Amazon Launches Kids Tablets With AI Storybuilder and Google Play Access
Amazon has introduced a new family of Amazon Kids Tablets in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes, adding an AI-powered creative tool called Storybuilder and parent-managed access to Google Play. The tablets run on Android, and Amazon says they come with a kid-proof case and a year of its Kids+ subscription.
- Amazon launched Kids Tablets in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes for ages 3+ and 6+, running on Android.
- Each includes a kid-proof case, a 1-year Kids+ subscription and a 1-year limited warranty.
- Kids+ adds Storybuilder, an AI tool that turns kids' spoken ideas into picture books and comic books.
- Parents manage Google Play access and approve every download through Parent Dashboard.
- Kids Tablet 8 starts at $229.99 and Kids Tablet 11 at $329.99, shipping from October 14 in the U.S.
Two sizes, two age groups
The new Amazon Kids Tablets are sold as ready-to-go bundles for children aged 3+ and 6+. Each bundle includes the hardware, a kid-proof case and a 1-year subscription to Kids+, along with a 1-year limited warranty, according to Amazon. Younger children get a soft bumper, while older kids get a slim hard case. Case designs feature characters such as Paw Patrol, Barbie and SpongeBob SquarePants.
The Amazon Kids Tablet 8.7-inch has a vivid display, 14 hours of video playback and 64 GB of storage, which Amazon positions for downloading shows, games and books to enjoy offline. The Amazon Kids Tablet 11-inch has a 2.5K display, 8 GB of RAM for graphics-intensive experiences and stylus support for drawing and homework.
Storybuilder, Kids+ and Google Play
Kids+ now includes Storybuilder, which Amazon describes as a new AI-powered creative experience. Children use their voice to come up with characters, plot twists and entire worlds, and the ideas are turned into picture books and comic books they can share with their parents. Amazon says every interactive feature is built for kids, with guardrails to keep the experience age-appropriate.
Kids+ is described as a collection of ad-free, curated books, shows, games, apps and audiobooks. Content comes from brands including Disney, Nickelodeon, LEGO, Harry Potter and Sesame Street. After the included year, subscriptions start at $7.99/month for Prime members and $8.99/month for non-Prime customers. Kids+ also works on Fire tablets, Kindle devices, Fire TV, Echo devices and adult Alexa-enabled tablets set up with a child profile.
Because the tablets run on Android, parents can use Parent Dashboard to manage access to the full Google Play store and add apps beyond the Kids+ catalog. Amazon says every download goes through parental approval.
Parent Dashboard controls
Parent Dashboard comes pre-installed on each tablet and is also available as a free app for iOS and Android, so parents can manage settings remotely from their own phone. Parents can:
- set screen-time limits and monitor activity
- control web browsing
- set "Learn First" goals that prioritize Kids+ reading and educational apps before entertainment
- pause or resume a child's device remotely
- see what children create in Stories with Alexa, Storybuilder and Art Studio
Profiles can be created for up to four children, with settings configurable across compatible Amazon devices.
Availability and pricing
The Amazon Kids Tablet 8 and Amazon Kids Tablet 11 are available for pre-order and ship October 14 in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Japan. They arrive in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain on October 19. The Kids Tablet 8 starts at $229.99 and the Kids Tablet 11 starts at $329.99.
Customers can buy directly from Amazon.com, and the tablets will also be sold at select retail partners including Best Buy and Target. For parents, the release combines a full Android tablet, a year of curated content and approval-based app access in one package, with Amazon pitching the setup as one that can stay relevant as a child's interests change.
