The Pulse
Amazon Launches Alexa Tablets With Google Play and Alexa+
Amazon introduced three Android tablets with Alexa+ built in and access to the Google Play Store, starting at $229.99. The lineup includes 8.7-, 11- and 12-inch models, with shipments beginning October 14 in the United States, Mexico and Ca
AI.info Team · Written with AI ·
Amazon’s new tablet lineup pairs Alexa+ with Android and full Google Play Store access. The company introduced three models—the Amazon Alexa Tablet 8, Amazon Alexa Tablet 11 and Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro—with prices starting at $229.99. Amazon says the tablets will also include its own apps, such as Prime Video, Kindle, Audible, Amazon Music, Amazon Quick and Amazon Luna.
Three sizes, with Google Play access
All three models have aluminum bodies and run Android. Through the Google Play Store, customers can access apps including YouTube, Netflix, Gmail and Google Docs. Amazon’s announcement describes the lineup as a new family of tablets, rather than presenting the devices as a change to the Fire brand.
The 8.7-inch Alexa Tablet 8 weighs 329 grams and is designed to be held in one hand. It starts at $229.99 with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Amazon says it has an eight-core processor, Wi-Fi 6 and up to 14 hours of video playback. It comes in Graphite, Rosette and Teal.
The 11-inch model starts at $329.99 and includes 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Its 2.5K display has a 90Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 aspect ratio. Amazon lists up to 15 hours of video playback and dual Dolby Atmos speakers. The tablet is available in Graphite, Amethyst and Matcha.
The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro starts at $499.99, with a Nanomatte anti-glare display option starting at $549.99. The standard configuration has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage; Amazon says the model is available with up to 16GB of RAM. Its 12-inch display has a 120Hz refresh rate and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The tablet uses an eight-core chip and has quad Dolby Atmos speakers, Wi-Fi 6E and up to 16 hours of video playback. The Pro Pen costs $89.99, while the Pro Keyboard costs $149.99.
The Pro Pen supports pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, and attaches magnetically to the tablet. The keyboard also attaches magnetically and provides a trackpad, with no Bluetooth pairing required, according to Amazon.
Alexa+ can respond to what is on screen
Amazon built Alexa+ into the new tablets. Users can summon the assistant by voice or tap an on-screen button. With On-Screen Intelligence, they can ask Alexa for help based on visible information—for example, comparing hiking trails on a webpage. Amazon also describes live sessions, which allow a continuous conversation without repeating the wake word between questions. Users can choose to share their screen during a live session so Alexa can follow along as its contents change.
Amazon vice president of Devices Kevin Keith writes:
Every On-Screen Intelligence feature is off by default and requires a deliberate opt-in.
Amazon says users can enable or disable On-Screen Intelligence in Settings. A visual indicator appears when Alexa can see the screen, and the company says users can turn off the feature at any time.
Reading and home-screen features
Amazon says the Kindle app can turn the tablets into a distraction-free reading mode: notifications go silent, blue light is reduced and battery life can reach up to 20 hours. Readers can choose among three display themes. On the 12 Pro, they can also use the Pro Pen to mark up pages and write notes; Amazon says annotations sync with Kindle apps on pen-supported devices and Kindle Scribe.
A personalized For You feed brings together recently watched, read, listened-to and played content. The home screen’s Dynamic Tab can surface items a user is in the middle of, recommendations and suggestions, according to Amazon.
Orders and shipping dates
Amazon says the Alexa Tablets are available to purchase in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with shipments scheduled to begin October 14, 2026. Shipping in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain is scheduled to start October 19. Customers can buy the tablets from Amazon, and select retailers including Best Buy and Target will also carry them.
The announcement also introduces Amazon Kids Tablets in 8.7- and 11-inch sizes. The bundles include a device, a kid-proof case and a year of Amazon Kids+. Amazon says the Kids+ service is adding Storybuilder, a tool for creating illustrated stories by voice, and a redesigned Parent Dashboard with weekly insights into children’s activity.