Amazon Introduces Kindle Fire HDX and Lower-Priced Kindle Fire HD for Kids

by littleones.com, on September 25th, 2013

Amazon has officially announced the new 2013 Kindle Fire HDX and new lower prices for the Kindle Fire HD! These products keep getting better, and Amazon continues to add features for parents and their kids. Amazon has improved these kid-friendly tablets with two new Kindle HDX models and enhanced Kindle HD models along with an ever-expanding set of children's book offerings, Kindle FreeTime and parental controls, a faster processor, more memory, improved display and front-facing video camera. Amazon has done all this while reducing the weight and improving battery life! The Kindle Fire HDX is better than ever for reading books, web browsing, playing games and much more.

The Kindle Fire HDX now includes a quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, and a high resolution display (1920×1200) that provides incredible resolution and excellent color quality. The HDX also includes a front-facing 720p video camera for Skype HD video calls and taking photos, and includes stereo speakers with Dolby audio. For kids this high resolution display will enhance the reading experience for the thousands of full-color children's books. The 8.9" model also includes a 8MP digital camera with LED flash which also takes 1080p high resolution video. Battery life is improved with up to 17 hours of battery life when reading, and 11 hours for typical use. With over one million books, classic children's books by Dr. Seuss and numerous children's bestsellers, apps, movies and TV shows, the Kindle Fire HDX continues Amazon's tradition as a great tablet for kids.

Amazon has also updated the Kindle Fire HD with a new lower price point starting at $139 for the 7" model, and $269 for the 8.9" model.

For parents, Amazon has also introduced Kindle FreeTime Unlimited, an all-in-one subscription service that includes a carefully selected set of books, games, educational apps, movies and TV episodes for kids ages 3 to 8. The Kindles include parental controls to help parents set limits on the use of the Kindle for their children. Parents can set daily limits on use, restrict games and videos, while leaving other capabilities available such as book reading. Each child may have a custom profile, making it possible for children to have their own library of books and apps. Combined with FreeTime Unlimited, this is especially useful for families with multiple children that share a Kindle Fire at home or on the road.

Here is a rundown of the new Kindle Fire HDX models as well as the updated Kindle FireHD:

Kindle Fire HDX 7"

Price: $229 (16GB version), $269 (32GB version), $309 (64GB version)

Availability: Pre-order now, released on October 18, 2013

Less than one pound, 1920×1200 high resolution display, 720p built-in front-facing camera, Dolby stereo speakers, 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage, dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi, quad-core processor, 11 hour battery life (17 hours when reading), optional 4G LTE through AT&T or Verizon.

Kindle Fire HDX 8.9"

Price: $379 (16GB version), $429 (32GB version), $479 (64GB version)

Availability: Pre-order now, released on November 7, 2013

8.9", 2560×1600 high resolution display, 720p built-in front-facing camera, 8MP rear-facing camera, Dolby stereo speakers, 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage, dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi, quad-core processor with Adreno 330 GPU console graphics, 12 hour battery life (18 hours when reading), optional 4G LTE through AT&T or Verizon.

Kindle Fire HD 8.9"

Price: $269 (16GB version), 32GB and 64GB available with 4G LTE

Availability: Available Now

8.9", 1920×1200 (1080p) widescreen, built-in front-facing camera, built-in 4G LTE wireless, Dolby stereo speakers, 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage, dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi, 1.5Ghz dual core processor with Imagination PowerVR 3D graphics.

Updated Kindle Fire HD

Price: $139 (8GB version), $169 (16GB version)

Availability: Pre-order now, released on October 2, 2013

Less than one pound, 1280×800 widescreen display, 8GB or 16GB of storage, dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi, dual core processor, stereo speakers, 10 hour battery life.

Amazon continues to reduce the weight of the Kindle Fire; the 7" Kindle Fire HDX weighs just 10.7 ounces (303 grams) and the 8.9" model weights just 13.2 ounces (374 grams). These units are portable and easier than ever to hold for book reading or movie viewing. Amazon has even introduced an innovative Leather Origami Case, which folds into either a landscape or portrait orientation.

The Amazon Kindle Fire continues to cost less than its competitors, with a starting price of $139 for the 7" version, and $269 for the larger 8.9" version. If you subscribe to Amazon Prime, you gain access to wide selection of movies, TV shows, the Kindle Lending Library with over hundreds of thousands of titles, and two-day free Amazon shipping. The Kindle FreeTime Unlimited subscription provides selected books, videos and apps for young children. Get all the details and see a demo for yourself at the Amazon Kindle Store.

We expect the Kindle Fire HDX and HD to once again be a hot pick for this holiday season. Order yours at the Amazon Kindle Store before the 2013 holiday rush.

Also see:

Kindle Fire: Recommended Full Color eBooks for Children (Ages 1-3)