News

Hands-free Alexa coming to Fire 7 and Fire HD 8 tablets

Voice control of Amazon’s virtual assistant is coming to more tablets.
Voice control of Amazon’s virtual assistant is coming to more tablets. Voice control of Amazon’s virtual assistant is coming to more tablets.

Amazon has added hands-free Alexa use to its Fire 7 and Fire HD 8 tablets, giving users of those devices the ability to summon the virtual assistant with just their voice for the first time.

Until now, only Fire HD 10 users could wake Alexa with a voice prompt, with other Amazon tablet users required to hold down the home button to call her up.

(Amazon)
(Amazon) (Amazon/PA)

The hands-free update is being rolled out to 2017 versions of the tablets via a software update, and will bring the company’s tablet range closer in line with its Echo smart speakers, the flagship Alexa products.

Amazon said the new hands-free model will be available to Fire HD 7 and 8 users when their device is either plugged into a power source or the screen is lit up and in use.

The tech giant said Alexa could then be used to control video playback, set a timer, control music and other appliances in a smart home, such as connected lights.

The software update is set to roll out to users “this week”, and once downloaded the feature can be activated by pulling down the quick actions menu from the top of the home screen and tapping the switch for hands-free mode.