Amazon changes pace in the tablet sector and presents a new generation of devices that aims to change the experience quite clearly compared to previous Fire Tablets. The protagonist of the new range is Amazon Alexa Tablet Pro 12a 12-inch model that brings with it more refined hardware, complete Android with access to Google Play and strong integration with Alexa Plus. Together with them, the giant also launched the Amazon Kids+ Tablets that you find here.
We participated in an event with Amazon Alexa executives and the company’s strategy starts from a fairly simple consideration: the tablet is no longer used only for watching content, reading books or browsing the web. According to Amazon, users are starting to use it more and more often even for productive activities, thanks above all to cloud services and tools based on artificial intelligence.
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The goal is therefore to build a device capable of covering both needsfrom entertainment to work, without however presenting it as a real replacement for the notebook.
Alexa Tablet Pro 12, 12 inches and 3:2 aspect ratio
The most interesting model of the new range is Alexa Tablet Pro 12. The device uses a 12-inch resolution display 2800 x 1840 pixelsupdate rate of 120Hz and density of 280 PPI. The aspect ratio is 3:2, a choice designed primarily to improve the available surface area when working, reading or using multiple applications.
The dimensions are 270.8 x 183.9 x 6.5 millimeters, while the weight stops at 555 grams. The body is made of aluminum and therefore focuses on a setting closer to that of premium tablets.
One of the most interesting features is the availability of two different finishes for the display. In fact, next to the Glossy version we find the panel Nanomatte (only available for the Pro 12)developed to reduce reflections while maintaining good color rendering.
Amazon explained that it had worked together with Corning on a particular photolithographic etching process. The goal is to limit problems typically associated with matte displays, such as loss of contrast and the so-called sparkle or rainbow effect.
The Nanomatte surface should therefore make using the tablet more comfortable in the presence of light sources, a particularly interesting aspect for those who read or work for prolonged periods.
MediaTek and up to 16 GB of RAM
Under the body we find a platform MediaTek D8400accompanied by 8 or 16 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of internal memory.
The data sheet also reports an integrated GPU and a value of 26 TOPS for Edge AI processing. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and USB 3.0.
Amazon showed the tablet also struggling with the gamingusing Where Winds Meet as a demonstration of the platform’s capabilities. The company has indicated the objective of managing the game at a sustained 60 fps, therefore trying to bring the experience closer to what one would normally expect from a more performance-oriented device.
The tablet also integrates a 3000mAh battery 9,000 mAhwith a declared autonomy of up to 16 hours of video playback. Charging instead reaches 27 W.
Full Android and Google Play
Perhaps the most important news for those who have already used previous Amazon tablets concerns the software.
Amazon has decided to switch to Full Androidfinally allowing direct access to Google Play and to a much broader catalog of applications.
The change is presented by the company as one of three pillars of the new generation of tablets, along with premium hardware and Alexa Plus integration.
The presence of Android also allows you to take greater advantage of multitasking, with multiple windows and applications at the same time. Amazon thus wants to make the tablet more suitable for those who intend to use it for productive activities.
Alexa Plus becomes part of the interface
The second great element of the new experience is Alexa Plus. The assistant is no longer limited to answering voice questions, but can interact with what the user is doing on the screen. Alexa can appear in a window on the side or overlay of applications and, with the user’s consent, analyze the content displayed.
During the presentation, Amazon showed, for example, a search on Pinterest. Alexa was used to understand what was shown on the display and search for recipes consistent with the content.
A similar demonstration was created within the browser. The Assistant can summarize a page, locate specific information, and answer questions based on the content displayed.
The most interesting part, however, is the possibility of combining this information with the user’s context. For example, during the demo Alexa used location, personal preferences, and hotel information to suggest a park suitable for a morning jog.
The idea is therefore to transform Alexa into a contextual assistantcapable of understanding not only a question but also what the user is doing at that moment.
A tablet that tries to become a PC
Amazon has also dedicated space to productivity. The new tablet can be paired with a magnetic keyboard designed for extended typing.
There Amazon Alexa Tablet Pro Keyboard It has a key travel of 1.3 millimeters and allows you to transform the device into a solution closer to a small notebook.
The platform also supports multiple desktops, allowing you to separate different tasks and projects. Amazon Quick was also shown during the presentation, an AI assistant designed for the work environment and capable of connecting to resources such as email, Slack and cloud services.
To complete the offer there is the Alexa Tablet Pro Penwhich supports 4,096 pressure levels, tilt detection and wireless charging through magnetic attachment to the tablet.
Kindle is also integrated
The new tablet does not give up the vocation for reading typical of the Amazon ecosystem. The company has integrated a dedicated Kindle experiencedesigned to temporarily transform your tablet into a more reading-friendly device.
Kindle Mode can turn off notifications, turn on the blue light filter, and optimize power consumption. There are three display modes: Standard, Soft Color and Ink Paper.
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With the pen you can also highlight passages, add annotations and take notes directly on compatible content.
Availability and prices
The new Amazon Alexa Tablet range arrives on the Italian market with three models and different configurations. Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is available starting from 499.99 euroswhile the variant Nanomatte starts from 559.99 euros. Both are offered in the Graphite color with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Amazon Alexa Tablet 11 instead it has a starting price of 329.99 euros and is available in Graphite, Amethyst and Matcha Green colours. The basic configuration includes 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory.
The most compact model, Amazon Alexa Tablet 8starts from 229.99 euros and is available in the colors Graphite, Antique Pink and Turquoise, with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
There is no shortage of accessories dedicated to productivity. There keyboard for Alexa Tablet Pro coast 139.99 euroswhile the pen for Alexa Tablet Pro is proposed to 84.99 euros. Amazon also offers various protective cases for tablets.
For those who want to use the Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro as a work device, a productivity bundle which includes tablet, keyboard and pen, with a starting price of 649 euros.
