Amazon announces brand-new Fire 7 tablets
Amazon’s latest Fire 7 tablets are colourful, sturdy and cheap
Amazon is launching two new Fire tablets. Just like the previous iteration of Fire 7 tablet, there will be both a regular model and a Kids Edition, complete with sturdy case and stand. Both tablets will sport a new paint job, minor hardware updates and a very appealing price tag.
The Fire 7 (2019) offers a few small improvements over its predecessor. It has twice the storage – a choice of 16GB or 32GB – as well as a faster quad-core 1.3GHz processor. It’s a little lighter, and now has a 2-megapixel front-facing camera to match the rear. Oh, and it comes in three new colours: twilight blue, plum and sage.
Otherwise, the new Fire 7 features everything you’d expect from an Amazon tablet. Aside from the usual web-browsing, app-playing goodness, the Fire 7 also grants you access to a respectable library of films, TV series and ebooks (for purchase). It supports expandable storage up to 512GB so you can pack in as much of the good stuff as possible.
In addition, the Fire 7 supports Alexa, meaning you can use voice control to ask it to start a movie, find a recipe or check the weather. The tablet works in tandem with a host of additional Amazon Prime benefits, including unlimited photo storage courtesy of Prime Photos and your usual slew of Amazon Prime Video/Music content.
Launching alongside the Fire 7 is the Fire 7 Kids Edition, which gains a few parental controls as well as the aforementioned case and stand. It doesn’t come in a 32GB storage size, but it is otherwise the same tablet; you’ll be able to add two parent accounts and four child accounts that can be customised to your liking. The Kids Edition is packed with child-friendly apps and educational games, meaning you don’t have to worry about what your kiddies are viewing.
Amazon tablets aren’t known for their speed or power, nor are they regarded as the best-looking devices on the market – that 1.3GHz processor is good for basic app usage, and not much else. If you’re after a budget tablet for easy web browsing or video playback, however, the Fire 7 series is definitely a good choice.
Both tablets are available for preorder right now from Amazon and will ship from 7 June. The Fire 7 costs £50, and the Kids Edition, £100 – you’re paying extra for the heavy-duty case and stand, plus a two-year “worry free” guarantee.