Amazon is expanding in the smart home market, turning its Echo smart speaker into a hub to control smart home devices. It also introduced a new, cheaper version of the Echo speaker.
The Echo Plus is a hub to connect smart home devices using the ZigBee protocol. It runs Amazon's digital assistant Alexa, so users just need to say 'Alexa, discover my devices' in order to find and connect compatible sensors, lights, plugs and other smart devices in the home. To get started, Amazon is offering a free Philips Hue smart lightbulb with the purchase of the Echo Plus in an introductory offer.
In addition to serving as a smart home hub, the Echo Plus works as a smart speaker, the same as the original Echo. It will sell for USD 150/EUR 150/GBP 140, with pre-orders open now and shipping next month.
Amazon also introduced Alexa Routines for the new hub. This allows users to automate a series of actions using a single voice command to Alexa. For example, say 'Alexa, good night,' and Alexa will turn off the lights, lock the door, and turn off the TV. The routines work with devices certified as 'Works with Amazon Alexa', including products from brands such as TP-Link, Philips Hue and Wemo.
Smaller speakers
The new Echo is smaller and designed to be placed around the home in each room. It comes in a range of wood and fabric finishes and with improved sound compared to the original Echo, according to Amazon. It will sell for USD 100/EUR 100/GBP 90, less than its predecessor.
Amazon also added the new model Echo Spot, with a smaller size like the Echo Dot and the addition of a circular display like the Echo Show. Amazon markets it as a smart clock radio that fits well in a bedroom or kitchen, where the device can deliver info such as weather, lists or short videos. The Spot also has a camera to support video calls. It will cost USD 130 and start shipping from December in the US and next year in the UK and Germany.
More calling
In addition, Amazon is expanding the calling functions on the Echo. It now offers free outbound calling to numbers in the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as the option to link to the home phone line.
With the new Echo Connect accessory, users can turn an Echo into a hands-free speakerphone for the home phone line. Echo Connect means the existing home phone service (landline or VoIP) can be controlled with Alexa voice commands, including calling contacts, announcing callers and picking up calls. It works over Wi-Fi and a home phone jack or VoIP adapter and is set up using the Alexa app on a mobile phone. Echo Connect costs USD 34.99 and will be available later this year in the US and next year in the UK and Germany.
Fire TV udpate
Finally, Amazon is also updating its Fire TV media box. The new version comes with 4K, HDR and the Alexa Voice Remote. It features a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, dual-band Wi-Fi, 2GB of memory and 8 GB of storage in a new design.
The new Fire TV will sell for USD 70/EUR 80/GBP 70 and start shipping in the US 25 October. For a limited time, customers can get the new Fire TV and Echo Dot together for USD 80 or the Fire TV Stick and Echo Dot for USD 60. Customers buying a Fire TV by 15 November also receive two months free of Hulu (Limited or No Commercials), a one month trial of Showtime and a USD 10 credit to rent or buy content from Amazon Video.
Amazon also announced that the larger Echo Show with full display is launching in Germany and the UK. It sells for GBP 200/EUR 220 and will start shipping from 16 November.
