Amazon introduces new Alexa tablet lineup with Google Play Store support

Amazon has unveiled a new series of tablets branded as Alexa Tablets, marking a significant shift in the company's mobile strategy. The new lineup, which includes the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 8, abandons the forked Fire OS used in previous generations in favor of a version of Android that includes full, out-of-the-box access to the Google Play Store. This change allows users to download apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Docs directly without the need for sideloading.

The flagship Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is positioned as a premium competitor to high-end tablets, featuring a 12-inch display with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz and a 3:2 aspect ratio. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor and offers configurations with up to 16GB of RAM. Amazon also offers a version of the 12 Pro equipped with a "Nanomatte" display, which utilizes precision-etched glass developed with Corning to minimize glare.

Hardware across the range has seen notable improvements. The Alexa Tablet 11 features a 2.5K display with a 90Hz refresh rate, while the compact Alexa Tablet 8 utilizes an 8.7-inch screen. The 12 Pro and 11 models are housed in aluminum bodies, with the 12 Pro measuring 6.5mm in thickness. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E on the Pro model and quad Dolby Atmos speakers, with Amazon claiming up to 16 hours of video playback for the flagship device.

To support productivity, Amazon is introducing a $149.99 Pro Keyboard and an $89.99 Pro Pen for the 12-inch model. Both accessories attach magnetically, with the keyboard featuring a trackpad and a direct connection that eliminates the need for Bluetooth pairing. The tablet software supports multiple app windows to facilitate multitasking, and the devices include a dedicated Kindle reading mode designed to reduce blue-light output and silence notifications.

The company is also launching Kids versions of the 8.7-inch and 11-inch tablets, which include protective cases and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+. These models feature parent-managed access to the Google Play Store, allowing for content filtering and screen-time management through the Parent Dashboard. Additionally, a new AI-powered Storybuilder feature is included to assist children in creating illustrated stories using voice input.

Pricing for the new lineup starts at $229.99 for the Alexa Tablet 8, while the Alexa Tablet 11 begins at $329.99. The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro starts at $499.99, with the Nanomatte display version priced at $549.99. Orders for the devices are open now, with shipping scheduled to begin on October 14 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, followed by a release in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain on October 19.