Posted Thu Sep 20, 2018 at 02:05 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
The company has unveiled its latest lineup of gadgets.
Amazon detailed its newest collection of Echo devices. The lineup includes the new Echo Dot, Echo Input, Echo Sub, Echo Link Amp, Echo Plus, Echo Show, and Echo Auto, along with the Fire TV Recast.
"We want you to have access to Alexa everywhere—in your kitchen, in your living room, in your office, and now in your car or truck," said Tom Taylor, Senior Vice President, Amazon Alexa. "Today, we're excited to expand the number of ways that customers can add Alexa to their homes and their vehicles, so they can use Alexa to make their lives more convenient and easy—whether it’s asking for the traffic on your drive home, checking your email in the morning, or simply saying ‘Alexa, good night’ to turn off your lights and lock your door."
The Fire TV Recast is a companion OTA DVR that allows users to receive and record free HD over the air broadcasts via a connected digital antenna without any kind of monthly fee. Live OTA content and recordings can then be streamed wirelessly from the device to other compatible Fire products, including Fire TV, Echo Show, and supported Fire tablet and smartphone models. Fire TV Recast can stream on two devices at the same time, and includes Alexa voice capabilities via a separate Alexa-enabled product.
"We are focused on making Fire TV an easy way to watch all the entertainment you love, whether it’s through streaming video services, cable and satellite providers, or even local broadcast stations," said
The Fire TV Recast is now available for pre-order in 500 GB ($230) or 1 TB ($280) models. The 500 GB version includes two tuners and offers support for up to 75 hours of HD recording and the ability to record up to two programs at once. Meanwhile, the 1 TB version includes four tuners and offers support for up to 150 hours of HD recording and the ability to record up to four programs at once. Units are expected to start shipping on November 14.
The third generation Echo Dot smart speaker with Alexa features a new fabric exterior design, along with an improved mic array, and a larger 1.6" driver for better sound and less distortion. Likewise, the power output has been increased, allowing for a 70 percent increase in volume.
Pre-orders for the updated Echo Dot are now live for $50. Units are available in Charcoal, Heather Gray, and Sandstone variants. Shipments are expected to go out on October 11.
The new second generation Echo Plus features improved sound with premium speakers powered by Dolby and an equalizer feature to adjust bass and treble through voice control. Likewise, the device includes a smart home hub and the ability to setup smart devices by asking, "Alexa, discover my devices." In addition, a temperature sensor is integrated as well, allowing users to program actions based on how hot or cool it is in a room.
Pre-orders for the new Echo Plus are now live for $150. Units are set to launch on October 11.
The new second generation Echo Show features an updated design with a larger 10" HD screen, fabric back panel, a 5MP camera, and an 8-mic array. In addition, the device offers improved stereo sound with dual, side-firing 2" Neodymium drivers, a passive bass radiator, and Dolby processing
"Customers tell us they love the convenience of being able to ask Alexa to show them things," said
Pre-orders for the new Echo Show are now live for $230 with orders set to start shipping on October 11.
The Echo Input is designed to add Alexa voice control to existing speakers through a 3.5mm audio cable or Bluetooth connection. The device itself measures just 12.5mm tall and includes a four-microphone array.
An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the Echo Input will be available later this year for $35.
The Echo Sub is a 6" down-firing, 100W subwoofer designed for use with Echo devices. The sub can be paired with one Echo or Echo Plus for a 1.1 configuration or two of the same Echo devices for 2.1 stereo sound.
Pre-orders for the Echo Sub are now available for $130. A bundle with two Echo speakers is also available for $250.
The Echo Link is designed to work with a user's existing speaker setup by connecting to a receiver or amplifier, adding the ability to control music selection, volume, and multi-room playback via a separate Echo device or the Alexa app. In addition, an Echo Link Amp model will also be available with an integrated 60W 2-channel amplifier of its own.
Amazon's Echo Link ($200) and Echo Link Amp ($300) will both be available later this year.
Finally, the Echo Auto allows users to add Alexa to their car or truck by connecting to the Alexa app on a smartphone, offering support for music, navigation, calling, and more. The device features an eight-microphone array designed for in-car noise and can connect to a vehicle stereo system via a 3.5 mm audio jack or Bluetooth connection. Meanwhile, the unit can be powered by a car's 12V power outlet or USB port.
Invitation-only pre-orders are now available for the Echo Auto for a special reduced price of $25.
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