ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Three new Amazon Alexa tablets feature Alexa+ and premium construction, including a 12-inch Pro model.
- The tablets finally support Google Play, addressing a pain point for users.
- Amazon has also launched two new kids’ tablets.
Amazon has just announced three new Alexa tablets, a trio of AI-powered Android tablets for work and entertainment with a more “Pro” build. The new tablets are an unexpected upgrade for Amazon, and an indication that the company is moving from budget-focused tablets to more premium devices.
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The lineup starts at $230 and includes the Amazon Alexa Tablet 8, the Amazon Alexa Tablet 11 at $330, and the Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, which starts at $500. All three tablets are currently available for pre-order and will launch on October 14th.
1. Finally, access Google Play
Besides the design to work with Alexa +, the biggest change with these tablets is that they are the first of the new Amazon tablets to support access to Google Play, not just the Amazon Walled App Store.
Amazon has also announced a range of new Kids’ tablets in bright colors and ready-to-go bundles with access to Google Play, although parents will still be able to control which apps their children can access and download.
2. Alexa + integrations everywhere
As the name suggests, the Alexa tablets have the Alexa + virtual assistant integrated throughout. Instead of just having Alexa + as a voice assistant, the new tablets have the AI assistant wrapped into the interface, similar to how Gemini is for typical Android tablets.
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The new Alexa tablets can have Alexa interpret what’s on your screen and answer questions about it. You can also live, have ongoing conversations without repeating the wake word in front of each one.
3. Completely new hardware
On the hardware side, the Alexa tablets also got a big upgrade. The Tablet 8 has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage for everyday use. The Tablet 11 has 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage for extra entertainment and light work.
Most importantly, though, all three tablets have a more upscale aluminum design, which should feel like a significant upgrade compared to the plastic construction of the older tablets.
4. Pro-level performance and accessories
The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, however, has a 4nm 8-core processor, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It also has a 12-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and comes with the option of a Nanomatte anti-glare display tablet for $50 more, starting at $550. You can also get a Pro Pen with the Pro Tablet for $90, which supports 4,096 pressure levels, has tilt detection and wireless charging.
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Amazon also sells a Pro Keyboard for this flagship tablet, which is magnetic, has a trackpad, and does not require Bluetooth pairing. Instead of a simple iterative update, the new Alexa tablets are a completely redesigned lineup that could turn Amazon tablets into full-fledged Android tablets.
New Amazon Kids tablets
Amazon has also launched two new, updated kids tablets: the Amazon Kids Tablet 8, starting at $230, and the Amazon Kids Tablet 11, starting at $330. The children’s tablets come in an 8.7-inch and 11-inch form factor, the latter having a 2.5K display and 8GB of RAM.
The children’s tablets also have Android instead of FireOS, improved hardware and screen resolution, AI-powered storytelling, and more convenient parental controls. Unfortunately, the children’s tablets have a one-year limited warranty, which is a significant reduction from the previous tablets’ two-year, worry-free warranty.
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