From eyeglasses to ring, these are Amazon's new Alexa-powered devices
Amazon is taking on Google and Apple like never before! The company recently hosted an Alexa-centered event in the US and unveiled a ton of new hardware, including five new Echo speakers and displays for home, a fancy Alexa-powered ring and a pair of eyeglasses. Let's take a look at everything the Jeff Bezos-owned company put on display.
Famous smart speakers Echo Dot and Echo refreshed
Amazon's famous smart speakers have been given nifty updates. The smaller Echo Dot now comes with an always-on LED clock, which can double up as an alarm, timer or temperature display, while Echo now packs the sound technology of Echo Plus speaker and sports new cover colors. The price of Echo remains unchanged at $99 but Echo Dot will now ship at $60.
New Echo Studio
For music lovers, Amazon unveiled Echo Studio, the higher-end version of the Echo, at $199. The high-end speaker goes against the likes of Google Nest Max and offers immersive 3D sound with Dolby Atmos and five drivers, one downward-facing 5.25-inch woofer, one front-firing tweeter and three speakers aimed at different directions. To note, Echo Studio also optimizes audio according to your room.
Echo Show 8
Then, there is Echo Show 8 - a smart display, which is a tad smaller than the flagship 10-inch version but bigger than the base Echo Show 5. It sports an 8-inch HD display and a built-in camera for letting users watch videos and call their loved ones. It is priced at $130, and it comes with a shutter to cover the camera.
Tiny Echo Flex
Beyond speakers and displays capable of playing music, making calls, Amazon is also bringing Alexa in a smaller avatar called Echo Flex. This $25 device is a tiny smart speaker that can plug into any wall socket, letting you trigger Alexa to control smart devices or serve news, weather updates. Its audio isn't that powerful but is loud enough for you to interact.
Echo buds
After a bunch of Echo devices for Home, Amazon unveiled portable products aimed at bringing Alexa outdoors. The first in this category is a pair of truly wireless 'Echo buds' that costs $130 and goes straight against Apple AirPods. They offer access to Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant with quality sound, ambient noise cancellation, and a dedicated passthrough mode to hear what's happening outside.
Echo Frames and Loop
Amazon is also hoping to bring Alexa to your eyes and fingertips with a pair of smart eyeglasses, called Echo Frames, and a ring dubbed Echo Loop. Both invite-only devices feature micro speakers and mics, letting you trigger and interact with Alexa on the go or answer calls from friends. The glasses can be purchased at $180, while the ring comes at $130.
Echo microwave and Echo Glow
Among other things, Amazon also showcased an updated avatar of its Alexa-powered Echo microwave. Priced at $249, the appliance now gets a convection oven as well as an air fryer, and food warmer. Notably, the company also debuted a $30 priced Echo glow smart nightlight.
