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Amazon launches first Android tablets, raising prices and incorporating Alexa
The new lineup runs full Android with Google Play and built-in Alexa+, as Amazon raises tablet prices to as much as $550.
On Thursday, Amazon debuted premium Alexa Tablets, retiring its budget-friendly Fire lineup after 15 years and marking a strategic shift toward Android-based hardware starting at $230.
Adopting Android and the Google Play Store addresses long-standing criticism about limited app availability on Fire tablets, positioning the new devices to compete directly with Apple's iPad, which ranges from $449 to $1,199.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor, the flagship Alexa Tablet 12 Pro offers an optional Nanomatte display designed to eliminate glare. Devices include On-Screen Intelligence, allowing Alexa+ to offer contextual suggestions based on screen activity.
General sales for the new lineup begin October 14 in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Pricing spans from $230 for base models to $550 for the premium 12-inch Pro version.
Under CEO Andy Jassy, Amazon's push to monetize devices positions these tablets as integrated smart home hubs. The strategy embeds shopping capabilities throughout the interface to drive higher-margin sales beyond hardware.
For years, Amazon has provided its tablet computers with an in-house operating system based on Android. The new generation runs directly with the Google system. Improvements are available on the display.