Amazon Announces New Kids Tablets with Google Play Controls
Amazon has unveiled new kid-focused versions of its latest Android-powered tablets, offering parental management tools, protective cases, and curated content options.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Introduction to the New Amazon Kids Tablets
Amazon is expanding its hardware lineup by introducing kid-friendly versions of its newly announced devices. Alongside its standard line of [Alexa Tablets](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1007648/amazon-alexa-tablets-price-specs) that run Android with full access to the Google Play store, the company is rolling out specialized kid editions. These new devices retain similar core functionality while introducing robust capabilities for parents to limit the software and content accessible to younger users. Further details are available from The Verge in the original source material.
The hardware design mirrors the smaller versions of the standard slate series, featuring lightweight aluminum builds and 8-core processors, but comes bundled with additional software and protective physical accessories designed to withstand rough handling.
Hardware Sizes, Pricing, and Availability
The new devices are available in two distinct sizes. The smaller Amazon Kids Tablet 8.7-inch starts at $229.99, equipped with 64GB of storage and a battery capable of up to 14 hours of continuous video playback.
For users requiring a larger screen, the Amazon Kids Tablet 11-inch starts at $329.99. This larger variant upgrades to a sharper 2.5K display, includes 8GB of RAM to support improved gaming experiences, and adds dedicated stylus support.
Preorders for both sizes will open soon, with official shipping set to begin on October 14th in the United States.
Protective Cases and Design Options
To protect against drops and bumps, the tablets come packaged with two different styles of colorful cases. These protective accessories feature popular characters from recognizable franchises including Paw Patrol, Barbie, and SpongeBob.
The cases are tailored to different age groups. A thicker, highly protective option is designed specifically for pre-kindergarten children, while a thinner case variant is offered for kids aged six and up.
Parental Controls and Google Play Management
A primary focus of the new release is giving parents granular control over what their children encounter online and within applications. While the underlying hardware runs Android and connects to the Google Play store, parents retain the ultimate authority to limit software access.
Amazon’s Parent Dashboard comes pre-installed on the tablets, allowing guardians to set screen-time limits, monitor daily usage, and establish learning goals. These educational objectives can prioritize learning apps and games over entertainment software.
Furthermore, all configuration settings within the Parent Dashboard can be accessed remotely through companion apps on iOS and Android. This remote capability includes the ability to review and approve every individual software download requested from the Google Play Store.
Amazon Kids Plus and the New Storybuilder Feature
Every purchase of the new kid-focused hardware includes a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus. This service supplies a curated collection of ad-free content, spanning books, TV shows, games, apps, and audiobooks sourced from major entertainment companies such as Disney, Nickelodeon, and Lego.
In addition to existing content libraries, Amazon is introducing an innovative software feature to Kids Plus called Storybuilder. This tool leverages artificial intelligence to generate custom picture books and comics based on text descriptions provided by children detailing characters, unique worlds, and creative plot twists.
Sources
- The VergeAmazon’s new Kids Tablets let parents manage access to the Google Play store
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