SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Amazon.com Inc. sent out invitations Friday to a press conference it will hold Wednesday in New York. The online retailer didn't divulge details, but it is expected to be an announcement for a long-rumored tablet device.

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Speculation has swirled that Amazon, which has sold its Kindle e-reader for several years, is working on a tablet device to rival Apple Inc.'s popular iPad. The Seattle-based company has been tight-lipped, though.

Many e-readers like the Kindle use screens with "electronic ink" technology that makes them best for reading, especially in bright light. Tablets such as the iPad have backlit screens and are intended for functions that go beyond reading text, including surfing the Web and watching movies.

The event will be held at Stage37, an event space in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.