Amazon has introduced a new tablet lineup under the Alexa brand, ending production of its Fire tablets and shifting to Android with full Google Play access. The 8.7-, 11- and 12-inch models add upgraded hardware and Alexa+ features, with prices starting at $229.99. Preorders open October 8, and U.S. shipments begin October 14.
Key takeaways
Amazon’s move pairs a higher-priced hardware strategy with broader app compatibility and deeper Alexa integration. The top model targets productivity, while the smaller tablets emphasize entertainment and portability.
- Alexa Tablet 8 starts at $229.99; Alexa Tablet 11 at $329.99; and Alexa Tablet 12 Pro at $499.99.
- All three run Android and include access to the Google Play Store.
- Alexa+ is built in, including optional tools that can interpret on-screen content.
- Amazon is ending Fire tablet production but says existing devices will remain supported for at least four years after the final shipment.
Three models, from portable to productivity-focused
The 8.7-inch Alexa Tablet 8 is the lightest option at 329 grams, with an eight-core processor, Wi-Fi 6 and up to 14 hours of video playback. The 11-inch model steps up to a 2.5K display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM and up to 15 hours of video playback.
At the top of the range, the 12-inch 12 Pro has a 120Hz display, a 3:2 aspect ratio and up to 16GB of RAM. Amazon says it delivers nearly three times the processing performance and nine times the graphics performance of its previous tablets. It supports an optional magnetic keyboard and USI 2.0 pen; the accessories cost $149.99 and $89.99, respectively. A Nanomatte anti-glare display option brings the tablet’s starting price to $549.99.
Android opens up app compatibility
The lineup replaces Fire OS and Amazon’s Appstore with Android and Google Play, giving buyers access to apps including YouTube, Netflix, Gmail and Google Docs. Amazon’s own services—including Prime Video, Kindle, Audible and Amazon Music—remain prominent, with a home-screen feed designed to bring recently used content and recommendations together.
A Kindle reading mode silences notifications and reduces blue light. Amazon says it can extend reading time to as much as 20 hours on a charge, while pen annotations can sync with Kindle apps on supported devices, including Kindle Scribe.
Alexa+ adds screen-aware features
Users can call up Alexa+ by voice or touch, and can start hands-free live sessions without repeating the wake word. With On-Screen Intelligence enabled, Alexa can use screen content to help with tasks such as extracting game dates for a calendar or identifying a product in a video.
Amazon says screen-reading features are off by default and require users to opt in. A visual indicator appears when Alexa can view the screen, and the feature can be disabled in settings.
Fire production winds down
Amazon says it will stop making Fire tablets, including its kids models, but continue supporting existing devices for at least four years after the final Fire tablet ships. The new tablets are available for preorder in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with shipments beginning October 14; sales are scheduled to start October 19 in the U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Amazon also announced child-focused tablets bundled with protective cases and a year of Amazon Kids+.
Via Amazon