Two kid-focused tablets run full Android, give parents control over Google Play, and add a storytelling AI feature.
Amazon introduced two Android tablets designed for kids, with built‑in controls to manage Google Play downloads. The 8.7-inch model starts at $229.99 and the 11-inch at $329.99. Each includes a year of Amazon Kids Plus and a Parent Dashboard to approve every Google Play download. A new Storybuilder AI turns kids’ descriptions into illustrated books. Preorders are live now, with shipping starting Oct 14 in the US, Canada, Mexico and Japan; the UK and Europe follow on Oct 19.
What this means for families: you get a capable kid tablet that stays within safe boundaries. What happens next: expect regional pricing and language tweaks; set up the Parent Dashboard before handing the tab to a child.
Update · Oct 8, 1:10 PM ET
New details show Amazon’s Alexa Tablet lineup now includes a higher-end 12 Pro with a Dimensity 8400 chipset, glare-reducing Nanomatte display option, and a trio of tablets that all run Android with Google Play access. The 12 Pro stands out for longer battery life, advertised up to 16 hours of video playback, and a reading feature that can push battery life to about 20 hours. The Nanomatte version adds memory options and costs more. Base 12 Pro pricing is $500 with 8GB RAM/128GB storage; Nanomatte starts at $550 and also ships with 8/128GB, while a 16/256GB option is listed at $680.
Other new accessories and specs include an optional Amazon Alexa Tablet Pro Keyboard for $150 and a USI 2.0 Stylus (Pro Pen) for $80, with the pen magnetically attaching and charging wirelessly. USB-C supports up to 5Gbps data speeds and DisplayPort video out. These details build on the prior news that the Alexa Tablet trio will have Google Play access and optional advanced features like a keyboard and stylus for productivity and learning.
Update · Oct 8, 12:16 PM ET
New details show Amazon’s three new Alexa Tablets now include a feature called On-Screen Intelligence, letting Alexa see what’s on your screen and help you in real time. It’s off by default and you opt in, with controls to mute or turn it off. The devices go on sale today and ship on October 14 in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Canadian pricing for the new Alexa Tablet lineup is starting at CAD 299.99, with higher-end models like the 12 Pro priced at CAD 749.99 or CAD 799.99 for the Nanomatte version. The reports also confirm three new Alexa Tablets overall, all with Google Play access and the option to use On-Screen Intelligence, which marks a notable shift from Amazon’s Fire tablet approach.
Parents who want a sturdier, more capable kids tablet without surrendering control over what their children download finally have options. Amazon has announced two Kids Tablets that run full Android and include built‑in tools to manage Google Play access. The smaller model features an 8.7-inch display, while the larger one is 11 inches. Each comes with a kid‑proof case and a one‑year Amazon Kids+ subscription, but the standout feature is the parent portal that lets you decide exactly which apps appear in Google Play.
Starting in the United States, the 8.7‑inch Kids Tablet is priced at $229.99 for 64GB of storage, and the 11‑inch version costs $329.99 with the same storage amount but a sharper 2.5K display and 8GB of RAM. Both bundles include a protective case and a remote Parent Dashboard that requires parental approval for any Google Play download. You can manage this from the device or through the Parent Dashboard app on iOS or Android, and you can set up profiles for up to four children and pause a device remotely if needed.
Alongside device controls, buyers get a year of Amazon Kids Plus, which covers a library of ad‑free shows, books, games and more from brands across entertainment and learning. The content adapts as a child’s interests shift, whether that means a favorite show today or a new book series next month.
Both tablets run Android and open the door to the Google Play Store, which is where most apps live. The catch is every download must be approved by a parent using the pre‑installed Parent Dashboard. That means kids can try a wide range of apps, but parents stay in control of what actually goes onto the device, helping keep it safe while still offering real Android access.
Another new feature tied to Kids Plus is Storybuilder. It uses AI to transform a child’s spoken or typed plot ideas into illustrated picture books or comics they can share later. It’s meant to spur creativity while staying within kid‑friendly boundaries.
If you want a tablet big enough for drawing and reading but with clear safeguards for younger users, these devices aim to fit that need. The two sizes let you choose based on a child’s age and daily uses, from homework to light gaming. The bundle’s included year of Kids Plus and direct Google Play access via a parent portal means you won’t have to juggle extra apps or subscriptions to manage what your child can download.
Preorders are open now, with shipping slated to begin October 14 in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Japan. Availability in the UK and Europe follows on October 19. If you’re in another country, pricing and case options may vary, and language settings will reflect local needs.
Two Android tablets that give parents control over Google Play and include a Storybuilder AI to generate illustrated books from kids’ ideas.
The 8.7‑inch model starts at $229.99, and the 11‑inch model starts at $329.99 in the US.
Preorders are open now in the US, Canada, Mexico and Japan, with UK and Europe shipping beginning Oct 19.
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