Amazon has just introduced the new
Fire HD 8 tablet, and like many other gadgets in 2024, it brings with it a suite of generative AI-powered tools. These innovative features aim to enhance the user experience and will soon be available on other Fire tablet models, including the Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11.
The new AI tools that Amazon is rolling out on its Fire tablets are familiar yet enhanced functionalities. One of the standout features is
Writing Assist, a tool that helps users refine and polish their writing. Built directly into the device’s keyboard, it promises to make composing messages, emails, and even documents easier. Another useful tool is
Webpage Summaries, which will generate concise summaries of web pages when browsing through Amazon’s Silk browser, a feature particularly useful for those who want quick takeaways from content-heavy websites. Additionally, Amazon has included a
Wallpaper Creator, allowing users to generate custom wallpapers based on prompts, adding a personal touch to their devices.
According to Amazon spokesperson
Jackie Burke, Writing Assist and the Wallpaper Creator will be available on the
Fire Max 11 (2023), Fire HD 10 (2023), and Fire HD 8 (2022 and 2024). The Webpage Summaries feature will be compatible with the
Fire Max 11 (2023), Fire HD 10 (2019, 2021, and 2023), and Fire HD 8 (2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024). Amazon has confirmed that these new AI-driven tools will begin rolling out to all compatible devices later this month, giving users across the board access to these capabilities without the need to upgrade to the latest hardware.
Rumors of an Upgraded Alexa
There is also speculation that Amazon may be working on an upgraded version of
Alexa, its popular voice assistant, though details are sparse. Some sources hint that this new Alexa version might come with additional features but could require a paid subscription. However, this was not part of the official announcement, and Amazon has yet to confirm the rumors.
What’s New with the Fire HD 8?
In addition to the AI features, the new
Fire HD 8 offers several hardware improvements over previous models. These upgrades seem to have trickled down from the 2022 Fire HD 8 Plus model. The new tablet boasts
3GB of RAM (up from 2GB), which should help boost performance and support the new AI tools. The camera has also received an upgrade, with the back camera now at
5MP (up from 2MP), allowing for better quality photos and videos.
The new Fire HD 8 also promises up to
13 hours of battery life, making it ideal for all-day use. Storage options remain consistent with
32GB or 64GB, but users can expand the storage with a
microSD card for additional capacity. These hardware tweaks make the tablet a more capable device for productivity, media consumption, and creativity.
Pricing and Availability
The Fire HD 8 is already available for purchase in three colors:
black, emerald, and hibiscus. While the starting price is listed at
$99.99, the tablet is already on sale in anticipation of Amazon’s
Prime Big Deal Days, with the base model now available for
$54.99 — nearly half off. This pricing makes the new Fire HD 8 an affordable choice for users looking to upgrade their tablet experience without breaking the bank.
In addition to the Fire tablet upgrades, Amazon is rumored to be preparing the launch of new
Kindle e-readers. A Spanish retailer recently leaked a listing for an updated entry-level Kindle featuring a brighter screen, suggesting that Amazon may have more device announcements on the horizon.
For now, though, Amazon’s focus is clearly on integrating cutting-edge AI tools into its tablet lineup, giving users more features without necessarily needing to buy the latest models. Whether it’s using Writing Assist for seamless communication or creating personalized wallpapers, Amazon continues to enhance its tablet ecosystem with tools that cater to everyday needs.
