New Fire HD tablets bring larger screens, improved software
Alongside its new 7-inch Fire tablet and the new Fire TV lineup, Amazon today announced two new Fire HD slates with larger 8-inch and 10.1-inch displays. The new devices also boast new Fire OS software; thinner, more colorful form factors, and updated internals.
Fire HD is at least $100 more expensive than the 7-inch Fire tablet, but it’s well worth that extra cash. Not only is it prettier, but its brightly-colored plastic shell also houses better specifications, and promises to be twice as durable as the iPad Air 2.
Fire HD 8 boasts a widescreen display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, while the Fire HD 10 matches the iPad’s 4:3 aspect ratio. Both devices have 1280×800 resolutions and are powered by a powerful quad-core MediaTek processor clocked at 1.5GHz, up to 16GB of storage, and a microSD card slot.
Amazon has also packed in Dolby Audio technology with stereo speakers, and Amazon’s new Fire OS 5 software, which claims to be “the best entertainment experience on a tablet with quick access to the things you do most,” including dedicated pages for apps, games, videos, music, and more.
Other features include front- and rear-facing cameras, and 8-hour battery life. Amazon is also offering a keyboard case for Fire HD 10, which adds a full QWERTY keyboard and trackpad for $99.99.
Fire HD 8 comes in black, magenta, blue, and tangerine, and is priced at $149.99. Fire HD 10 comes in black and white, and is priced at $229.99. Both devices start shipping on September 30, and can be pre-ordered now from Amazon.com.
- SourceAmazon