Amazon has introduced Show Mode, an Alexa experience for its Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10 tablets that provides full-screen visuals with the voice responses of Alexa. With Show Mode, Alexa can show trending news, weather or camera feeds. There is also a a new Show Mode Charging Dock, a docking station to turn the tablets into a desktop device similar to Amazon's Echo smart speakers. The Dock automatically transitions the tablet into Show Mode and holds the device at an adjustable angle while charging. It sports a small design, can be used wire-free and has an adjustable stand.
The Dock can show a recipe, set a timer, start a video call, show film, or audio book. People can take the tablet and move if they want to change space. Show mode can play music, and for richer sound, can connect the Fire tablet to an external speaker via Bluetooth.
As a special introductory offer, the charging dock for the Fire HD 8 will cost USD 34.99 instead of 39.99. For the Fire 10, the dock will cost USD 49.99 instead of 54.99. Both are available for pre-order and will start shipping on 12 July. Bundled with the Fire HD 8, the dock can be had for USD 109.98, saving USD 10. The saving rises to USD 15 when the dock is bundled with the Fire HD 10, priced at 189.98. Show Mode will be delivered to current generation Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10 tablets via a free, over-the-air software update, rolling out to customers starting 2 July.
