Amazon has announced its new Alexa Tablet brand. In Japan, it plans to launch the child-focused Amazon Kids Tablet series first, highlighting support for Android OS and the Google Play Store.
Amazon simultaneously announced 8.7-inch, 11-inch and 12-inch models for general consumers in the US. In Japan, it will first launch tablets for children. Prices are ¥39,980 for the 8.7-inch standard-color model, ¥41,980 for the character-design model, ¥54,980 for the 11-inch standard-color model and ¥56,980 for the character-design model. Reservations for all models will be accepted from 8 October, with shipments scheduled to begin on 14 October.
The new series refreshes the previous Fire OS and supports Android OS and the Google Play Store. This will allow users to access Google Play apps in addition to Prime Video and Kindle. The general-consumer models announced in the US are reportedly likely to feature Alexa+, which uses generative AI.
In addition to supporting Android OS and the Google Play Store, the kids' tablets in Japan will allow users to access apps and games through the Google Play Store alongside the existing Amazon Kids+. Parental management features through the Parent Dashboard and Google Family Link will also continue to be provided.
The lineup will comprise 8 models in total, combining 2 sizes, 8.7-inch and 11-inch, with models for children aged 3 and over and 6 and over, respectively. Dedicated covers will be available with Paw Patrol designs for children aged 3 and over and Japan-exclusive Chiikawa designs for children aged 6 and over. The 11-inch models will also be the first to support vertical placement. In addition, Amazon Kids+ content will be expanded, with more than 200 video and book titles to be added, as well as Disney picture books.