The Amazon Fire series has just received an interesting new update. The new software release will have the affordable Android tablet be functional as a smart home hub for users, allowing them to control other smart home devices.

Earlier this week, the company started the roll out of the new update to a handful of Fire tablets. This update brings a Smart Home button to Device Dashboard, as per a PhoneArena report. At the moment, only a small number of Fire tablets have received the update, but that is only due to the staggered release from the company. The update will be available in four models, which include Amazon Fire 7 (2019), Amazon Fire HD 8 (2018), Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020), or Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019).

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After the new update, Fire tablet users will notice a new Smart Home button on the left corner of the navigation bar. This button will be accessible to users through any screen, meaning, users are just a tap away from controlling any compatible Alexa enabled smart home device from their tablets. In other words, users would be able to control any smart speaker, lights, cameras, thermostats, switches, and more.

While this isn’t a particularly large update, it does add a major utility and functionality to the existing Android tablets from Amazon. It would also things a bit more convenient for to Alexa enabled smart home devices’ owners. The update should soon reach out to a broader userbase, so keep on the lookout for the new software.

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Amazon has announced a new tablet today. Its largest tablet, the Amazon Fire HD 10 has just gotten a refresh and this new version brings along some really interesting features to Amazon’s largest Fire Tablet.

The 9th Gen tablet still has a 10.1-inch 1920 x 1200 display. However, it now comes with a 2.0GHz octa-core processor which replaces the quad-core processor in 2017’s version. Amazon says the new tablet is now 30% faster.

Along with a new processor is also a better battery life. The Fire HD 10 will provide up to 12 hours of reading, web surfing, and video playback. Amazon has also added a USB Type-C port to replace the MicroUSB port. A 9W charger ships with the tablet and will charge it fully in 4 hours. However, you can also purchase separately a 15W charger that costs $19.99 that will fully charge it in 3 hours.

There is 2GB of RAM and 32GB or 64GB of expandable storage. The cameras on both sides are 2MP and support 720p HD video recording. It also comes with support for Picture-in-Picture which allows you to continue watching a video while surfing the web or doing something else. Supported apps are NetFlix, STARZ, Pinterest, MLB At Bat, and o course Prime Video.

The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019) will keep the price tag of its predecessor. The 32Gb version will sell for $149.99 while the 64GB version will be sold for $189.99. If you want it without Special Offers, you will have to pay $164.99 and $204.99 respectively. The new tablet will be available for purchase on October 30 but you can pre-order now. It comes in black, plum, twilight blue, and white.

There is also a Kids Edition of the tablet which comes with a case with a built-in kickstand. It is priced at $199, has 32GB of storage and available in blue, pink, and purple.

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