A Major Shift in Operating Systems
Amazon is moving away from its decade-long reliance on Fire OS, marking a significant pivot in its hardware strategy. The company has officially announced a new generation of tablets that abandon the Fire brand, opting instead to run on Google's Android operating system. This transition aligns with the company's recent shifts observed in its streaming hardware.
Central to this new lineup is Alexa+, a persistent widget anchored in the bottom right corner of the screen. Designed to be accessible at any moment, this advanced assistant can process both voice and text commands. Moreover, it possesses screen-awareness capabilities, allowing it to interpret visual content. For instance, the assistant can identify objects in a photo displayed on the tablet screen.
Another notable addition is the "Kindle Mode." When users open the Kindle application, the tablet automatically silences notifications and adjusts screen settings to mimic an e-reader experience, softening colors to reduce eye strain.
The New Hardware Lineup
The company has introduced five distinct models, including three primary tablets and two specialized versions for younger users. These devices feature updated aluminum construction, offering a more premium tactile experience than previous iterations.
Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro
As the flagship device, the 12-inch Pro model boasts a high-resolution display (2800x1840) with a 120Hz refresh rate. A standout feature is the optional nanomatte display, created through a specialized photolithography process that minimizes glare while maintaining color fidelity and contrast.
«The nanomatte display feels remarkably comfortable and smooth, whether navigating with a finger or using the optional stylus.»
Technically, the Pro model is powered by a 4nm 8-core chip and up to 16GB of RAM, supporting advanced productivity tasks and up to 16 hours of video playback.
Alexa Tablet 11 and 8
Focusing on media consumption, the 11-inch model utilizes a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 2.5K display optimized for video streaming. For those seeking portability, the 8-inch model offers a compact 8.7-inch screen, maintaining an 8-core processor and up to 14 hours of battery life.
Kids Tablets and Market Availability
Amazon is also refreshing its Kids Tablet series in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes. These come equipped with durable protective cases featuring popular character designs. While they include the Alexa+ button, the software maintains strict parental controls, including content filtering and time management features.
The new devices are set to launch on October 14, 2026, in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, followed by a European release on October 19. While the pricing is higher than the previous budget-focused Fire tablets, the premium materials and enhanced Android functionality represent a significant evolution in Amazon's tablet ecosystem.