Amazon has launched a range of new voice-activated Echo devices at a hardware event in Seattle, including a connected amplifier, camera, clock and microwave, while introducing revamped versions of its Echo Show smart home hub and Echo Dot speakers. The new smart home lineup includes a USD 60 Amazon Basics microwave with Alexa voice controls and Dash button functionality, a USD 180 Ring security camera, a USD 50 Echo Auto hands-free dashcam device, a USD 30 wall clock, a USD 25 Echo Smart plug and a USD 300 connected amplifier called Echo Link Amp with a built-in 60W 2-channel amplifier to improve sound quality.
The company also unveiled new versions of Alexa-powered Echo Dot, Echo Plus and Echo Show devices. The latter now comes with a 10-inch HD display, a built-in smart home hub and an improved speaker system thanks to dual side-firing 2-inch Neodymium drivers. It also has support for either Amazon's Silk browser or Firefox as well as new integrations with Hulu, NBC and Vevo, plus the Amazon Ring doorbell camera so you can see who’s at the door. The new Echo Show is available for pre-order now and will ship in October for USD 230.
The new USD 50 Echo Dot speaker, meanwhile, comes with a revamped curved shape and fabric finish and is over 70 percent louder, said Amazon. The refreshed Echo Plus speaker also features an all-new fabric design as well as a built-in Zigbee hub and a larger 63.5mm Neodymium woofer for deeper bass and increased back volume. It costs USD 150 and will be available later this year.
