Latest news with #FireHD8
The Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
The best kids' tablets for homework, gaming and more
While there are plenty of tablets for adults on the market, models aimed at children have come a long way, too. In 2025, they can be powerful, playful and genuinely educational tools, when chosen and used with care. According to Ofcom, three-quarters of five- to seven-year-olds use a tablet or computer, and device use climbs steadily with age – more than half of 12- to 15-year-olds have their own. It's no surprise: tablets aren't just entertaining, they're also educational. Studies show that, when used with structure and intention, tablets can support early language skills, phonics and letter recognition, and help build a digital fluency that will be essential in later life. We spoke to Dr Tracy King, a clinical psychologist, to understand how to approach screen time with intention. 'Tablets aren't inherently harmful – in fact, they can be valuable tools for learning and connection, when used with care,' she says. 'But without structure and support, they can easily become overstimulating for young, developing nervous systems.' When it comes to choosing the right tablet for your kids, Dr King suggests prioritising intuitive parental controls, offline capabilities and a child-proof design. 'Screens aren't the enemy but children need structure, relational engagement and regular movement to balance their digital experiences,' she adds. With all that in mind, we spent weeks testing a range of tablets before whittling it down to the top eight. Our favourite – Amazon's Fire HD 8 kids pro (£149.99, – is easy to set up, durable, has parenting controls and brilliant battery life – all markers of a great kids' tablet. We've also found options for every age group and a range of uses, whether you want to encourage creativity or help them knuckle down with homework. Keep scrolling to find out which kids' tablets impressed us the most after we put several models through their paces. How we tested We put a range of tablets for children to the test across real-life scenarios – from quiet solo play to chaotic family travel. Devices were used by children aged 3-15, with input from their parents, guardians and (in some cases) tech-savvy older siblings. When testing, we considered many key factors, including: Ease of use: Kids' tablets need to be intuitive and frustration-free for younger users. We looked for simple, responsive interfaces and age-appropriate navigation. Tablets that offered smooth performance, well-organised menus, and quick access to educational apps scored higher in this category. Ultimately, a device that's easy to use helps children stay engaged and learn independently, while giving parents peace of mind. Durability: This was a crucial consideration, as kids' tablets must withstand the rough handling that often comes with young users. We evaluated how well each device held up to drops, bumps, and spills, looking for features like reinforced corners, shatter-resistant screens, and protective cases. Battery life: Children often use tablets for extended periods, whether for learning, entertainment, or travel. So, we tested how long each device could run on a single charge during typical use, including streaming, gaming, and app usage. We were looking for tablets that delivered all-day performance without needing frequent recharging. Parental controls: Parental controls help ensure a safe and age-appropriate experience for kids. We assessed how easy it was for parents to set screen time limits, filter content, monitor usage, and manage app access. Tablets with comprehensive, easy-to-navigate control settings and robust security features earned top marks. Educational value: Here, we looked at the quality and range of preloaded educational apps, access to age-appropriate content, and how well the device encouraged skill-building in areas like reading, math, science, and creativity. Value for money: We also considered value for money, which is especially important when you're buying big tech for tiny hands. We looked at what each device offered in terms of features, durability, educational content, and included accessories (like protective cases or styluses) relative to its price. Devices that could grow with the child, offering adaptable settings, access to more advanced apps, and compatibility with school-related tools as they age, scored highest. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews With a focus on products aimed at parents and children, Ella Delancey Jones is a regular tester for The Independent 's IndyBest reviews section, having written about everything from sunscreen for kids to pregnancy pillows. Every product Ella puts through its paces is tested in real-life, family conditions, and nothing is recommended unless it has genuinely earned its place. This guide reflects personal testing, expert insight and lived experience of tablet use across a range of family setups. The best tablets for kids in 2025 are:
Gizmodo
06-07-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Amazon's Own Tablet Costs 7X Less Than an iPad, Record Low Price for Prime Day
Prime Day is when Amazon drops incredible deals on all of its products and brands including Ring and Blink items, Kindles, Fire TV, and tablets. It's the year's perfect time to enjoy the best prices, even better than Black Friday. Amazon uses this event to slash margins, sometimes even selling at a loss, all to boost volume and reward its Prime members with deals that are hard to resist. This particular offer is exclusive to Prime members, so you'll need an active subscription to take advantage of it: the latest Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is available for just $54, down from its regular price of $99. This 45% discount marks an all-time low for this popular tablet. At this price, you're getting a powerful device for a fraction of what you'd pay for other tablets. See at Amazon The Fire HD 8 tablet comes with an 8-inch HD display that's great for streaming your favorite television shows, gaming or web surfing. The display is bright and clear and provides a comfortable viewing experience. Its slim and lightweight size makes it convenient to take anywhere, and the rugged build ensures it can withstand the bumps and scrapes of everyday life. The device comes with 3GB of RAM (50% better than the previous 2022 model) for perfect multitasking. With 32GB of internal storage, you have enough space for apps and downloads, and if that's insufficient, you can supplement up to 1TB of storage with a microSD card (sold separately). The tablet is designed for a full day of use, with 13 hours of battery life from a complete charge so you can read, stream, and play without having to hunt for an outlet. The Fire HD 8 is also packed with clever features to help you get things done more easily: Three built-in tools allow you to create professional-looking emails, instantly summarize web content and create custom wallpapers. You can stream or download your most-loved shows, movies, and games—like bestsellers like Minecraft and Roblox. The tablet supports a wide range of apps from the Amazon Appstore, including Facebook, Hulu, Instagram, and TikTok. The 5MP rear camera lets you capture photos or engage in video calls and Alexa integration offers the hands-free capability of calling friends and family or having meetings with apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Alexa can also help you stay organized (ask for news and weather, add to your shopping list, set reminders, or control your smart home devices), all by voice. At just $54 for Prime Day, this is a deal that's hard to beat. See at Amazon
Scotsman
12-06-2025
- Scotsman
iPad vs Amazon Fire HD: We compare Amazon's two bestselling tablets – and one is £30 cheaper than buying direct from Apple
iPad or Fire HD 8? We compare the two bestselling tablets on Amazon to see which one deserves a spot in your bag. | Amazon This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. With over 5,000 sold between them this month, these two tablets are dominating Amazon – but which one suits your needs best? Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Amazon iPad vs Fire HD tablet showdown might seem unfair at first – but both devices are consistently among Amazon's top-selling tablets for a reason. And while they're aimed at different types of users, they each offer serious value in their category. In fact, both models are flying off the shelves. The Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip) has shipped over 3,000 units in the past month on Amazon alone – and right now, it's down to £309.97, a full £30 cheaper than buying direct from Apple. The Amazon Fire HD 8 has also proved a huge hit, with more than 2,000 units bought in the past 30 days. At just £99.99, it's one of the most accessible tablets out there – and it was recently refreshed for 2024 with upgraded specs. For casual streaming and on-the-go use: Fire HD 8 wins on price and simplicity The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet offers 13 hours of battery life, more RAM, and supports apps like Netflix, Kindle and Disney+. | Amazon The Fire HD 8 isn't pretending to be a powerhouse. It's designed for casual, everyday use: watching Netflix, playing Candy Crush, reading the Kindle app or making video calls via Alexa or Zoom. This latest version has a brighter 8-inch HD screen, 3GB of RAM (up from 2GB), and up to 13 hours of battery life. There's 32GB of internal storage – with support for microSD cards up to 1TB if you want to expand it cheaply. Amazon's Appstore supports most of the everyday apps you'll want (Facebook, TikTok, Spotify, etc), though you won't get official Google Play access. And if you're buying it mainly for the kids, the Fire HD tablets still support parental controls, profiles and add-ons like Amazon Kids+. You'll have to accept Amazon's 'with ads' option on the lock screen to get that £99.99 price – or pay extra for the ad-free version. For multitasking, creative work and laptop replacement: the iPad has it all The new Apple iPad 11-inch delivers powerful multitasking with stunning visuals, perfect for everything from digital art to reading and productivity. | Apple While the Fire HD is built around media and simplicity, the iPad is a fully-fledged productivity and creativity machine. The 11-inch Liquid Retina screen is pin-sharp and colour-accurate, making it ideal for sketching, editing photos, or simply enjoying ultra-HD Netflix. The A16 Bionic chip means it's lightning fast – whether you're multitasking across split-screen apps or editing video. Support for the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio turns the iPad into an all-in-one notebook replacement, particularly for students, designers, and remote workers. And with 128GB of base storage, there's far more room to work, download, and play than on cheaper alternatives. You also get Wi-Fi 6, better cameras (12MP front and rear), USB-C charging and Apple's typical premium build. It weighs just 0.77kg and fits into any bag, making it great for travel and on-the-go productivity. Verdict: they're aimed at totally different users – but both are worth the money If all you need is a tablet for light browsing, books, videos and calls – and you'd rather save £200 – the Fire HD 8 is a top pick. It's basic but reliable, and perfect as a travel companion or gift. But if you need a device that can handle real work – writing, drawing, meetings, media creation – the new iPad is in a different league. And given it's £30 off Apple's own price right now, it's a rare chance to save on a device that rarely gets discounts. Final thoughts Both tablets are clearly striking a chord with shoppers – with thousands sold in the past month alone. Whether you're looking for an affordable Netflix companion or a sleek workhorse, the right pick depends on how you plan to use it. Butlin's just opened its biggest-ever Soft Play – and your kids will go wild Looking for a family getaway that delivers maximum kid-energy burn-off and a bit of peace for the grown-ups? 🎉 Butlin's has just opened its biggest-ever Soft Play centre – and it's a whopper. 🧸 Four storeys tall, 3,000 square feet wide, and filled with colourful themed zones inspired by the Skyline Gang – it's all included in the price of your day pass or break. 👟 Ready to dive in? Click here to book your Butlins break and let the little ones loose 🌈
Scotsman
12-06-2025
- Scotsman
iPad vs Amazon Fire HD: We compare Amazon's two bestselling tablets – and one is £30 cheaper than buying direct from Apple
iPad or Fire HD 8? We compare the two bestselling tablets on Amazon to see which one deserves a spot in your bag. | Amazon This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. With over 5,000 sold between them this month, these two tablets are dominating Amazon – but which one suits your needs best? Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Amazon iPad vs Fire HD tablet showdown might seem unfair at first – but both devices are consistently among Amazon's top-selling tablets for a reason. And while they're aimed at different types of users, they each offer serious value in their category. In fact, both models are flying off the shelves. The Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip) has shipped over 3,000 units in the past month on Amazon alone – and right now, it's down to £309.97, a full £30 cheaper than buying direct from Apple. The Amazon Fire HD 8 has also proved a huge hit, with more than 2,000 units bought in the past 30 days. At just £99.99, it's one of the most accessible tablets out there – and it was recently refreshed for 2024 with upgraded specs. For casual streaming and on-the-go use: Fire HD 8 wins on price and simplicity The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet offers 13 hours of battery life, more RAM, and supports apps like Netflix, Kindle and Disney+. | Amazon The Fire HD 8 isn't pretending to be a powerhouse. It's designed for casual, everyday use: watching Netflix, playing Candy Crush, reading the Kindle app or making video calls via Alexa or Zoom. This latest version has a brighter 8-inch HD screen, 3GB of RAM (up from 2GB), and up to 13 hours of battery life. There's 32GB of internal storage – with support for microSD cards up to 1TB if you want to expand it cheaply. Amazon's Appstore supports most of the everyday apps you'll want (Facebook, TikTok, Spotify, etc), though you won't get official Google Play access. And if you're buying it mainly for the kids, the Fire HD tablets still support parental controls, profiles and add-ons like Amazon Kids+. You'll have to accept Amazon's 'with ads' option on the lock screen to get that £99.99 price – or pay extra for the ad-free version. For multitasking, creative work and laptop replacement: the iPad has it all The new Apple iPad 11-inch delivers powerful multitasking with stunning visuals, perfect for everything from digital art to reading and productivity. | Apple While the Fire HD is built around media and simplicity, the iPad is a fully-fledged productivity and creativity machine. The 11-inch Liquid Retina screen is pin-sharp and colour-accurate, making it ideal for sketching, editing photos, or simply enjoying ultra-HD Netflix. The A16 Bionic chip means it's lightning fast – whether you're multitasking across split-screen apps or editing video. Support for the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio turns the iPad into an all-in-one notebook replacement, particularly for students, designers, and remote workers. And with 128GB of base storage, there's far more room to work, download, and play than on cheaper alternatives. You also get Wi-Fi 6, better cameras (12MP front and rear), USB-C charging and Apple's typical premium build. It weighs just 0.77kg and fits into any bag, making it great for travel and on-the-go productivity. Verdict: they're aimed at totally different users – but both are worth the money If all you need is a tablet for light browsing, books, videos and calls – and you'd rather save £200 – the Fire HD 8 is a top pick. It's basic but reliable, and perfect as a travel companion or gift. But if you need a device that can handle real work – writing, drawing, meetings, media creation – the new iPad is in a different league. And given it's £30 off Apple's own price right now, it's a rare chance to save on a device that rarely gets discounts. Final thoughts Both tablets are clearly striking a chord with shoppers – with thousands sold in the past month alone. Whether you're looking for an affordable Netflix companion or a sleek workhorse, the right pick depends on how you plan to use it. Butlin's just opened its biggest-ever Soft Play – and your kids will go wild Looking for a family getaway that delivers maximum kid-energy burn-off and a bit of peace for the grown-ups? 🎉 Butlin's has just opened its biggest-ever Soft Play centre – and it's a whopper. 🧸 Four storeys tall, 3,000 square feet wide, and filled with colourful themed zones inspired by the Skyline Gang – it's all included in the price of your day pass or break.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Get up to 60% off print books and 80% off Kindle books during the Amazon Book Sale
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom. Even though Amazon is now a global shipper of pretty much any item you can think of, their heart still lies with their original items: books! Amazon is currently running its Amazon Book Sale, April 23 – 28. During the sale, eBooks are up to 80% off, print books are up to 60% off, and you can find hundreds of audiobooks under $8. Amazon's Kindle Scribe and Colorsoft are also on sale. Right now, you can also access Kindle Unlimited for just $0.99. You'll get three months of Kindle Unlimited for this reduced price. Audible is also discounted during Amazon's Book Sale. You can get your first three months of Audible for $0.99 per month, and you can get hundreds of audiobooks for under $8. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get even more rewarding deals. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your Book Sale shopping today. Original price: $449.99 The Kindle Scribe is a note-taker's dream. Whether you're a college student or just someone that likes to annotate, the Scribe allows you to write directly on books. You can also convert handwritten notes into typed notes, which can help with studying or book planning. Built-in AI tools also help you summarize and refine your notes. Original price: $279.99 Read On The Fox News App The newest addition to the Kindle family is the Kindle Colorsoft. The new display on the Colorsoft is easy on the eyes and makes you feel like you're holding a print book. It's so realistic. The glare-free display and auto-adjusting reading light help you read easily without interruption. Plus, a single charge for your Colorsoft can last you a whopping eight weeks. 20 Booktok Books Readers Are Getting Into This Spring Original price: $99.99 You can spend less than $100 when you choose the Fire HD 8. It has a much better battery life than the 2022 model, 32GB of storage and Alexa built in. You can ask Alexa to play music, tell you the news and weather or update your shopping lists, among other tasks. The three new smart tools also help you send better emails, summarize webpages and create unique wallpaper. Original price: $139.99 The newest Amazon Tablet model, the Fire HD 10, is Amazon's fastest tablet to date. It has a 13-hour battery life, and you can choose from 32 or 64 GB of storage. The lightweight and durable design ensures the tablet will last. Original price: $149.99 Amazon's Fire HD 8 Kids Pro includes everything your kids need to stay entertained. Included with your purchase is Amazon Kids+, a subscription that provides unlimited access to STEM content and language learning opportunities. With the Fire HD 8, you're in complete control of what your kids can access thanks to the built-in parental controls. The web browser is specifically designed with controls to filter out inappropriate sites. Original price: $189.99 The Fire D 10 Kids Pro tablet is a level up from the 8. It has the same free year of Amazon Kids+ and built-in parental controls, but you also get a 10.1-inch HD screen that gives your child a place to watch their favorite shows, listen to music and play educational games. 10 Fast-paced Books To Read On The Beach Original price: $19.99 Start your baking journey with the help of the "Beginner's Baking Bible". The book breaks down the basics of baking, teaching you different techniques. There are over 130 beginner-friendly recipes to choose from, so there's sure to be a dessert or two you'll love. Throughout the book there are insider tricks that'll teach you to bake like the pros. Original price: $26.99 The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthier diet options. "The New Mediterranean Diet Cookbook" will teach you everything you need to know about the diet, delivering delicious, must-try recipes along the way. The diet consists mostly of a wide variety of fish, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies. Original price: $18.99 Is your dream to get a smoker and smoke your own meat? You're not alone! There's a whole cookbook, "Smoking Meats 101," dedicated to the practice. You'll find over 75 recipes and a collection of troubleshooting tricks, should anything go wrong while using your smoker. 5 Trending Bite Of Fox Recipes To Get You Out Of The Dinner Rut Original price: $17.99 Kristin Hannah's books continue to dominate social media, and "Firefly Lane" is no different. Hannah's novel looks at the lives of two women and how their friendship becomes the center of their lives. The book spans three decades, so readers looking for a powerful story will find everything they're looking for. Original price: $19.99 The first book in V.E. Schwab's Villains series, "Vicious," establishes the friendship and the rivalry between Victor and Eli, two college roommates who bond over the dangerous things in life. Ultimately, the two set out to prove that they can turn themselves into superheroes, only to find out that extraordinary abilities don't necessarily make you a hero. Original price: $18.99 "The Leavers" is a National Book Award finalist. Readers follow Deming Guo, a boy growing up in the Bronx, as he deals with his mother's sudden disappearance. Eventually adopted by white professors, Deming is moved out of the city and into a small town where he struggles to fit in. Original price: $31.99 Written by President Obama's former deputy chief technology officer and the founder of Code for America, "Recoding America" takes a stark look at present-day America. It examines how our government operates, how, in some cases, it fails to operate and what we can do differently. Original price: $30 Anyone in the workforce can appreciate "The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: And Men". You get an in-depth look at how to overcome self-doubt, and why self-doubt happens in the first place. The book explains what impostor syndrome is and gives ways you can overcome these negative thoughts in the workplace and in your everyday life. For more Deals, visit Original price: $36 Written by a successful entrepreneur and successful investor, "The Millionaire Master Plan" provides readers with a nine-step plan to turn the way you look at money in its head. The book claims to help you understand how to build personal wealth. Designed to be visually pleasing and easy-to-read, the book lays out Hamilton's nine-step plan that he personally has article source: Get up to 60% off print books and 80% off Kindle books during the Amazon Book Sale
