Amazon's Fire HD 8 is getting an update today with some major new features.
The Fire HD 8 has gotten a design refresh that includes slimmer bezels and rounder corners. The 2MP selfie cam has moved from its previous spot above the display to one of the sides, suggesting that Amazon expects you to use this Fire HD 8 more in landscape than portrait.
An updated processor helps make the new Fire HD 8 up to 30% faster than its predecessor, and Amazon has added some more RAM to give this model 2GB. Storage options have doubled, too, giving you 32GB and 64GB of built-in storage. You can add a microSD card if you need more storage.
The other big upgrade here is the USB-C port. Amazon has ditched microUSB, giving you a USB-C charging port that's reversible and easier to insert.
Rounding out the Fire HD 8's spec list is a 2MP rear camera, 3.5mm headphone jack, a battery that's expected to last up to 12 hours on a single charge, and an 8-inch 1280x800 display.
Also launching today is the Fire HD 8 Plus. What gives this model its "Plus" designation is an additional gig of RAM for 3GB total and the addition of Qi wireless charging. Amazon includes a faster 9W wired charger in the box, too, up from the 5W charger that comes with the non-Plus model. Six months of free Kindle Unlimited are included as well.
Finally, the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition has gotten an update, too. This is the new Fire HD 8 tablet inside a kid-proof case, and you'll still get the worry-free guarantee that'll get you a free replacement if your kid breaks the tablet.
These new Fire HD 8 tablets look like solid updates to Amazon's affordable tablet lineup. Faster performance is always good to see, and the slimmer bezels give the front a better look. It's also great that Amazon has ditched microUSB for USB-C like we've seen with so many other Android-based devices.
The new Fire HD 8, Fire HD 8 Plus, and Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablets are now available for pre-order ahead of their June 3 launch. The Fire HD 8 starts at $89.99 while the Fire HD 8 Plus is $109.99. If you need a kids tablet, the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition starts at $139.99.
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