Amazon updated its Fire HD 10 tablet, the company’s largest model, giving the new version hands-free Alexa capabilities.
It’s been one year since that the company first announced it would give its Fire tablets Alexa voice-control capabilities, but users were previously required to push a button on the device to activate the features. With the Fire HD 10, consumers can now request information, play content, and control third-party smart-home devices using just their voices.
Amazon’s other Fire tablets will still require push-button activation.
Other features for the new Fire HD 10 include a 10-inch 1080p FullHD display with 224 ppi, 1.8GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, dual Dolby Atmos speakers, built-in mic, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and a 10-hour battery life. Internal storage options include 32GB and 64GB, expandable up to 256GB via the MicroSD slot.
As with the other Fire tablets, the Fire HD 10 has a front-facing VGA camera and a 2-megapixel rear-facing camera with 720p video recording.
The 32GB will be priced at $149 with special offers displayed on the lock screen and $164 without; the 64GB will be $189 and $204, respectively.
Three colors are available: red, black or blue. Shipping starts Oct. 11.
Amazon also updated its user interface with a new home screen known as For You. Available on both the new Fire tablet and on existing models, For You organizes recently accessed apps and content, and makes recommendations based on use.
The retailer began selling a 10-inch Fire version in 2015.
