Amazon's long-running Fire tablets, known for their budget-friendly prices, are being phased out in favour of the all-aluminum Amazon Alexa Tablet, which now runs official Android and offers access to the Google Play Store. The new lineup includes the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro ($500), Alexa Tablet 11 ($330), and Alexa Tablet 8 ($230), with children's versions of the latter two priced the same. These tablets come with bumper cases, a worry-free year of replacement, and a year of Amazon Kids+ service for content.

The premium Alexa Tablet 12 Pro stands out with two display options: a standard 12-inch LCD and a Nanomatte display, which promises a paper-like feel and a bright 500 nits. This display, co-developed with Corning, is designed for vivid colors and crisp blacks, with an added writing experience that mimics the Amazon Kindle Scribe. It also supports a new Alexa Tablet Pro Pen and a Pro Keyboard for the 12 Pro model.

The software retains a distinctly Amazon feel, with the Dynamic Tab widget and the For You experience replacing the Google Discover feed. Amazon's commitment to software updates suggests a future where these tablets can adapt to new Android features, including multiwindowing. For kids, the software is heavily customized with parental controls, but the higher price point might limit their appeal.

Despite the shift to Android, Alexa remains central, with a persistent chat box and the ability to control smart home devices. The Alexa+ feature, previously exclusive to paid subscribers, is now available on these new tablets, adding a layer of personalization and convenience. However, as Amazon transitions away from its custom OS, the future of these devices in the hands of children remains to be seen.