Apple, Microsoft and Amazon Competes for Customer's Money

Apple, Microsoft and Amazon are set to go head to head in a unique battle for consumer's cash. The tech giants are set to release tablets within days of each other later this month. Apple is expected to launch its iPad mini on October 17th - a week before Amazon releases its tablets in the UK, and Microsoft releases its own Surface tablet. Apple's iPad mini is expected to so on sale around the world on November 2nd, according to online speculation.

The launch date was reported by Fortune magazine, which cites Apple investors hearing the date from 'multiple sources'. The device is believed to have similar hardware to last year's iPad 2, but reduced to a pocket-friendly seven or eight-inch form. Fortune reports that Apple will send out invites for the launch on October 10, gathering tech journalists and stakeholders together to unveil the device.

Amazon, meanwhile has already enjoyed huge success in the US with its updated Fire tablets - but will release them internationally for the first time on the 25th October. The gadgets, are available in both 7inch and 8.9inch versions (although only the 7inch version is currently set to go o sale outside of the US).

The third contender is Microsoft, with its Surface tablets.

The firm will launch the Surface tablet at the same time as Windows 8, the latest version of its desktop operating system, which experts say is a 'make or break' time for the firm.

'It's a dangerous game, as all three firms are trying to steal each other's thunder,' said Tom Wiggins of gadget magazine Stuff.

'Apple tend to be more cagey.

'If I was Apple, and knew that Microsoft was launching, I'd probably try and come up with something to take the focus away from them - and nobody else can do that in quite the same way Apple can.' Wiggins believes that Microsoft has so far played its cards close to its chest with the Surface tablet. The firm has not even confirmed a price for the gadget. 'Microsoft is the most interesting - it's a make or break thing for them, as they have always struggled with touchscreen interfaces.

'It has the potential to be a success - but the worry is that it will be overcomplicated compared to the iPad.' However, it is Apple's iPad mini that is expected to attract most attention.

'The iPad mini is potentially huge,' said Wiggins. 'But a lot will depend on price. There are a lot of people who would like an iPad but can't afford one, so if it does launch and is £250, it will be very difficult for anyone to beat.' Experts also believe that Amazon's Kindle, which is being launched outside the US for the first time, could be let down if not enough content is available. 

The gadget uses Amazon's own app and film and book stores.