Amazon fire tablet

Amazon Updates Fire HD Tablets for Families, Kids

By WiFi HiFi

Amazon has announced updated version of its Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablets, affording 30% faster performance with 2GB RAM, twice the storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD card, up to 12 hours of battery life, USB-C charging, and more.

The new family-friendly Fire HD 8 tablet comes with an 8″ 1,280 x 800 high definition display with over one million pixels.  As noted, the 2GHz quad-core processor is now 30% faster with 2GB of RAM that makes it easy to multitask. It comes in 32GB or 64GB versions, both with support for up to 1TB via an optional microSD card. Customers also get free unlimited cloud storage for any photos or other content taken with the Fire tablets.

The battery lasts longer now at up to 12 hours of mixed use, including browsing the web, watching videos, listening to music, and more. With USB-C charging, it can also be recharged un under five hours. 

The tablet also now features Game Mode, a distraction-free, optimized gaming experience that lets you focus on your game without interference from notifications. Other Amazon-specific features include access to For You, X-Ray, Family Library, and Blue Shade.

The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is available for pre-order starting at $110, and it will come in white, black, or blue once it begins shipping June 3. For a limited time, it is available in a two-pack bundle for $200. Accessory cases are available in Twilight Blue, Charcoal Black, Sandstone White, and Plum for $40 ea. 

Meanwhile, designed for kids is the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition ($180), which also has an 8″ display, 32GB storage expandable up to 1TB, up to 12 hours of mixed-use battery life, and USB-C charging. But it comes bundled with a kid-proof case that has a new adjustable stand in blue or pink along with a two-year worry-free guarantee and a year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited. 

With Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, kids can enjoy thousands of premium, age-appropriate books, apps, games, and videos, including new and popular titles such as PINKFONG Baby Shark, Just Add Magic, Creative Galaxy, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, and National Geographic Readers from brands like Smart Study, Amazon Studios, Amulet Books, HarperCollins, and National Geographic.  

At its core are parental controls, allowing parents to select what content they want their kids to be able to access, all managed from the device itself or the Parent Dashboard. There, they can also view daily activity reports and adjust their child’s FreeTime settings from any web browser. With FreeTime, parents can also manage settings like daily goals, age filters, and time limits for weekdays and weekends. 

The Kids Edition will also begin shipping June 3, and in addition to being sold individually, will also come in a limited time two-pack for the discounted price of $300. After one year, customers can continue their FreeTime Unlimited subscription starting at $4/mo. for Prime members and $6/mo. for others.