Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) review: A cheap tablet hampered by outdated software

The latest Amazon Fire HD 8, updated last month and starting at $100, is a modest refresh, offering more RAM, a nominally upgraded camera and some new AI features. The general sales pitch, however, remains the same: You get a just-competent tablet for the essentials at a dirt-cheap (and often-discounted) price, and in exchange, Amazon gets to plant another appliance for its own apps and services in your home. Nothing about this update drastically changes that agreement, but after using the tablet for the past month (and after using older Fire tablets for years prior), it may be time to demand more from Amazon’s end of the bargain. It’s definitely a cheap tablet Physically, the new Fire HD 8 is nearly identical to the last one. It is, without a doubt, A Budget Tablet — it’s nowhere near premium, but it doesn’t feel distractingly cheap either. At just under eight inches tall and 0.37 inches thick, it’s small enough for most kids to operate without much struggle and most adults to carry with one hand. If you care more about your tablet’s travel-friendliness than its virtues as a miniature TV, this size should be fine. The whole thing is lightweight at 0.74 pounds, so it’s not an anchor in your bag. Its textured plastic frame is somewhat slippery but altogether sturdy, with no creaking or flexing. Its gently rounded edges dig comfortably into your palms. There are fairly thick bezels around the display, but I’ve never minded those on a tablet — they give your thumbs a... Continue reading at 'Engadget'

[ Engadget | 2024-11-15 14:19:25 UTC ]

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Thomas & Mercer signs two more thrillers from McGowan

Amazon imprint Thomas & Mercer has signed a new two-book deal with Kindle thriller bestseller Claire McGowan. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2019-07-11 05:33:16 UTC ]
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How to get free books for your Amazon Kindle

When you own an Amazon Kindle, the cost of supporting a voracious reading habit can get very steep, very quickly. A quick glance at Amazon’s list of the Best Books of the Month shows that a decent read can set you back between $13 and $15 for a Kindle edition book. Sure, Amazon offers deals... Continue reading at PC World

[ PC World | 2019-07-03 08:26:00 UTC ]
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Amazon Prime opportunity for Kindle Storyteller Award finalists

Finalists from the Kindle Storyteller Awards will have the chance to see their work made into a production with Amazon Studios for Prime Video, Amazon has revealed.  Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2019-07-02 06:13:31 UTC ]
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Amazon unveils all-new Kindle Oasis with adjustable warm light

If you want an e-reader, you should buy a Kindle -- plain and simple. Are there other e-ink devices on the market? Yes, but none compare to Amazon's overall book shopping and reading experiences. While you can read on an Android tablet or iPad -- including Amazon's Kindle service -- you really... Continue reading at Betanews

[ Betanews | 2019-06-19 18:18:46 UTC ]
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The new Kindle Oasis adjusts its screen color to the time of day

Finding the perfect reading light can be a challenge, no matter the time of day. Amazon's latest Kindle Oasis comes with a new color adjustable front light that can switch from cool to warm hues as the day progresses. Adjustable lighting isn't a new... Continue reading at Engadget

[ Engadget | 2019-06-19 13:00:00 UTC ]
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Amazon Kindle now supports Traditional Chinese books 現在有傳統的中文書籍支持

Amazon's e-ink Kindle-reader devices, Fire tablets, and the associated ebook service are wildly popular. Competitor devices, such as the Nook from Barnes and Noble, simply don't compare. Is it worrying that Amazon essentially has a stranglehold on the digital book market? I suppose, but look, no... Continue reading at Betanews

[ Betanews | 2019-05-24 17:33:08 UTC ]
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Amazon to donate Kindles to developing countries

Amazon has established a programme to donate Kindle e-readers, ebooks and Fire tablets to readers in developing nations. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2016-08-26 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Amazon 'Kindle Reading Fund' makes books more available to those without access

The ability to read is something many of us take for granted. At a young age, you probably had tons of books in your homes and schools, enabling you to learn to both read and write. Believe it or not, not everyone has access to books. Isn't that sad? Luckily, Amazon is looking to change this.... Continue reading at Betanews

[ Betanews | 2016-08-24 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Boots and Amazon strike partnership

Amazon and Boots have struck up a partnership for the cosmetics chain to sell one of the e-commerce giant's e-reading devices and its Fire tablets. Customers are being offered a £5 Amazon gift card as an incentive to buy a Kindle Paperwhite device or Fire tablet from Boots, as part of an Amazon... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2015-08-05 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Black Friday Drives Sales of Kindles, Fire Tablets

Amazon kicked off this year’s cyber Monday by claiming that Black Friday sales of its Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets were up significantly over last year. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2014-12-01 00:00:00 UTC ]
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