Amazon's latest tablets finally come with the Google Play Store baked right in

Amazon has produced a long list of Fire tablets over the past 15 years. These tablets run Fire OS, a forked version of Android, and lack access to Google Mobile Services (GMS). As a result, they can’t access apps and games from the Google Play Store. Amazon has now rectified this particular shortcoming with its new range of tablets.

The retail giant today announced the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, the Tablet 11, and the Tablet 8, featuring full access to the Play Store and a premium aluminum unibody design.

As expected, the 12 Pro is the flagship model, featuring a 12-inch, 2800 x 1840, 120Hz display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Amazon will also offer a version with what it calls a “Nanomatte” coating for anti-glare properties similar to some Apple iPad Pro variants and the recently launched iPhone Duo.

It’s powered by a 4nm eight-core MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chipset, with storage and RAM options varying by model. The standard display version is only available in a 128GB + 8GB configuration, while the Nanomatte version also comes in a 256GB option paired with 16GB of RAM. You will also find an 8MP front camera and a 13MP rear camera on this 12-inch tablet.

The model is equipped with a 9,000mAh batter and can reportedly last up to 16 hours on a full charge. The company will also sell the Pro Pen and Pro Keyboard, specifically designed for the 12-inch tablet.

Customers can get the Tablet 12 Pro now starting at $499.99 for the standard version, with the Nanomatte version costing $50 more. The top-spec 256GB + 16GB variant with the anti-glare screen goes up to $679.99. Meanwhile, the Pro Keyboard and Pro Pen cost $149.99 and $89.99, respectively.

On the other hand, the Alexa Tablet 11 has an 11-inch, 90Hz, 2560 x 1600 screen, plus 8GB of RAM and 64/128GB storage options. Amazon says it can last for up to 15 hours on a full charge of it 6,500mAh battery.

By contrast, the Alexa Tablet 8 has an 8.7-inch screen, 4/8GB RAM options, 64/128GB storage, and gets 14 hours of battery life from its 4,600mAh battery.

Both the Tablet 11 and 8 use the same MediaTek 8189 eight-core chip and come in versions with lock screen ads, similar to past Fire tablets.

Another notable feature of the new Alexa tablets is the Kindle app’s dedicated reading mode, which mutes notifications, reduces blue light, and extends battery life, according to the company. Unsurprisingly, the Alexa Plus experience is front and center on the new tablets, and the company also offers a dedicated home screen shortcut.

Two new Kids Tablets are also here

Beyond its regular range of Alexa Tablets, Amazon has also revealed two new Kids Tablets in 8.7-inch and 11-inch variants. Like their adult counterparts, these tablets run Android and support apps and games from the Play Store. They also include a range of parental controls, so parents can monitor what their children are up to and manage permissions accordingly.

Both models will be available in versions tailored to specific age groups, with one for ages 3+ and another for kids older than six. All models feature 64GB of storage out of the box, while the Kids Tablet 8 limits RAM to 4GB. By comparison, the Kids Tablet 11 offers 8GB of RAM.

The 11-inch version has a reported battery life of 14 hours, while the larger 11-inch variant can seemingly last for 15 hours on a full battery. Each of these tablets will also come with a year of Amazon Kids+, a digital subscription service for children between the ages of 3 and 12. The Kids Tablet 8 and Kids Tablet 11 start at $229.99 and $329.99, respectively.

All tablets are up for order right away, but won’t ship until October 14. You can also find Amazon’s full lineup of newly announced tablets at Best Buy and Target.