Amazon Kindle Fire tablet unveiled: Android-based, 7-inch display, $199 price tag

How’s about a 7-inch IPS (!) panel, Gorilla Glass coating, a dual-core CPU and a chassis that weighs 14.6 ounces at just $199.  Naturally, that bargain-bin sticker explains the lack of an embedded camera and microphone, though consumers will find WiFi (no 3G, sadly) and a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.  There’s access to things you’d expect to have access to: Android Appstore, Kindle books, magazines, etc. — all stored for free via Amazon Cloud Storage. Per Jeff: “Delete it and get it back when you want.” Oh, and Whispersync now works with movies and TV shows! “When you get home, switch to your big screen TV. Your movie will be right where you left it.”  Naturally, that bargain-bin sticker explains the lack of an embedded camera and microphone, though consumers will find WiFi (no 3G, sadly) and a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. (Enagadget)

Newest iteration of Google+ Hangouts a great tool for SMBs, startups

You don’t need an invitation anymore to check out Google+, the search giant’s stab at social networking. Earlier this week, Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) opened it up to the public, although–as it does with almost all of its projects–the company said it would continue to evolve the platform, thus the Beta tag.  You also don’t need an invite to check out what I think is its best feature: Hangouts, the group video chat that lets you connect with up to 10 people at a time. (FierceEnterprise)

A Galaxy S Sequel With Big-Screen Ambitions

In the crowded and sometimes confusing market for smartphones based on Google’s Android operating system, Samsung’s Galaxy models have been among the best and most popular. Launched last year on multiple carriers, the Galaxy S models made the Korean electronics giant a serious rival to Apple’s iPhone as well as to Android competitors like Motorola and HTC. (AllThingsD)