in the US, will get a dramatic price cut, meaning the internet retailer could well be looking to clear its current stock of old tablets to make way for the rumoured device.

Kindle Fire 2: Specs

According to rumours, the Kindle Fire 2 will be available in two sizes: as a 7 and 9-inch tablet.

Some experts believe the second-gen slate will come loaded with more high-end specs, including a sharper screen and quad-core processor.

In terms of pricing, the 7-inch Kindle Fire 2 is rumoured to cost about $249, while the 9-inch version of the tablet may yield a price tag of $299, the Kindle-devoted website fire2.net.

Link: SlashGear