The Amazon Echo has become a centerpiece in the modern home. Now that I’ve had one for close to a year, I can’t imagine living without it. The functionality of playing whatever song I want whenever I ask is itself a game-changer.
Since coming out with the Echo three years ago, Amazon has steadily released more and more Echo products, which utilize the virtual assistant Alexa to help you with whatever you need. So far, they’ve come out with the Echo Dot, the Amazon Tap, the Echo Show and the Echo Look. On Wednesday, in a surprise event, they announced six new Echo products. This includes an updated version of the Echo, which is smaller, with a better Dolby speaker, and comes in various designs (such as fabric-covered and wood-finished). It also includes the Echo Plus (which turns your home into a smart home by automatically connecting to smart appliances), the Echo Connect (which turns any Echo into a speakerphone), and Echo Buttons (which turn your Echo into a party game). The new product that I’m most excited about, by far, is the Echo Spot. It is a small alarm clock speaker that also functions as a videophone. I am pre-ordering mine right now to put in my bedroom.
Here are all the new Echo products Amazon announced:
The all-new Echo will be released on October 31, but you can pre-order today. It is available in 6 different designs (Photo via Amazon)
Pre-order the All-New Echo with improved sound, powered by Dolby and a new design — $99.99
The Echo Plus has a built-in smart home hub. It will be released on October 31, but can be pre-ordered today (Photo via Amazon)
Pre-order the Echo Plus — $149.99
The Echo Spot is an alarm clock speaker that makes video calls. Will be released on December 19, but can be pre-ordered today (Photo via Amazon)
Pre-order the Echo Spot — $129.99
The all-new Fire TV will be released on October 25, but it can be pre-ordered today (Photo via Amazon)
Pre-order All-New Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa Voice Remote — $69.99
The Echo Connect turns any Echo device into a speaker-phone. It will be released on December 13, but can be pre-ordered today (Photo via Amazon)
Pre-order the Echo Connect — $34.99
Echo Buttons allow you to play party games with your Echo device (Photo via Amazon)
Echo Buttons are not yet available for pre-order. They will cost $19.99.