Today, Amazon held its second-annual hardware deluge. Like last year, the company had a lot to unveil. It revealed a slew of Echo devices, Alexa-powered wearables, Ring's first indoor security cam and a smart oven. The company also shared Alexa updates -- like the voice assistant's ability to impersonate celebrities.
Echo Show 8
Starting today, consumers in the US can pre-order the new 8-inch Echo Show 8 ($129.99). It combines the same screen and sound capabilities of the Echo Show with the camera shutter and form factor of the Echo Show 5.
Echo Studio
Amazon's new Echo Studio ($199.99) promises to deliver immersive audio -- it's available for pre-order today. You'll recognize the cloth-covered aesthetic, but it packs better sound than previous models. It has 3D audio (thanks to Dolby Atmos) and is meant to better compete with the likes of Sonos.
If you're not ready to spend $200, you may be happy to hear that the base model Echo ($99) now has essentially the same audio features as the Echo Plus.
Echo Dot
Amazon's big plan for the Echo Dot ($59.99) appears to be turning it into an alarm clock. The fourth-generation Dot will display the time -- plus extras like temperature and alarm times -- on its side, and you'll be able to snap it to snooze. Pre-orders open today.
Echo Glow
If you prefer nightlights over alarm clocks, Amazon has you covered with the Echo Glow ($29.99). The device is a ball of light that can change color, dance in rhythm with music or flicker like a campfire. It's available for pre-order beginning today.
Echo Earbuds
The Echo Earbuds ($129.99) appear to be an Alexa-powered alternative to Apple's Airpods. The true wireless earbuds add active noise reduction from Bose, and they're available to preorder today.
Echo Frames and Loop
You can now take Alexa with you, thanks to Echo Frames and Echo Loop -- Alexa-enabled glasses and a ring. Amazon is just testing the waters and will release a limited number of invite-only devices to get feedback before going all in on production. To start, the Frames will cost $179.99 and the Loop is listed for $129.99.
Echo Flex
Amazon also introduced Echo Flex ($24.99), a small plug-in device that adds Alexa to any outlet. Users will be able to purchase add-on accessories like a motion sensor and smart night light.
Ring Indoor Cam
In addition to Echo updates, Amazon unveiled its first indoor security camera, aptly named Ring Indoor Cam ($59.99). Its design is compact and non-intrusive, and it's affordable.
Alexa Updates
- Amazon's new auto-delete feature for Alexa will let users automatically erase video recordings. Users can choose to delete footage every three or 18 months.
- Amazon's neural text-to-speech tech is now so advanced it can mimic celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson. Later this year, users will be able to purchase imitation voices (for $0.99) that will stand-in for the standard Alexa options.
- In multilingual homes, Alexa will soon be able to switch between languages.
Parental Controls
Amazon will allow parents to designate who children can talk to through their Echo. It's also bringing FreeTime to EchoShow.
Amazon Smart Oven
One curveball to come out of today's event was the Amazon Smart Oven, a combination microwave, convection oven, air fryer and food warmer. Every Smart Oven ($249.99) will come with a free Echo Dot, so you can set cook times with Alexa and be alerted when your food is finished cooking.
You might even put it to use while watching Food Network Kitchen programming through your other Amazon devices.
Amazon Sidewalk
Amazon Sidewalk is a dongle meant to keep low-powered, low-bandwidth devices connected even when they're just beyond your WiFi range. It's meant to help developers come up with gadgets that can be used farther from your router -- like in the garden or your driveway.
Eero
Finally, as another boost to WiFi, Amazon unveiled Eero ($99). For under $100, the mesh WiFi system will ensure stronger WiFi around the house. And if features a number of Alexa voice-controlled features.
Follow all the latest news from Amazon's 2019 hardware event here!
