Amazon Introduces Alexa+ Tablets With Google Play Access

Amazon introduced three Android tablets with built-in Alexa+ and Google Play access, giving users a broader app selection than the company’s previous Fire OS devices.

The Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Amazon Alexa Tablet 11 and Amazon Alexa Tablet 8 will go on sale Oct. 14 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The lineup will reach the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain on Oct. 19.

The tablets support Google Play applications including YouTube, Netflix and Gmail. Amazon’s earlier tablets used Fire OS and the company’s own app store.

The 12 Pro features a 12-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Wi-Fi 6E and Dolby Atmos speakers. It supports up to 16 hours of video playback and starts at $499.99. The Nanomatte display model starts at $549.99.

The Alexa Tablet Pro Pen and Pro Keyboard are designed for use with the 12 Pro. Amazon also offers the tablet in a Graphite finish.

The 11-inch tablet has a 2.5K display, 90Hz smooth scrolling and up to 15 hours of video playback. It starts at $329.99 and comes in Graphite, Amethyst and Matcha.

The Alexa Tablet 8 has an 8.7-inch display and weighs 329 grams. Its starting price is $229.99, with color options including Graphite, Rosette and Teal.

Alexa+ is available on each model. Users can activate the assistant by saying “Alexa” or pressing the “Ask Alexa” button. On-Screen Intelligence allows users to ask questions about content displayed on the tablet and receive contextual help.

A new Kindle reading experience silences notifications and reduces blue light when users open the Kindle app. Battery life during Kindle reading use can last up to 20 hours.

The tablets go on sale in North America on Oct. 14, followed by the European rollout five days later.