Karmactive Staff
Does Amazon’s new Alexa tablet run normal Android apps, and what can Alexa see? It runs Android with the full Google Play Store. Alexa can see your screen only if you switch on a feature called On-Screen Intelligence. Here is what the three new tablets cost, when they ship and how the privacy controls work.
Amazon announced three Alexa Tablets on 8 October 2026: the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro with a 12-inch display, the Alexa Tablet 11 with an 11-inch display and the Alexa Tablet 8 with an 8.7-inch display. US starting prices are $499.99 for the 12 Pro ($549.99 for the Nanomatte anti-glare version), $329.99 for the Tablet 11 and $229.99 for the Tablet 8. All three ship on 14 October in the US, Mexico and Canada, and on 19 October in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Wired reports that they replace Amazon’s Fire tablets.
The new tablets run Android and give access to the full Google Play Store, including YouTube, Netflix, Gmail and Google Docs, alongside Prime Video, Kindle, Audible and Amazon Music. Alexa+ is built in. Its On-Screen Intelligence feature, which lets Alexa read what is on your screen, is off by default and needs a deliberate opt-in, Amazon says. A visual indicator shows whenever Alexa can see the screen.
Google Play and Fire tablets
Do the new Amazon Alexa tablets have the Google Play Store? Yes. Amazon says the Alexa Tablet 8, 11 and 12 Pro run Android with access to the full Google Play Store, which it describes as millions of apps. Wired reports that the Alexa Tablets replace the Fire tablet line, which sold at prices from $60 to $280.
Privacy and cost
On-Screen Intelligence works on what is displayed on the tablet. Amazon’s example is asking Alexa to read a page of hiking trails and pick the best one. If you have enabled it, you can also share your screen during a live session so Alexa follows along. Amazon says you choose when Alexa listens, when it sees your screen and what it remembers, and that you can disable any feature at any time.
Alexa+ access has so far been limited to paid subscribers or Amazon Prime customers. Wired reports that Amazon’s Kevin Keith says you do not need to subscribe to anything to use Alexa+ on these devices. Amazon’s launch post lists the US, Mexico, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, and gives no Australian date or UK prices.
Accessories for the 12 Pro include the Pro Keyboard at $149.99 and the Pro Pen at $89.99. Amazon says the Kindle app puts the tablet into a reading mode with up to 20 hours of battery life. Amazon Kids Tablets in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes are also launching, bundled with a case and a year of Amazon Kids+.
The tablets ship on 14 October in North America and on 19 October in the UK and four European countries. Check back for updates.
