Amazon unveils three new tablets with generative AI voice service Alexa Plus
In short
Amazon.com announced three new tablet models on the 8th that build in Alexa Plus (アレクサ・プラス), a voice service equipped with generative AI, and support Google Play, giving access to millions of apps including YouTube. Orders opened on the 8th in markets including the United States and Mexico, while the company has not said when the tablets will go on sale in Japan.
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Amazon.com announced three new tablet models on the 8th that build in Alexa Plus (アレクサ・プラス), a voice service equipped with generative artificial intelligence. Livedoor News and Tokyo Shimbun carried the report from New York, credited to Kyodo, and Sankei Shimbun and Nishi-Nippon Shimbun also reported the launch. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
The tablets support Google's app distribution service Google Play, making millions of apps, including YouTube, available on the devices. Amazon began taking orders on the 8th in markets including the United States and Mexico. It has not disclosed when the tablets will go on sale in Japan. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
The new models include a feature that lets users ask questions or make requests related to content shown on the screen, such as videos, with the AI reading the screen to answer or assist. When the Kindle e-book app is opened, notifications stop so as not to interrupt reading, according to the reports. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
According to Sankei Shimbun, the 12-inch "12 Pro", the highest-performance model among Amazon's tablets, starts at $499.99 (about 79,000 yen). The 11-inch model starts at $329.99, and the 8.7-inch model, described as suited to carrying around, starts at $229.99. [ 4 ]
Sankei Shimbun, citing Reuters, reported that Amazon had until now sold its devices at prices close to cost, but with the new models has switched to a strategy of offering a higher-priced range, to compete with Apple and others that are ahead of it. [ 4 ]
Why it matters
Sankei Shimbun, citing Reuters, reported that the new models mark a shift by Amazon from selling devices close to cost toward a higher-priced range aimed at competing with Apple and others. Japanese readers do not yet know when the tablets will reach the Japanese market.
Key facts
- Amazon.com announced three new tablet models on the 8th. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The tablets build in Alexa Plus (アレクサ・プラス), a voice service equipped with generative AI. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- The tablets support Google's app distribution service Google Play, making millions of apps including YouTube available. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- Orders opened on the 8th in the United States, Mexico and other markets; the release timing for Japan has not been disclosed. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- Users can ask questions or make requests about content on screen, such as videos, and the AI reads it to answer or assist. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- Notifications stop when the Kindle e-book app is opened, so as not to interrupt reading. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- The 12-inch "12 Pro" starts at $499.99 (about 79,000 yen), the 11-inch model at $329.99 and the 8.7-inch model at $229.99, Sankei Shimbun reported. [ 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- When the new tablets will go on sale in Japan. The documents say Amazon has not disclosed the release timing for Japan.
- Amazon's shift from selling devices near cost to a higher-priced range. Reported only by Sankei Shimbun, citing Reuters.
- Prices of the three models. Given only by Sankei Shimbun.
- The tablets build in the generative AI voice service Alexa Plus and support Google Play. Reported by a single source so far
- Orders opened on the 8th in markets including the United States and Mexico, and the Japan release timing has not been disclosed. Reported by a single source so far
- Notifications stop when the Kindle app is opened. Reported by a single source so far