In addition to the speed increase, the new Fire HD 8 has an unannounced six-core rather than quad-core processor this time, and the new tablet’s specs are very similar to the 2020 model. (Interestingly, Amazon also says its 2020 model is 30 percent faster than its predecessor.) Memory remains at 2GB, storage options include 32 and 64GB with the option to expand up to 1TB with a microSD card, and the tablet continues to charge via USB-C (battery life is rated at 13 hours instead of 12 hours).

Upgrading to the $119.99 Fire HD 8 Plus model gets an additional 1GB of RAM for a total of 3GB, as well as an “improved” 5MP rear-facing camera. It also offers better charging options, with support for wireless charging, or fast charging via the included 9W wired charger (the standard Fire HD 8 comes with a 5W charger). Storage capacity is the same, with a choice of 32GB or 64GB of internal storage.

Finally, there are the kids’ versions, the Fire HD 8 Kids and Fire HD 8 Kids Pro. Both start at $149.99, but are aimed at different age groups; the regular Kids version is for kids ages 3-7, and the Kids Pro is for ages 6-12. Both include a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus, which offers ad-free games, videos, books and educational content, as well as an included kid-friendly case and a two-year warranty. The difference is that the Kids Pro tablet has access to a digital store where e-books and apps can be purchased (although Amazon’s press release says the tablet’s parental controls mean kids will need to ask permission to purchase).

In addition to the standard kids’ model, Amazon also has a Disney Design bundle with a Mickey Mouse and Disney Princess series-themed case for $159.99. Non-kid models of the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus are available in protective cases for $29.99.

The post Amazon released the Fire HD 8 series tablets price increase of $10 across the board appeared first on TechGoing.

Tap to Alexa is an accessibility feature that lets you interact with the voice assistant using touch rather than voice. Previously only available on Echo Show devices (speakers with touch screens), it is now available on Amazon’s 8th generation or newer Fire tablets in the US, UK, Germany and Japan.

When Tap to Alexa is enabled, a small “tap” icon will appear on the screen, which when tapped will open a dashboard of frequently used commands. These commands include stop, timer, alarm, weather, traffic, and jokes. Text-to-speech on the Fire tablet will allow users to enter phrases and have the Fire tablet speak them aloud. Users can also add any specific request to their tiles. For example, play a favorite TV show, call a friend, or run an Alexa program such as the Goodnight app that locks the smart lock and turns off the smart light.

There is also a new feature that is compatible with Bluetooth switch access controllers, such as a button, eye blink sensor or sip straw. Combined with Tap to Alexa, the switch access controller makes it possible for those with severe mobility impairments to make Alexa requests directly on the Fire tablet. For users with speech impairments, the text-to-speech feature on the Fire tablet is designed to allow users to enter phrases and speak them aloud through the tablet. Shortcuts can also be saved for common phrases, such as “I’m hungry.

Amazon said it worked with the United Spinal Institute’s Technology Access Initiative to get feedback on these new features and to see how it could help users with speech and mobility impairments become more independent.

The post Users can now also touch-control Alexa on Fire tablets appeared first on TechGoing.