SAN JOSE: Fire OS is a thing of the past, at least on Amazon’s new tablet computers, they are now built around Google’s operating system.
The new models are called Alexa Tablets because Amazon’s assistant software is deeply integrated into them.
Apps can now be downloaded directly from Google’s Play Store. Existing Fire tablets are to continue to receive support for now. Fire OS is Amazon’s own version of Android, which does not use Google services.
The new flagship model is the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro. Its display measures 12in diagonally and has a 3:2 aspect ratio. The screen is also available with a matte finish designed to prevent reflections. To develop it, Amazon worked with glass specialist Corning on a photolithography process that applies a texture directly to the display glass.
Alexa+, the subscription version of Amazon’s assistant software, can capture and analyse screen content and act on users’ behalf. The idea is that users can ask Alexa, for example, to find and order from Amazon a product they see in a video on an online platform.
Alexa can be activated either by voice command or through an input field in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. After signing in, each Alexa Tablet connects to all Amazon services.
As with other tablets, accessories include a keyboard that attaches magnetically and a stylus. Amazon particularly emphasises that the screen’s matte surface is designed to make writing feel more like writing on paper. When reading, the tablet partly mimics an Amazon Kindle e-reader: it switches off notifications and reduces the blue light from the display.
Why is there no Fire OS now? Android has improved in ways that have made it possible to switch from Amazon’s in-house version of the operating system, said Kevin Keith, the Amazon manager responsible for the project.
The improvements include the ability to run apps in movable windows and more efficient memory management. According to Amazon, this has made it possible to equip the entry-level version with a relatively modest 8GB of RAM.
Prices for memory chips have recently soared because of high demand from the expansion of AI data centres. Keith said Amazon would accept a lower margin for now to offset the impact of the price rises as much as was economically feasible.
Amazon will sell the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro from €499.99 or US$499.99 (RM2,044) with a standard display and from €559.99 or US$549.99 (RM2,249) with the matte screen. Versions with 16GB of RAM are also available.
There are also cheaper Alexa Tablets with 11in displays and 8in displays. The children’s range will now be called Amazon Kids Tablet. The tablets are available bundled with protective cases, with screen sizes of 8.7in and 11in. – dpa