The Fire HD8 already supports Alexa handsfree:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custo...deId=202083830
Quote:
Alexa Hands-Free Mode
Note: At this time, only 7th Generation Fire 7, Fire HD 8, and Fire HD 10 devices with the latest software support Alexa hands-free.
To enable or disable Alexa hands-free, swipe down from the top of your tablet’s Home screen and tap the Alexa Hands-Free icon in the quick actions menu. Alternatively, you can tap the Settings (gear) icon, tap Alexa, then tap the switch for Hands-Free Mode.
Note: Fire 7 (7th Generation) and Fire HD 8 (7th Generation) devices support Alexa hands-free only when the device is being used, or when the device is connected to a strong power source.
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Maybe they mean that it will now support Alexa handsfree when the device is asleep and not plugged in? If so, that sounds like a pretty minor tweak to me. Is this worthy of an "All new! Fire HD8!" announcement? I can't see buying a new tablet just for this small addition. Why not just buy an Echo Dot instead, they're cheaper. Plus, an Echo Dot won't constantly use your tablets battery and WiFi to enable "listening while asleep". We already have Alexa handsfree on current HD8 tablets - even when asleep ... if you simply plug the thing into power. Since this is currently limited to function only when the device is plugged in, that would make you think that it's a power-eating feature. Maybe that's something that you might NOT want to run full-time on your tablet when it's asleep and on battery.