What you need to know
- Amazon has introduced an updated version of its Fire HD 8 tablet.
- The new model comes with a faster processor, double the storage, and a USB Type-C port.
- Along with the refreshed Fire HD 8, Amazon has also launched new Fire HD 8 Plus and Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablets.
Amazon has unveiled an overhauled version of its affordable Fire HD 8 tablet, alongside new Fire HD 8 Plus and Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablets.
Amazon's updated Fire HD 8 runs on a 2GHz quad-core MediaTek 8168 processor, which is claimed to be 30% faster than the MediaTek 8163 powering the tablet's predecessor. The faster chipset has been paired with 2GB of RAM and up to 64GB storage. Unfortunately, however, the rest of the specs remain the same, except for the addition of a USB-C port.
The new Fire HD 8 Plus, which has been priced at $110, comes equipped with 3GB of RAM and is also the first tablet from Amazon to support Qi wireless charging. It offers faster wired charging (9W) as well and comes with six months of Kindle Unlimited access.
The Fire HD 8 Kids Edition costs $140 and includes a "kid-proof" case, a year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited service, and a two-year guarantee. As far as the hardware is concerned, the Kids Edition is identical to the standard Fire HD 8. All the three Fire HD 8 tablets sport 8-inch 1280 x 800 displays and promise up to 12 hours of battery life.
The new Fire HD 8 tablets will be available for pre-order on Amazon starting today. Amazon says the tablets are expected to begin shipping on June 3.
Amazon Fire HD 8
The new Fire HD 8 tablet offers faster performance, easier charging, and twice the storage compared to the previous generation. It retains the 8-inch HD display and promises up to 12 hours of battery life. You also get a new Game Mode and Dolby Atmos.
