Skip to content
Tech News
clear
Topics: Today This Week This Month This Year

Amazon introduces new Alexa features on Android tablets hinting at smartphone plans

Amazon has unveiled a new line of Android tablets equipped with advanced Alexa capabilities, including live conversations and visual recognition. These features, previously unavailable, aim to enhance user interaction with the assistant for tasks like shopping, information retrieval, and object identification. Amazon's VP of devices indicated these innovations address previous product limitations, but declined to comment on potential smartphone development.

Amazon launches new Alexa Tablets with full Android support and premium build

Amazon has introduced a new series of Alexa Tablets replacing its Fire lineup, featuring aluminum bodies and official Android 16 OS with access to Google Play. The lineup includes three models: 12 Pro, 11, and 8, priced from $230 to $500, with kids' editions available for the smaller devices. Shipping begins October 14, and Amazon commits to four years of software updates.

Amazon launches new Alexa tablets with Google Play Store access and AI features

Amazon introduced a new series of Alexa tablets, including the 12 Pro, 11, and 8 models, all running on Android and offering access to the Google Play Store. These devices feature aluminum unibody designs, high-resolution screens, and enhanced performance capabilities, with the 12 Pro model boasting a 12-inch display and advanced hardware. Amazon also announced accessories like a Pro Pen and Pro Keyboard to expand tablet functionality, with prices starting at $499.99.

Amazon to retire Fire Tablet brand, replace it with Alexa Tablets

Amazon consumer electronics chief Panos Panay told Bloomberg that the company is phasing out its Fire tablet line in favor of new Alexa Tablets running standard Android with full Google Play Store access, unlike Fire OS devices which lacked native Google apps. Amazon will continue providing security updates for existing Fire tablets but will not release new hardware for the line, and Panay indicated more hardware announcements are planned for the fall, excluding any Amazon-branded computer or laptop.

Amazon launches new Alexa Tablets with full Android support and premium hardware

Amazon announced a new lineup of tablets called Alexa Tablets, departing from its traditional Fire branding. These devices run full Android with Google Play access and feature a complete redesign focused on hardware quality, with three models announced for release on October 14th. The flagship Alexa Tablet 12 Pro aims to compete with iPad Mini and standard iPads, emphasizing both performance and versatility.

UCLA's Paul Eggert Maintains Critical Time Zone Database for Billions of Devices

Paul Eggert, a UCLA computer science lecturer, manages the time zone database that provides local time information for over 4 billion Android and iPhone devices worldwide. His latest update, version 2026e, includes changes such as Manitoba's move to permanent -05 timezone, which was prepared a month in advance by volunteers. The database's stewardship has faced legal challenges in the past but remains a vital component of global digital infrastructure.

Android Canary 2610 Introduces New Pixel Customization Features

Google released Android Canary 2610, an experimental build that showcases upcoming Pixel customization options and notification features. The update hints at potential new ways for users to personalize their devices and manage alerts. Notably, the HiLight feature is absent in this release, suggesting it may be delayed or removed from this version.

Xreal prices Aura AR/VR glasses at $1,279, ahead of Meta's rival device

Xreal revealed on Wednesday that its Project Aura display glasses, which pair with a processing puck running Android XR, will cost $1,279, though it has not set a release date. The device is expected within the next month or two and is currently limited to customers who placed a $100 preorder hold earlier this year, with broader availability coming soon. It undercuts the timing of Meta's upcoming $1,299 Meta VR Glasses, due next year.

Today's top topics: ai agents
Browse all topics →  ·  Today's trending topics →