The online retail giant unveiled three new Alexa Tablets on Thursday, Oct. 8. The devices will go on sale and be shipped beginning Wednesday, Oct. 14, with prices starting at $229.99.
The new Alexa Tablets feature aluminum designs, faster processors, higher-resolution screens, and built-in Alexa+, Amazon's upgraded AI assistant. They also run Google's Android operating system and offer full access to the Google Play Store, unlike Fire tablets that relied on Amazon's own app store.
Customers can download millions of apps and use Amazon services like Amazon Music, Audible, Kindle, and Prime Video.
"We're really proud of this new lineup, and this is just the start," wrote Kevin Keith, Amazon's vice president of devices. "Amazon Alexa Tablets are going to get even better over time. We can't wait to get them into your hands and hear what you think."
The launch marks the end of Amazon's Fire tablet lineup, CNBC reported. The company is no longer manufacturing new Fire tablets but will continue supporting existing devices.
The three new models are:
- Amazon Alexa Tablet 8: Starts at $229.99 with an 8.7-inch screen, 64GB of storage, and up to 14 hours of video playback.
- Amazon Alexa Tablet 11: Starts at $329.99 with an 11-inch screen, 64GB of storage, and up to 15 hours of video playback.
- Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro: Starts at $499.99 with a 12-inch screen, 128GB of storage, and up to 16 hours of video playback. A version with an anti-glare display starts at $549.99.
The devices also include a new Kindle reading mode that silences notifications, reduces blue light, and offers up to 20 hours of reading on a single charge.
The higher prices mark a major shift for Amazon, which has traditionally sold inexpensive devices to encourage customers to buy its other products and services. The new Alexa Tablet 12 Pro costs more than three times as much as the $155 Fire HD 10 tablet.
The launch also comes as Amazon and other tech companies face rising computer memory costs.
Amazon increased prices on several devices in August but denied that the memory shortage influenced pricing for the new tablets.
"I think the team did a good job designing without making that trade," Amazon devices chief Panos Panay told CNBC. "They gave you the full craftsmanship of a product, but are able to keep it at that price point."
Amazon also introduced new Kids Tablets in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes. The bundles include protective cases, a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription, and parental controls.
The new Alexa Tablets are now available for preorder through Amazon's website.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
