Amazon Show Mode Converts Fire Tablets into Echo Shows

Amazon is introducing the Show Mode Charging Dock to provide an easy charge for the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10 while keeping them propped up. To debut in a software update on July 2, new Show Mode features will also essentially turn these tablets into a portable Echo Show with weather, time, and news displays in addition to hands-free voice control via Alexa. Putting the tablet on the dock, which aligns via magnets, launches Show Mode; the tablet reverts back to its standard tablet interface when the user removes it from the dock.

The Verge reports that the dock lives in “an included case, with pogo pins that provide charging,” with “an adjustable kickstand on the back that lets you adjust the viewing angle of the tablet when it’s in the dock.”

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Show Mode Charging Dock, expected to ship on July 12, is priced at $39.99 for the Fire HD 8 and $54.99 for the Fire HD 10, with pre-orders saving, respectively, $5 and $10. Amazon will also sell bundles, with the Fire HD 8 and charging dock for $109.98 and the charging dock and Fire HD 10 for $189.98.

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In addition, Amazon is also debuting its Fire HD 10 Kids Edition, “a larger, more powerful tablet designed for kids,” that has “the same hardware as the Fire HD 10 tablet released late last year,” including a 10-inch, 1080p display; 32GB of storage; a quad-core processor; and up to 10 hours of battery life. The Kids Edition includes a rubber bumper case in blue, pink or yellow, a two-year guarantee against damage and a year’s subscription to Amazon’s FreeTime Unlimited service.

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Engadget reports that Amazon’s FreeTime Unlimited “gives your children unlimited access to shows, books and games for kids” and “provides robust parental controls, such as the ability to set time limits and total screen time per day.”

The Fire HD 10 Kids Edition is currently available for pre-order for $199.99, and will ship on July 11.

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