Amazon launches new Fire HD 8 tablet With hands-free Alexa Support

The new eighth-generation Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet with hands-free Alexa support is now available to pre-order in the US. The version with advertisements and 16GB of storage will $79.99; while $109.99 for the 32GB storage model. For both variants, without ads increases the prices by another $15. It will be available starting October 4th.

Amazon’s 8th Generation Fire HD 8 has almost similar specifications to the previous Fire HD 8 model, but this comes with Alexa hands-free that lets you ask Alexa to play a song, pause a movie, video call a friend or family member, and more—using only your voice, even when your screen is on standby. It has a (1280 x 800 pixels) HD display with a pixel density of 189ppi.

It has a new 2-megapixel front camera, up from VGA in the previous generation, and also runs new Fire OS 6, but it is still based on Android Nougat. It is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core processor. It is the same MediaTek MT8163 SoC of last year’s models and packs 1.5GB RAM. The stereo speakers are certified by Dolby ATMOS. Both front and rear cameras are 2 MP; the latter can record videos at a maximum resolution of 720p HD. A microSD slot is provided to expand the internal memory up to 400 GB.

The charging port is micro USB 2.0, and there is a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack. The dimensions are 215 x 128 x 9.7mm, while the weight is 363 grams. Amazon does not specify the battery capacity but says it guarantees up to 10 hours of battery life.

There is a “Kids Edition” will also be available, with an integrated shockproof case and software adapted to meet the needs of children.