Amazon has announced a number of new Echo smart speaker and Alexa-enabled devices as the company continues to expand the number of places users can interact with the virtual assistant.
Here is a closer look at all the new devices which are coming to the UK.
– Echo Buds
The first Alexa product to be completely wireless and hands-free, Echo Buds have been developed alongside audio firm Bose.
They include Bose’s Active Noise Reduction Technology to cut down on ambient noise and have built-in microphones.
These can then be used to wake Alexa just by saying “Alexa” and request music as well as information about your schedule, the weather or other requests such as ordering an Uber.
Amazon also confirmed the Buds can also be used to access other virtual assistants – including the Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri depending on your type of connected smartphone – by tapping and holding one of the Buds.
The Buds will go on sale later this year for £119.99.
– Echo Studio
The major new smart speaker in the Echo line-up, Studio is Amazon’s rival to Apple’s HomePod as a speaker for audiophiles.
The £189.99 Studio comes with five built-in directional speakers, which enable 3D audio – so the sound appears to be coming from all around the listener – using Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio.
It can also support high definition audio playback and be paired with some Fire TV devices to work with sound from video playback.
– Echo Dot With Clock
What Amazon says is its most popular Echo device now comes with an LED display built into the mesh side of the device which displays the time.
The tech giant says it has found one of the most common queries Alexa receives is around the time or how long is left on a timer – the display on the new Dot is designed to change that.
The display will also automatically adjust depending on the brightness of the room. It will go on sale later this year for £59.99.
– Echo Flex
Designed to be a new, affordable way to introduce or expand Alexa around the home, the Echo Flex is a small box containing a speaker and microphone that fits directly into a plug socket and requires no extra wires.
It can then be used to put queries to the virtual assistant, and Amazon has also included a USB port so it can be used to charge a smartphone.
The £24.99 device will also support attachable accessories including a motion sensor and night light, which can be voice-controlled and offer smart home functionality to users.
– Echo Show 8
Similar to the existing 10-inch screen Echo Show and the five-inch Echo Show 5, the Echo Show 8 is a further size option for those seeking a smart hub which includes a screen.
It too will go on sale later this year, for £119.99.
– All-new Echo
The original Amazon Echo has been been given an update on the outside with a fabric casing, and on the inside with an improved speaker for better audio output.
It will remain at the same price, however – £89.99.
