Amazon 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 also launched two new Kids’ Tablets. Amazon 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 away from budget-focused tablets to more premium devices.
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 start shipping on October 14.
Aside from being designed to work with Alexa+, the biggest change with these tablets is that they’re the first of the newer Amazon tablets to support access to Google Play, not just Amazon’s walled app store.
Amazon also announced a set of new Kids’ Tablets in bright colors and ready-to-go bundles with access to Google Play, though parents will still be able to control which apps their kids can access and download.
As the name indicates, the Alexa Tablets feature the Alexa+ virtual assistant integrated throughout. Instead of just having Alexa+ as a voice assistant, the new tablets feature the AI assistant woven into the interface, similar to how Gemini is for typical Android tablets.
Also: I recommend this Android tablet over flagship models, especially at this price
The new Alexa Tablets can have Alexa interpret what is on your screen and answer questions about it. You can also have live, ongoing conversations without repeating the wake word before each one.
On the hardware side, the Alexa Tablets also feature a major upgrade. The Tablet 8 features 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage for everyday use. The Tablet 11 has 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage for extra entertainment and light work.
