Amazon has unveiled its latest innovation in the tablet market, transitioning from its Fire tablets to a new series of Alexa Tablets. This marks a significant shift as these new devices are the first to operate on Android, offering users full access to the Google Play Store. The announcement, made on Thursday, introduced three distinct models, priced between 9.99 and 9.99, set to launch on October 14 in the US, Canada, and Mexico, followed by a release on October 19 in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
“We’re really proud of this new lineup, and this is just the start,” Kevin Keith, Amazon’s vice president of devices, expressed in the announcement.
Three sizes, one Pro
The flagship model, the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, begins at 9.99 and boasts impressive specifications, including 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage. With a sleek profile measuring just 6.5mm thick, it features a vibrant 12-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. For those seeking an enhanced visual experience, a premium version priced at 9.99 incorporates a Nanomatte anti-glare screen, developed in collaboration with Corning. Additionally, accessories such as the Pro Keyboard and Pro Pen are available for 9.99 and .99, respectively.
The lineup also includes the Alexa Tablet 11, starting at 9.99, and the compact 8.7-inch Alexa Tablet 8, priced at 9.99. For families, Amazon offers Kids Tablets in both sizes at the same price points, complete with protective cases, a year of Amazon Kids+, and app access that requires parental approval.
Alexa+ on the screen
Each tablet comes equipped with Alexa+, Amazon’s intelligent assistant. A unique feature, On-Screen Intelligence, allows Alexa to read content displayed on the screen, enabling functionalities such as adding dates from a webpage directly to a calendar. This feature is designed to be off by default, with a clear indicator to show when Alexa is accessing the screen.
When users open the Kindle app, the tablets seamlessly transition into a dedicated reading mode, silencing notifications, reducing blue light exposure, and extending battery life to an impressive 20 hours, according to Amazon’s claims.
The end of Fire
In a notable shift, Amazon will cease production of Fire tablets, committing to support existing devices for four years following the final shipment, as reported by CNBC. Current owners can continue using their Fire tablets without interruption.
While the new Alexa Tablets carry a higher price tag compared to their Fire predecessors, Amazon recently adjusted device prices due to a shortage of memory chips. However, the company clarified that this shortage did not influence the pricing of the Alexa Tablets. Panos Panay, Amazon’s head of devices, acknowledged the challenges posed by the shortage in creating a premium tablet at a competitive price point.
