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Amazon's Fire tablet didn't exactly set the world on fire and some of its other gadgets haven't done so well either. So this time around, instead of relying on tech wizardry the giant retailer is hoping a low price will move the merchandise.

The company is planning to release a $50 tablet with a 6-inch screen in time for this year's holiday shopping season, the Wall Street Journal reports today. That would be half the price of Amazon's current Fire HD and a lot less than the price of comparable products from Apple, Samsung, et al.

The device won't have all the bells and whistles of more expensive tablets and will be intended mostly for such simple tasks as streaming video and, of course, shopping on Amazon. For $50, it's basically disposable, which should make it a good gift for children and others who aren't always too careful with delicate tech toys.

Competing with Apple is an exercise that's fraught with peril, however. Later this week, Apple is expected to release new iPad and iPhone versions, possibly including some lower-priced models that could once again douse Amazon's flames. 

In addition, there are already plenty of low-end tablets selling for around $50, making it difficult for Amazon to find a niche a can dominate, many tech watchers speculate