Podcast #916 New Echo Devices

Last week Amazon introduced a slew of new Echo based products. On today’s show we try to figure out when will Amazon take over the world! 

Release date October 16th with a street price of $99.99

Features

• Meet Echo - Echo (3rd Gen) has new premium speakers powered by Dolby to play 360° audio with crisp vocals and dynamic bass response.
• Enjoy premium sound - Personalize your listening experience by adjusting the equalizer settings. Or pair with a second Echo (3rd Gen) or Echo Plus (2nd Gen) for stereo sound.
• Voice control your music - Ask Alexa for a song, artist, or genre from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, and more. With multi-room music, play music on compatible Echo devices in different rooms.
• Voice control your smart home - Turn on lights, adjust thermostats, lock doors, and more with compatible connected devices.
• Keep your family in sync - Use your Alexa devices like an intercom and talk to any room in the house with Drop In and Announcements.
• Alexa has skills - With tens of thousands of skills and counting, Alexa is always getting smarter and adding new skills like tracking fitness, playing games, and more.
• Designed to protect your privacy - Built with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the mics.

Release date October 30th with a street price of $129.99

Features: 

• Immersive sound – Premium speaker drivers deliver crisp, dynamic audio. Bose Active Noise Reduction Technology and sealed in-ear design limits background noise.
• Hands-free with Alexa – Echo Buds work with the Alexa app to stream music, play Audible audiobooks, make calls, or get directions—just ask.
• Access other assistants – Supports access to Siri or Google Assistant from a supported device—just press and hold your earbud.
• Long-lasting battery – Get up to 5 hrs music playback per charge, up to 2 hrs with a 15-min quick charge, and up to 20 hrs with the charging case.
• Customizable fit for better sound – 3 sizes of ear tips help form a comfortable in-ear seal for immersive listening.
• Exercise ready – Sweat-resistant with a secure fit that’s made to move with you.
• Alexa is always getting smarter and adding new skills – Request a rideshare, get a guided workout, or order dinner, all hands-free.
• Designed to protect your privacy - Built with multiple layers of privacy protections and controls, including the ability to mute the mics with the Alexa app.

Release date November 14th with a street price of $24.99

Features: 

• Make any space a little smarter - This plug-in smart speaker lets you get help from Alexa in more places in your home.
• Alexa is always happy to help - Manage your day. Get instant information. Check weather and traffic on your way out.
• Voice control your smart home - Turn on lights, adjust thermostats, lock doors, and more with compatible connected devices.
• Built-in USB port - Charge your phone or add an optional accessory like a night-light or motion sensor.
• Connect with others - Drop in on or make announcements to other rooms that have a compatible Echo device. Call hands-free.
• Designed to protect your privacy - Built with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the mics.

Release date October 16th with a street price $59.99. The 3rd generation version of the dot without clock is currently available for $49.99 today.

Features: 

• Our most popular smart speaker - Now available with an LED display that can show the time, outdoor temperature, or timers.
• Perfect for your nightstand - Ask Alexa to set an alarm. Tap the top to snooze. The light sensor automatically adjusts the display’s brightness, day or night.
• Voice control your music - Stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Sirius XM, and others. You can also listen to audiobooks from Audible.
• Enjoy stereo sound - Pair with a second Echo Dot for rich, stereo sound. Fill your home with music with compatible Echo devices in different rooms.
• Ready to help - Ask Alexa to play music, answer questions, read the news, check the weather, set alarms, control compatible smart home devices, and more.
• Voice control your smart home - Turn on lights, adjust thermostats, lock doors, and more with compatible connected devices.
• Alexa has skills - With tens of thousands of skills and counting, Alexa is always getting smarter and adding new skills like tracking fitness, playing games, and more.
• Designed to protect your privacy - Built with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the mics.

Release date November 21st with a street price of $129.99

Features: 

• Alexa can show you more - With an 8" HD screen and stereo sound, Alexa can help manage your day at a glance.
• Be entertained - Ask Alexa to show you movie trailers, TV shows, movies, or the news. Or listen to radio stations, podcasts, and audiobooks.
• Connect with video calling and messaging - Call friends and family who have the Alexa app or an Echo device with a screen. Make announcements to other devices in your home.
• Control your smart home - Voice control compatible devices or manage them on the easy-to-use display. Ask Alexa to show you security cameras, control lights, and adjust thermostats.
• Make it yours - Show off your Amazon photo albums. Customize your home screen. Create morning routines to start your day.
• Made to fit your life - Cook along to step-by-step recipes. Easily update to-do lists and calendars. Glance at weather and traffic on your way out.
• Designed to protect your privacy - Electronically disconnect the microphones and camera with one press of a button. Slide the built-in shutter to cover the camera.

Available by invitation only with a street price of $179.99

Features:

• Meet Echo Frames - All-day glasses with hands-free access to Alexa.
• Just ask Alexa - Make calls, set reminders, add to your to-do lists, listen to podcasts, or control your smart home from anywhere.
• Designed for all-day wear - Echo Frames are lightweight and compatible with most prescription lenses.
• VIP Filter - Customize which notifications to receive from the contacts and apps that matter most to you.
• Thoughtful design - Amazon open-ear technology directs sound to your ears and minimizes what others can hear. And with no camera or display, you stay in the moment.
• Does even more - Supports access to Google Assistant from a compatible device.
• Designed for privacy - Microphones are designed to respond to the voice of the person wearing the frames and turn off with the double-press of a button.

Release date November 20th with a street price of $29.99

Features: 

• A smart lamp for kids - Pair with any compatible Alexa device to control color and brightness with your voice.
• Certified for Humans - Struggle-free, tinker-free, stress-free. No patience needed—it's actually simple.
• Make family routines colorful - Create lighting cues that help with counting down to dinnertime or setting a reading timer.
• Kids can create and choose - Give kids the freedom to add color and fun lighting while playing or listening to music.
• Unlock the magic of Rainbow Timer - As the colors of the rainbow change, kids get a visual reminder that can help morning and bedtime routines stay on track.

Available exclusively by invitation with a street price of $129.99

Features:

• Keep Alexa on hand - This smart ring is your shortcut to quick calls, fast answers, and bits of info that help you stay on top of your day.
• Help is just a click away - Ask Alexa to set reminders, add to lists, and control compatible smart home devices on the go.
• Connect to your top contact - Put them on speed dial for short, frequent conversations.
• Get info the moment you need it - Movie showtimes, quick calculations, and a world of knowledge are waiting.
• Made for real life - Echo Loop is scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and has an all-day battery.
• Designed to protect your privacy - Wake up Alexa by clicking the action button.