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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAs of October 9, 2026, Amazon’s major October announcements are a new lineup of Android tablets with Alexa+ built in, a Kids Tablet line, a redesigned Kindle family (announced October 1), a Ring Smart Lock (announced October 7 and not yet on sale), and a six-year deal that makes Prime Video the exclusive worldwide streaming home of the Emmy Awards. Prices and shipping dates below are the ones Amazon published at announcement. They are plans, not confirmed stock.
This roundup covers the major announcements in Amazon’s official news and press-center listings. It is not a complete record of every country-level or subsidiary post.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Alexa Tablets: three Android models with Alexa+
Amazon introduced three tablets that run Android with full Google Play access and Alexa+ built in: the 12 Pro, the 11, and the 8. The 12 Pro is the premium model, with a 12-inch display and an optional anti-glare Nanomatte finish. The 11 and the 8 (which has an 8.7-inch display) are positioned for entertainment and portability. Amazon also announced a dedicated Pro Pen and Pro Keyboard. Every specification and performance claim here comes from Amazon; no independent test results are cited.
Models and announced prices
| Model | Amazon’s positioning | Announced starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Alexa Tablet 12 Pro | Premium productivity | $499.99 |
| Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Nanomatte finish | Premium, anti-glare screen | $549.99 |
| Alexa Tablet 11 | Entertainment | $329.99 |
| Alexa Tablet 8 | Portability | $229.99 |
| Pro Pen (accessory) | Announced alongside the 12 Pro | $89.99 |
| Pro Keyboard (accessory) | Announced alongside the 12 Pro | $149.99 |
Kids Tablet 8 and Kids Tablet 11
Amazon introduced two Kids Tablets, the Kids Tablet 8 at $229.99 and the Kids Tablet 11 at $329.99 as starting prices. The announcement describes age-oriented versions for children 3+ and 6+; check the product listing to confirm which configuration matches which age. Each model is announced with a protective case and one year of Kids+.
#1 Best Overall
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
The tablets run Android. Parents manage Google Play access and use the Parent Dashboard to set screen-time limits, apply content controls, and monitor activity. Kids+ includes creative features such as Storybuilder.
After the bundled year, Amazon lists Kids+ at $7.99 per month for Prime members and $8.99 per month for non-Prime customers. Subscription prices can change, so confirm them at checkout or on Amazon’s Kids+ page before you buy.
Rank #2
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Shipping plans by region
Amazon gave the same planned ship windows for most markets. Japan is listed only for the Kids Tablets.
| Region | Alexa Tablets | Kids Tablets |
|---|---|---|
| United States, Mexico, Canada | From October 14, 2026 | From October 14, 2026 |
| United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain | From October 19, 2026 | From October 19, 2026 |
| Japan | Not stated in the announcement | From October 14, 2026 |
Kindle family refresh
Amazon’s official news listing dates a redesigned Kindle-family announcement to October 1, 2026. This article does not list model-by-model specifications, colors, or prices for the Kindle refresh. Amazon’s full announcement article is the source for those details.
Rank #3
- MEET ECHO SPOT - A sleek smart alarm clock with Alexa and big vibrant sound. Ready to help you wake up, wind down, and so much more.
- CUSTOMIZABLE SMART CLOCK - See time, weather, and song titles at a glance, control smart home devices, and more. Personalize your display with your favorite clock face and fun colors.
- BIG VIBRANT SOUND - Enjoy rich sound with clear vocals and deep bass. Just ask Alexa to play music, podcasts, and audiobooks. See song titles and touch to control your music.
- EASE INTO THE DAY - Set up an Alexa routine that gently wakes you with music and gradual light. Glance at the time, check reminders, or ask Alexa for weather updates.
- KEEP YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE - Control compatible smart home devices. Just ask Alexa to turn on lights or touch the screen to dim. Create routines that use motion detection to turn down the thermostat as you head out or open the blinds when you walk into a room.
Ring Smart Lock: announced, not yet for sale
On October 7, Amazon described the Ring Smart Lock. It can be unlocked four ways: a fingerprint reader, a keypad, the Ring app, and Alexa. Its most distinctive feature is a power dial that provides emergency power by hand, which Amazon positions as a fallback for a dead battery.
Compatibility and planned timing
- Fits a standard single-cylinder deadbolt.
- Works with Ring devices and Echo/Alexa devices.
- Sidewalk coverage varies by location, according to Amazon.
- Amazon plans U.S. purchase availability in early 2027.
Regulatory status
Amazon disclosed that the lock has not yet received required FCC authorization. Until that authorization is obtained, it cannot be offered for sale or lease. Treat the Ring Smart Lock as an announced product, not one you can buy today.
Rank #4
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Ring founder and chief inventor Jamie Siminoff framed the launch this way:
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“Almost everything in our lives today is digital, yet we still carry around little pieces of metal in our pockets. That’s because of smart lock anxiety. A lock has to work every time, and until now, a dead battery could leave you locked out of your own home. With Ring Smart Lock, we’re solving that—no backup key or battery to carry, no locksmith to call, no worries if the battery runs down. Just peace of mind knowing your home is secure.”
Best Value
Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display, Designed for Alexa+, 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
That is a company statement about the product. It is not independent verification of how reliable the lock is.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Prime Video: six-year Emmy Awards streaming deal
Amazon announced a six-year agreement for Prime Video to stream the Emmy Awards exclusively worldwide. The announcement does not specify a subscription price change, an event schedule, or regional viewing terms, so none of those should be assumed. The deal is a multi-year streaming rights agreement, not a change to Prime membership terms.
Prime Big Deal Days 2026
Amazon’s official FAQ covers the 2026 Prime Big Deal Days event, which ran October 6–7. It is an shopping event rather than a newly announced product. Deal prices change quickly, so check current listings and price history before acting on any “best deal” claim.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
