Amazon plans to create 2,000 British jobs after new Kindle launch

Amazon plans to create at least 2,000 jobs in Britain as the online retailer introduced an improved set of tablet devices to take on Apple's iPad.

The jobs are part of Amazon's plan to open three new warehouses in the UK by 2015.

The boost for Britain came as Amazon sharpened its assault on the stranglehold that Apple's iPad has on the market for the tablet devices that are ousting traditional desktop PCs. Chief executive Jeff Bezos launched two new HD versions of the Kindle Fire device, one with a 7 inch and one with an 8.9 inch screen.

UK consumers will be able to buy the device, which will also come equipped with a faster processor, with the 7 inch screen for £159 next month. Amazon declined to say when the 8.9 inch screen will be available in Britain.

Amazon is stepping up its effort in a market that Google is entering this year with a device known as the Nexus 7. Microsoft is also expected to introduce a tablet called the Surface later this year.

Amazon's strategy has so far been to make the device as cheaply as possible and reap profits when people download content such as books, music and film onto them.