The latest Echo devices from the company are available for pre-order, showcasing their close integration with Alexa Plus’ AI capabilities.
What you should know:
– Amazon’s week of product showcases presents a refreshed range of Echo devices, kicking off with the inaugural Echo Dot Max that boasts enhanced voice assistance and AI features.
– The company also introduced an upgraded Echo Studio that elevates its deep bass and rich audio quality thanks to the powerful AZ3 Pro chip.
– The Echo Show 8 and 11 now come equipped with better displays that provide users with even more information, all thanks to Alexa Plus enhancements.
– All announced devices can be pre-ordered ahead of their launches this fall.
Amazon continues its product unveilings, having introduced four new devices in the Echo series, all driven by its sophisticated Alexa Plus AI.
A press announcement disclosed the next generation of Echo products, loaded with AI software, sound enhancements, assistance features, and more, all enriched by its AI technology. Consumers will note that this year’s Echo lineup sports a full redesign. Starting with the original Echo Dot Max, Amazon claims this device offers approximately three times the bass compared to the previous Echo Dot 5th Gen.
This product features a two-way speaker system equipped with a “high-excursion” woofer, designed for deeper bass and clear highs. While this compact speaker retains what Amazon aims for in the Echo Dot series (now Max), there is much more beneath the surface that consumers are not aware of, propelling it forward.
Internally, like the rest of the newly unveiled products, the Echo Dot Max is driven by Amazon’s custom silicon chip. Specifically for the Max, the announcement indicates it includes the new AZ3 chip for “enhanced conversation detection.” This chip enables the Dot Max to filter out background noise, ensuring that your natural discussions with Alexa Plus are crystal clear.
While Alexa Plus is ready for any inquiry, Amazon has announced plans to launch the Alexa Plus Store. Users will be able to manage their Amazon subscriptions through this store, and “explore, discover, and enable devices and services” from partners like TaskRabbit, Fandango, Priceline, Uber, Lyft, and more.
The Amazon Echo Dot Max starts at $99.99, with pre-orders available ahead of its rollout on October 29.
Echo Studio shines once more
This year’s Echo Studio has already garnered attention compared to its predecessor, as consumers will observe that it is approximately 40% smaller than the previous version. Amazon emphasizes its aim to balance a device that integrates seamlessly into your living environment while still delivering rich, powerful sound, regardless of its placement.
It features the same woofer as the Dot Max; however, its specifications indicate that the Echo Studio additionally supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. The latest Studio is specifically designed to deliver immersive audio experiences for homeowners, showcasing a spherical design with a knit-fabric covering, which Amazon claims enhances its “ultimate acoustic transparency.”
Within the Studio, Amazon has integrated its custom AZ3 Pro chip, which elevates the audio prowess beyond that of the standard AZ3.
The audio potential of the Echo Studio reaches new heights when paired with other Studio devices or the new Dot Max (up to five). When connected to a “compatible” Fire TV Stick, users can enable Alexa Home Theater and allow the AI to deliver the cinema-quality sound they desire. Amazon states consumers will also encounter these products within its Alexa Home Theater bundles.
The Echo Studio starts at $219, and its pre-orders are currently live (with a rollout on November 15).
Putting on a (Echo) Show
Amazon’s Echo Show models incorporate a screen, enhancing the smart home experience significantly, but this year’s versions, the Show 8 and 11, aim to leverage AI even further. The post emphasizes the Show 8 and 11’s in-cell touch and “negative liquid crystal design” for an enhanced visual display experience. Internally, the AZ3 Pro chip is included, alongside Amazon’s Omnisense technology.
Utilizing the Show 8 and 11’s 13MP camera, Omnisense introduces a new dimension of ambient AI, allowing the devices to respond based on activities in your home. If you’ve set a reminder for someone and that individual walks by, the Show 8 and 11 will display the notification. Alexa is also programmed to “greet you” as you approach these latest Show models.
The upgraded displays for the Show 8 and 11 equip users with even more information when Alexa presents their favorite content.
For entertainment purposes, Amazon states these models include a revamped “media control center” for navigating music, podcasts, and books in their dedicated spaces. Alexa Plus introduces a Shopping widget that tracks your deliveries and more from Amazon, Whole Foods, and Amazon Fresh. You can interact with the display or ask Alexa for specifics regarding your orders. Alexa is even prepared to respond to questions about gift suggestions for others.
There is a significant update regarding the health and wellness features of the Show 8 and 11.
