Amazon’s latest tablets gain Google Play access for a wider app choice
Amazon’s latest Alexa tablets will include access to Google Play, giving users a much wider choice of apps than on earlier Fire tablets. The change also means users can receive app updates and bug fixes distributed through Google Play, bringing Amazon’s custom Android system closer to other Android devices.
Google Play will be available on the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Alexa Tablet 11 and Alexa Tablet 8, alongside preloaded Amazon apps and services. The tablets go on sale in the United States, Mexico and Canada on 14 October, followed by the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain on 19 October.
- New Alexa tablets will support Google Play.
- Three models are included.
- Launch dates span 14 and 19 October.
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Amazon manufactures its own tablets, called Fire tablets or Alexa tablets. These run a version of Android customised by Amazon, with Amazon's own apps and services pre-installed. Historically, apps have been available only through Amazon's app store, meaning users have had fewer apps to choose from compared to other Android tablets.
Google Play is Google's app store, containing millions of applications. The latest Amazon tablets will now include access to Google Play alongside Amazon's own app selection. This expands the range of apps available to users.
When apps receive updates through Google Play, users can get fixes and improvements directly from developers. Previously, Amazon tablet users were limited to apps available through Amazon's store. This change makes Amazon's tablets more similar to other Android devices, with access to a broader ecosystem of applications.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Amazon’s new Alexa tablets will have full access to Google Play”.