Amazon has spent years selling tablets that required a little extra effort if you wanted Google’s apps. Its new Alexa Tablets arrive with the Google Play Store included. YouTube, Gmail, Google Docs: welcome through the front door.
The aluminum-bodied Android lineup comes in three sizes, with Alexa+ built in. And yes, there is more going on than a name change.
Alexa Tablet 12 Pro
The flagship packs a 12-inch, 120 Hz display, a 4 nm eight-core chip, up to 16 GB RAM, quad Dolby Atmos speakers, and up to 16 hours of video playback. Prices start at US$499.99; the anti-glare Nanomatte version starts at US$549.99.
An optional US$89.99 pressure-sensitive Pro Pen and US$149.99 magnetic keyboard cover the work-and-sketching side.
Alexa Tablet 11 and Tablet 8
The 11 starts at US$329.99, with an 11-inch 2.5K, 90 Hz display, 8 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and up to 15 hours of video.
The US$229.99 Tablet 8 actually measures 8.7 inches. It offers 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and up to 14 hours of video at 329 grams (11.6 ounces).
Across the lineup, optional screen-aware Alexa assistance can help with what you’re viewing. Kindle reading mode silences notifications and promises up to 20 hours of reading. North American shipping began October 14; selected European markets follow October 19.
So, Is Fire Being Put Out?
For tablets, yes. An Amazon spokesperson told Business Insider that manufacturing of Fire-branded tablets has stopped, with remaining inventory being sold through. Existing owners will continue receiving support and security updates.
The catch is the price. Google Play has gained an invitation, but the entry ticket to Amazon’s new tablet family is rather higher, TBH.
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Images: Amazon.
