Amazon Updates Fire HD 8 Tablet Line; Adds Wireless Charging to Step-Up Model

Amazon refreshed its tablet lineup with new versions of the Fire HD 8, Fire HD 8 Plus and Fire HD 8 Kids Edition, it said Wednesday. Preorders began Wednesday for June 3 shipping. Updated features of the 8-inch tablets include faster performance from a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, 32 GB internal storage, up to 12 hours’ battery life and USB-C charging. Storage is expandable up to 1 TB with a microSD card. A game mode blocks notifications for a “distraction-free” experience, it said. The step-up Fire HD 8 Plus has 64 GB RAM, wireless charging and six months of Kindle Unlimited included. The base model is $89; the Plus is $109, $139 in a bundle with an Angreat wireless charging dock. The Kids Edition ($139) bundles with a “kid-proof case,” adjustable stand, two-year guarantee and one-year free subscription to Amazon FreeTime Unlimited.