Amazon has confirmed the launch of a new Pro tablet that replaces its long-standing Fire branding with the Alexa name. The Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is built around the voice assistant, with intelligence embedded directly into the device, so there is no separate Alexa app to launch. Alexa can see what is being used on the screen, a feature that can be turned off, and instantly help with queries.
Switch to Android
Another major change is the operating system. Amazon has moved away from its Fire OS platform and switched to Android, giving owners full access to millions of apps, games and more via the Google Play Store. This has been a long-requested feature.
The design is also more premium than anything Amazon has launched before, and it includes a Nanomatte display that cuts down on glare. The screen offers a dedicated Kindle mode, which reduces eye strain, extends battery life and turns off notifications.
Accessories and pricing
To make the device feel fully Pro, a keyboard case can be added, and there is a Pro Pen for writing on the screen. The Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is priced at £449.99 with a normal display, while the Nanomatte version starts at £499.99. That is half the price of the iPad Pro from Apple. It is available to pre-order now and will start shipping later this month.
Other new tablets
Amazon is also launching a cheaper Amazon Alexa Tablet 11 at £289.99 and a smaller Amazon Alexa Tablet 8 at £199.99. These also have Alexa built in and run on Android. Additionally, Amazon is introducing all-new Amazon Kids Tablets, ready-to-go bundles in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes, each shipping with a kid-proof case and a one-year Kids+ subscription with age-appropriate apps, games, videos and books.
