Amazon's next generation Fire HD 8 gets preorder date and new models

Tech giant, Amazon, has announced the next generation of its Fire HD 8 tablet. The company will also be launching the device in four different models.

Today, Amazon revealed details about its new Fire HD 8 tablet and it appears that the device will have some minor improvements here and there compared to its predecessor.

Although no measurements were provided, Amazon claims that not only is the Fire HD 8 thinner and lighter than ever before, but it’s also twice as durable as the iPad Mini in tumble tests. The Seattle-based company also mentioned that the tablet will have 13 hours of battery life and can fully charge in five hours with a USB-C cable and 5W charger.

While 13 hours of battery life is fine, the wind kind of gets taken out of the sails when you realize this is only an hour better than the Fire HD 8 that came out in 2020. But, at least, Amazon managed to cut the charge time in half compared to the older device.

As for storage, the new Fire HD 8 will come with 32GB and support up to 1TB of expandable storage via microSD. In addition, customers will have access to Amazon Photos which will offer unlimited full-resolution photo storage for free and up to 5GB of video storage.

Unlike its predecessor, however, this new Fire HD 8 will come with screen mirroring. This feature will allow you to project video, browser, apps, photos, and more to larger screens that are compatible with Miracast technology.

The Fire HD 8 is scheduled to go on preorder starting today and you’ll have your choice of four different models: Fire HD 8, Fire HD 8 Kids, and Fire HD 8 Kids Pro. The Fire HD 8 will start at $99 and will be available in Black, Denim, and Rose. The Fire HD 8 Kids models are reportedly set to start at $149.99.

If you already have a 2020 Fire HD 8 tablet, is one hour of battery life and more durability reason enough for you to pick up this new device? Tell us what you think in the comments.