- Amazon has introduced a range of updated tablets, headlined by the Fire HD 10 and 10 Plus.
- All Fire HD 10 models are lighter and faster, while the Plus adds wireless charging and more.
- There are also Fire Kids tablets for the younger crowd.
Amazon just rolled out one of its larger tablet lineups in recent memory. The company has introduced new versions of its Fire HD 10 and Fire Kids tablets that not only address some pain points, but might reshape how you use these normally budget-oriented slates.
The tablet range is headlined by the $149.99 Fire HD 10 (shown below) and $179.99 Fire HD 10 Plus (above). Both 10-inch devices sport a thinner and lighter design with a brighter 1080p display. The standard version carries 3GB of RAM (50% more than the previous generation), but the Plus bumps that to 4GB of RAM, adds a “premium” soft-touch finish and offers wireless charging through Qi pads like an Amazon-approved Anker dock.
You can even turn the Fire HD 10 tablet into a makeshift laptop. Fire HD 10 Productivity Bundles starting at $219.99 include a Fintie detachable keyboard case as well as a year’s worth of Microsoft 365. Appropriately, Fire OS now has a split-screen feature to help you get work done while you chat with friends or catch up on a TV show.
Neither Fire tablet is particularly powerful with their 2GHz octa-core processors, up to 64GB of expandable storage and 2MP front camera, but Dolby Atmos audio and a claimed 12-hour battery life might sweeten the proposition.
The child-oriented Fire tablet line focuses more on software upgrades. The $99.99 Fire 7 Kids Pro, $139.99 Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (at bottom) and $199.99 Fire HD 10 Kids Pro combine a new slim case with more powerful tools that include an “open but filtered” web browser, an app store. and a “grown-up” interface that looks more like what you’d get on regular Amazon tablets. They’re meant for children aged six to 12 that are ready to venture beyond a tightly-controlled experience. You can also expect the usual two-year extended warranty and a year-long Kids+ subscription with apps, books, games, and videos.
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You’ll also find a $199.99 Fire HD 10 Kids tablet aimed at children aged seven and younger. It boasts a more “kid-proof” case with the extended warranty and a Kids+ subscription.
All of Amazon’s new Fire tablets are available to pre-order now, although they won’t ship until May 26. None of these refreshes will put these tablets on par with higher-end rivals, but the HD 10 Plus in particular might be appealing if you want a flexible machine that should last longer than usual.
