Amazon's New Kids Tablets Let Parents Control Access to the Google Play Store
Alongside its new Android-based Alexa Tablets, Amazon is launching kid-focused versions with protective cases and parental controls. Parents can limit content and remotely approve every Google Play download.
Amazon is adding child-oriented models to its new lineup of Alexa Tablets, which run Android with full access to the Google Play store. The kids' versions work in much the same way, but parents can decide which software and content their children may reach.
Two sizes and colorful cases
The Amazon Kids Tablets come in two sizes. Both have lightweight aluminum bodies and eight-core processors, and they appear to match the smaller Alexa Tablets apart from the added software. Each ships with a case featuring characters from Paw Patrol, Barbie or SpongeBob. A thicker, more protective style is meant for pre-kindergarten children, while a thinner one is aimed at kids aged six and older.
The 8.7-inch Kids Tablet starts at $229.99, with 64GB of storage and a battery rated for up to 14 hours of video playback. The larger 11-inch model starts at $329.99 and adds a better 2.5K display, 8GB of RAM for improved gaming and stylus support. Preorders are due to open soon, with US shipping beginning on October 14.
Content and parental controls
Every Kids Tablet includes a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus. It offers ad-free books, TV shows, games, apps and audiobooks from companies such as Disney, Nickelodeon and Lego. A new Kids Plus feature called Storybuilder uses AI to generate picture books and comics from descriptions of characters, worlds and plot twists that children provide.
Amazon's Parent Dashboard comes pre-installed. Through it, parents can set screen-time limits, monitor usage and define learning goals that put educational apps and games ahead of entertainment. All of its settings can also be reached remotely through iOS and Android apps, including approval of every download from the Google Play Store.
