Amazon's Fire tablets offer a convenient and affordable way to access Amazon's Prime services, with an interface specifically designed to deliver Amazon content. The tablets are made of cheap plastic but are still well-built, especially the Kids Editions. They are also expandable with microSD slots and can even access the Google Play Store. However, the tablets are less compelling for non-Amazon content consumers, as the selection is limited compared to iPad or standard Android tablets. The tech inside the tablets is outdated, resulting in some lag and lack of power. The operating system is also not regularly updated, and the warranties are relatively short. Additionally, Amazon's Special Offers ads can be bothersome, but they can be removed for an extra cost. Overall, the Fire tablets provide great value for their price, especially for Amazon Prime subscribers.
The 65-inch Amazon Fire TV offers a fantastic viewing experience with smart features, support for HDR and Dolby audio, and access to popular streaming services, all at a discounted price of $560.
Amazon is expected to announce updates to its lineup of devices, including new Fire TV sticks, Echo speakers and displays, Ring cameras, Blink devices, and a eero WiFi, at its annual devices event, which will mark the retirement of Amazon's senior vice president of devices and services, David Limp. Microsoft Chief Product Officer Panos Panay is rumored to be Amazon's new devices head, and the event will not be available for public livestream.
Amazon is preparing for its annual fall product announcements, with rumors suggesting big AI-driven changes for Alexa and a shake-up in its devices and services division, including the departure of hardware boss Dave Limp and the potential replacement by Microsoft's Panos Panay. Last year, Amazon introduced various new products, and while this year's event may be more muted, surprises are still expected. Additionally, Amazon is focusing on the smart home integration of its Fire TVs and Alexa, and it plans to cut down on the number of in-house brands it offers on its marketplace.
Amazon has announced updates to its Fire TV lineup, including new devices and generative AI updates for Fire TV voice search, allowing users to ask more nuanced and open-ended questions about TV shows and movies. The devices also feature a "Continue Watching" row with titles from non-Amazon properties and will roll out in the U.S. later this year. Additionally, Amazon introduced a new Fire TV soundbar and a bundle that includes a subscription to MGM+.
Amazon hosted an event to introduce new devices and services, including an updated version of Alexa with optimized language models for voice interactions, new Echo and Ring products, next-generation Echo Frames, new Fire Tablets and Fire TV devices, and the eero Max 7 mesh system.
Roku has introduced the Roku Express 4K with Voice Remote Pro, a streaming bundle that offers 4K resolution and voice control, in direct competition with Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K.
Amazon, Best Buy, and Target are launching major holiday sales, and there are already great deals available on 4K TVs, Apple devices, and top-rated headphones, though it is recommended to avoid buying Alexa devices for now as better deals are expected during the Prime Big Deal Days event.
YouTube TV can now be watched on Amazon Fire Tablets using the built-in Silk Browser, allowing users to access the service through the official YouTube TV website.
The Insignia F30 55-inch 4K TV is a budget-friendly option with great features including HDR10, support for HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC, and compatibility with Amazon FireTV and Alexa voice controls. It is currently available for $250 at Walmart, a significant discount from its usual price of $400.
Amazon's October Prime Day brings discounts on Fire TV devices, including the Fire TV Stick Lite for $18, the Fire TV Stick 4K for $23, and the Fire TV Cube for $110.