Buy new Alexa tablets with standard Android and Google Play access instead of Fire OS devices

Amazon has launched a new lineup of Alexa tablets that run on standard Android operating systems rather than the company’s proprietary Fire OS. According to reports from TechCrunch, the new devices include the Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, the Amazon Alexa Tablet 11, and the Amazon Alexa Tablet 8. This shift allows users to install applications directly from the Google Play Store, marking a significant change in the software ecosystem available to consumers and businesses purchasing these devices.

In plain English

For years, Amazon tablets ran on Fire OS, a customized version of Android that restricted users to Amazon’s own app store. The new Alexa tablets remove this restriction by using standard Android. This means any app available on Google Play can be installed on the device. According to ZDNET, this move positions the tablets for both entertainment and work use, offering a broader range of software options than the previous Fire line provided.

The background

The previous Fire tablets were locked into Amazon’s walled garden, which limited software choices but kept the user experience tightly controlled by Amazon. By switching to standard Android, Amazon aligns its hardware more closely with the broader mobile industry. TechCrunch notes that the new lineup includes Alexa+ capabilities alongside the new operating system. This background is important for system administrators who previously managed Fire OS devices with specific configuration profiles, as the underlying OS changes significantly.

What changes now

Organizations that deploy Amazon tablets for field work, training, or customer service must now account for the presence of Google services. The availability of the Google Play Store introduces a different set of application security considerations compared to the curated Amazon Appstore. ZDNET reports that these changes help the new Alexa tablets eclipse the Fire line in terms of versatility. Administrators should review their mobile device management policies to ensure they can handle standard Android security protocols and app verification processes.

What to do and how to stay safe: Amazon

• Audit current mobile device management configurations to ensure they support standard Android security policies rather than Fire OS specific settings.
• Review application allowlists to determine which Google Play Store apps are necessary for business operations and which should be blocked.
• Update employee training materials to reflect the new operating system interface and the expanded range of available applications.
• Monitor device logs for any unusual behavior resulting from the integration of Google services into the corporate network environment.

General security guidance from the Vector Update newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Which specific Amazon tablets are running the new Android operating system?

The new lineup includes the Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, the Amazon Alexa Tablet 11, and the Amazon Alexa Tablet 8, according to TechCrunch.

Do these new tablets still support the Amazon Appstore?

The source material confirms access to the Google Play Store but does not explicitly state whether the Amazon Appstore remains available on these new devices.

What is the main software difference between these tablets and the old Fire tablets?

The new tablets run standard Android instead of Fire OS, allowing users to download apps from the Google Play Store, as reported by ZDNET.