Amazon has launched a new Alexa for Shopping feature that lets users text the AI assistant to place orders, request reorders, or search for gifts, including by sending photos for product matches. The feature is currently available to select US customers who sign up, with a broader rollout planned in coming weeks. Alexa can also track pricing history, set sale alerts, and report delivery status via text, with requests syncing to the Amazon Shopping app and website.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-06
Amazon announced a new feature letting select U.S. customers text its Alexa AI assistant to search for products, add items to cart, compare prices, check order status and complete purchases using natural language. Customers can also send photos of items or outfits to find similar products, and Amazon says Alexa will learn preferences over time to suggest items. Access is currently limited, with others able to join a waitlist ahead of a broader rollout in coming weeks.
techcrunch.com
· 2026-11-06
Amazon is expanding Alexa for Shopping with a texting feature that lets users describe or photograph items they want to buy, after which Alexa searches Amazon listings, replies with recommendations, and can place the order. The feature, which appears as a contact called 'Amazon Alexa' in a phone's messages, began rolling out to a small group of US customers today and will reach more users in coming weeks.
theverge.com
· 2026-11-06
Amazon has disabled Alexa voice commands like "Alexa, play from line in" and "Alexa, set AUX input" on several older Echo models, including the second-gen Echo Plus, third-gen Echo, original Echo Studio and fourth-gen Echo. Amazon confirmed the change and said it notified a small number of affected customers, but did not explain why the feature was removed. Users can still physically plug in AUX cables and toggle the input via the Alexa app.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-01
Amazon has released the Echo Show 16, a 16-inch smart display priced at $500 or $570 depending on configuration, positioned as a family hub with color-coded calendars, to-do lists and meal planning tools. Amazon says the device offers 10% more viewing area than the Echo Show 15 while having a frame nearly 40% thinner, and it can also function as a smart home control hub.
zdnet.com
· 2026-10-30
Ikea has cut $20 off its donut-shaped Varmblixt smart lamp, bringing it to $79.99 until November 11th. The 180-lumen lamp offers 12 preset colors and can be controlled via an included wireless remote without needing an app or hub, while also supporting Matter for integration with Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-29
Amazon has rolled out more than 100 new shopping capabilities for Alexa, letting users manage lists, adjust subscription delivery frequency, update delivery instructions, and resolve payment issues through voice commands. Users can also ask Alexa questions about Prime and Audible subscriptions and billing problems. Amazon said use of its agentic shopping features has grown eightfold since the start of the year, with over 400 million people using Alexa for shopping in the past 12 months.
techcrunch.com
· 2026-10-29
Amazon has rolled out more than 100 new shopping-related features to Alexa ahead of the holiday season, letting users create and manage lists, adjust subscription frequency, update delivery instructions, and resolve billing or payment issues through voice commands. Shoppers can also ask Alexa questions about their Prime and Audible subscriptions. Amazon says agentic feature usage has grown eightfold since January, with over 400 million people using Alexa for shopping in the past year.
techcrunch.com
· 2026-10-29
Amazon has officially announced the Echo Show 16, a 16-inch smart display with integrated Fire TV, available for preorder now and shipping later this year. The standard version costs $500 while a Nanomatte anti-glare model costs $570, with a $100 preorder discount code offered on Amazon's product page; stands cost $70 or $125 separately. The device adds a 13-megapixel wide-angle camera with night vision, upgraded audio, and new 'Screen Styles' modes for use as a family organizer, smart home dashboard, or photo frame.
zdnet.com
· 2026-10-28
Amazon unveiled a new Echo Studio speaker variant that adds a built-in 13-megapixel camera, otherwise matching the specs of last year's Echo Studio including its woofer, four microphones and AZ3 Pro processor. The camera lets users remotely view their space through the Alexa app and gives the Alexa Plus assistant visual context, with future support planned for video calls via compatible Fire TV devices. The camera-free Echo Studio remains available alongside the new model.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-28
Amazon unveiled a sixth-generation Echo Dot that integrates a smart home hub and a built-in eero Wi-Fi extender claimed to add 1,000 square feet of coverage. The speaker runs on Amazon's AZ3 chip, adds a combined temperature/presence sensor, a fourth microphone, and 50% more bass than the prior model. It starts shipping today priced at $99.99.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-10-28
Amazon introduced its next-generation Echo Dot, which now includes a built-in Eero Wi-Fi extender capable of adding up to 1,000 square feet of network coverage, alongside new Echo Show, Echo Time, and Alexa Photo Frame devices. The updated Dot also functions as a smart home hub, using Amazon's new AZ3 chip and AI accelerator for faster on-device processing, improved microphones, Voice ID recognition, and 50% more bass than the previous model. It is available for purchase now at $100.
zdnet.com
· 2026-10-28
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