Amazon has completely overhauled its tablet line, and it's good news if you're an Android fan.The online retailer has introduced an Alexa Tablet family that is not only more powerful, but has access to the Google Play Store.Unlike the Fire Tablet series, the brand-new devices – the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 8 — can install virtually any Android app you want.
They ship with Amazon apps front and center, but you can use Google apps like Gmail and Google Maps alongside your favorite games or specialist media services.Close Alexa+ unsurprisingly plays a central role, with a tablet-optimized approach to the conversational voice assistant for commands, on-screen advice, and questions.The hardware might also be ideal if you use your tablet as an eReader, as you can invoke a distraction-free "Kindle Sanctuary" that silences notifications, cuts back on blue light, and even lets you choose softened color or monochrome visuals to mimic Kindle devices.
The flagship Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is much faster than Fire Tablets with an (unnamed) eight-core processor and up to 16GB of RAM.It centers on an available "Nanomatte" 12-inch, 120Hz display that reportedly reduces glare without compromising on color accuracy, contrast, or details.Like higher-end iPads and Galaxy Tabs, there's an optional magnetically-attached keyboard for laptop-like use and a pen for creative work.
The mainstream Alexa Tablet 11 centers on its namesake 11-inch, 90Hz screen while offering an eight-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a claimed 15 hours of video viewing.The Alexa Tablet 8 is aimed at one-handed use with an 8.7-inch display, an eight-core chip, and 14 hours of video.Amazon Alexa Tablets: Price, release date, and the end of Fire Tablets The devices are moving upscale Amazon will release the Alexa Tablet range on October 14.
The headlining Alexa Tablet 12 Pro starts at $500 with a conventional screen, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.Choosing Nanomatte raises the price to $550, while the Alexa Tablet Pro Keyboard and Alexa Tablet Pro Pen cost $150 and $90 respectively.Related Amazon May Switch to a More Familiar Android OS on Fire Tablets A secret project could revolutionize Amazon's Fire Tablets, but at what cost? Posts By Joe Fedewa The Alexa Tablet 11 begins at $330 with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of space.
Opt for the Alexa Tablet 8 and you'll pay at least $220 for 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.There are Amazon Kids Tablets versions of the 11-inch ($330) and 8.7 inch ($230) devices that include childproof cases as well as a year's subscription to Kids+ content.Amazon has discontinued the Fire Tablet series as part of this launch.
This moves the company's tablets to a higher tier, with better performance and higher-quality aluminum bodies.The upgrade, along with Google Play Store access, puts Amazon in more direct competition with Apple, Google, Lenovo, and Samsung.You now have a fifth major mobile tablet choice in the U.S.
with a full app selection, and that's valuable if you use your slate as more than a media viewer.
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