Amazon has quietly launched a new iteration of its popular Fire HD 8 tablet, incorporating artificial intelligence features and improved hardware specifications. This move comes just ahead of the company's Prime Big Deal Days, set to begin next week.
The latest Fire HD 8 boasts several notable upgrades:
- Increased RAM : Now featuring 3GB of RAM, up from 2GB in the previous model, promising smoother performance for streaming, gaming, and multitasking.
- Improved camera : The rear-facing camera has been upgraded to 5MP from 2MP, enhancing photo and video capabilities.
- AI integration : New generative AI tools include Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator.
- Battery life : Amazon claims up to 13 hours of use on a single charge.
- Storage options : Available in 32GB and 64GB variants, expandable via microSD card up to 1TB.
The AI features are particularly intriguing. Writing Assist functions as an AI chatbot accessible from the tablet's keyboard, offering grammar suggestions and custom writing styles across various apps. Webpage Summaries in the Silk browser provide concise overviews of articles and websites. Wallpaper Creator allows users to generate custom background images using text prompts.
Interestingly, these AI capabilities won't be limited to the new Fire HD 8. Amazon has announced that compatible Fire tablets, including the Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11, will receive these features later this month.
The new Fire HD 8 is available in Black, Hibiscus, and Emerald color options. While the official starting price is $99.99, Amazon is currently offering a significant discount. As part of an early Prime Big Deal Days promotion, the base model can be purchased for just $54.99 – nearly half off the regular price.
For families, Amazon has also introduced updated Kids and Kids Pro versions of the Fire HD 8. These child-friendly variants come with durable cases, an Amazon Kids+ subscription, and a two-year worry-free guarantee. They're currently available at a discounted price of $70 through the upcoming Prime event.
As AI continues to permeate consumer electronics, Amazon's integration of these features into its tablet line demonstrates the company's commitment to staying competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. However, it remains to be seen how these AI tools will perform in real-world usage and how they compare to similar offerings from competitors.
With the holiday shopping season approaching, the timing of this release and the attractive promotional pricing could help Amazon capture a larger share of the tablet market, especially among budget-conscious consumers looking for feature-rich devices at affordable price points.
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| A user exploring the features of the new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet |