Amazon’s new line of Echo devices, launched at its event in New York City, will feature Alexa Plus integration, upgraded functionality and sound quality.
The lineup includes four speakers: the Echo Dot Max ($100), Echo Studio ($220), Echo Show 8 ($180), and Echo Show 11 ($220).
The new range is designed to be used with Alexa Plus, the company’s AI upgrade to Alexa. The speakers include the new AZ3 Pro chips, while the Dot Max uses the AZ3, which enables the new “AI Accelerator” for compatibility with future AI models.
Also read: Everything Announced at Amazon’s Product-Packed September Event
@cnetdotcom For those who want somewhat smaller sound, the Echo Dot Max ($100) is launching alongside the Studio, a smaller, more affordable brother device that has 3x more bass than the previous Echo Dot. #echodotmax #amazonecho #smarthome #smartspeaker #tech ♬ original sound – Ian Asher
Echo Studio and Echo Dot Max
The biggest surprise in the new range is the Echo Studio, an update to 2019’s flagship smart speaker. Amazon says its new Echo Studio is 40% smaller than the original, but it’s also very similar in size to the 2020 Echo. The new Studio boasts “premium audio,” including Dolby Atmos capability, and comes in a spherical design with a 3D knitted cover for better sound.
Meanwhile, the Echo Dot Max ($100) comes with an improved microphone array and can now detect the chosen wake-word up to 50% better.
At the event, the company showed off the new Alexa Home Theater mode, which lets you connect up to five Echo Dot Max or Echo Studio to your Fire TV for surround sound. Interestingly, the system can add a subwoofer, but the existing Echo Sub is no longer available.
See the new Echo range at Amazon
Echo Show
The new Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 feature Omnisense — also available on the new Fire TVs — for detecting when you’re in the room and displaying relevant content.
Amazon says the new displays use “negative liquid crystal design” and improve clarity in bright and dimly lit rooms. The Show screens come with a 13-megapixel camera onboard, front-facing stereo speakers and a custom woofer for spatial audio.
The screens will let you scan your Ring and Blink cameras, as well as watch curated “highlights” of past video feeds. The demo that CNET saw included a “Wildlife” feed of deer playing in front of the camera, as well as others like “Halloween” and “Summer.”
The new Echo devices are available for pre-order today, and US customers will receive Alexa Plus Early Access. The Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio will be available on Oct. 29, while the new Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 will go on sale on Nov. 12.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new Echo speaker without a screen (since 2023’s Echo Dot), so look out for reviews of the new range soon.