With a range of new products, Amazon is trying to get its Alexa assistant into more areas of your home. While Amazon's loudspeakers are getting better, the tech giant also wants you to entice you with new gadgets like smart rings and glasses – all with Alexa built in.
Just in time for the Christmas sales bump, Amazon has introduced more than a dozen new devices, all with its digital assistant Alexa on board.
In addition to updates to favourites like the Echo loudspeakers, there are few newcomers. For some products, it's still unclear if and when they'll go on sale outside of North America. But for now, here are the most striking ways Amazon imagines you will use Alexa
- Smart rings and smart glasses: Amazon is releasing a limited edition of two experimental devices in the United States: a smart pair of glasses and a smart ring.
At first glance, the Echo Frames looks like an ordinary pair of glasses, albeit with slightly thicker frames and and a higher price tag (about US$180 or RM753).
With microphones and tiny loudspeakers embedded in the frames, these spectacles allow you to communicate with Alexa at all times, but get used to having to recharge your glasses.
The Ring Echo Loop brings a similar functionality to your finger. After pushing a button to activate Alexa, you just hold the ring up to your mouth to ask the assistant a question. Costing US$130 (RM544), you can get the ring in four sizes, all carrying a 0.9mm loudspeaker.
- Echo, but better: The sound quality of Amazon's Echo loudspeakers has long been smiled at by audiophiles. But just a few days after launching high-definition audio for its music streaming service, Amazon is now matching that quality with loudspeaker that should also convince more demanding listeners.
The Echo Studio offers three mid-range drivers for spatial sound, directed to the sides and upwards. It also supports the Dolby Atmos format for three-dimensional sound. At around US$200 (RM837), the price is lower than that of many competitors in this league.
- Echo, but cheaper: The classic Echo models – the cylindrical Echo for around US$100 (RM419) and the Echo Show display version for around US$130 – are also getting updates.
The small loudspeaker puck Echo Dot is now available with an integrated digital clock display for around US$70 (RM293), while the Echo Flex, now the cheapest Echo loudspeaker for around US$30 (RM126), can be plugged straight into the socket and even expanded with additional modules such as a motion sensor or night light.
- Alexa in your ears: So far, Alexa's range is mostly limited to the four walls of your home. But now, Amazon wants you to take it with you in the wireless earphones Echo Buds. The earbuds are also come with noise cancelling from hi-fi specialist Bose.
The earphones should run for five hours on a single battery charge, and the case should have enough juice for 20 hours. At US$130, the price in the United States is lower than for many comparable competitor models.
- Cheaper home security: Amazon subsidiary Ring has launched an indoor security camera for less than US$60 (RM251). But with HD video, night vision, intercom and motion-activated functions, it can also compete with more expensive rivals. Expect to see it launch in Europe and other countries outside the United States in the first half of 2020.
- Alexa, reheat this coffee: A year ago, the first microwave with Alexa voice control left people scratching their heads and wondering if they really needed to be speaking to their kitchen appliances. Now Amazon is doubling down: For US$250 (RM1,047), you now get a combo of microwave and oven, which will scan food packaging barcodes to guess the preparation time.
- A night light you can talk to: Costing around US$30, this small, round lamp lets you do things like change the colour and set a light alarm with your voice. The Echo Glow smart lamp is primarily intended for children's rooms. – dpa
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