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
Echo Studio and Echo Dot Max
Joseph Maldonado/CNMET
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.
Echo Show
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