Amazon Introduces Echo Subwoofer, Smart Plug and Amplifier Echo Link Amp
Amazon announced new Echo devices on Thursday, including the Echo Sub and two Link models for audio devices. In addition, a Smart Plug and a new Echo Show will appear.
Amazon faces fierce competition for its Alexa voice assistant, particularly from Google Assistant, and launched a fall offensive on Thursday, making a series of announcements around Echo and Alexa. In addition to the Echo Input and renewed Dot and Plus, for example, the Echo Sub appears. This is a cylindrical 100W speaker with 6″ woofer, which can be coupled with one or two Echo or Echo Plus speakers for a 1.1 or 2.1 set-up. In that capacity, the Sub will mainly provide an alternative for the Apple HomePod and Google Home Max, the price is $130.
The Link and Link Amp are intended to connect existing music installations with existing Echos and associated functionality for music control, although they can also be controlled with the Alexa app. The Link Amp contains a 60W amplifier and costs 300 euros, the Link 200 euros. It will no longer be necessary for a user to have an Echo for multi-room support: third-party speakers can also be included in a single group from autumn.
More than a year ago, Amazon introduced the Echo Show, a smart speaker with a screen. That device received an update on Thursday. For example, the 7″ screen has been enlarged to a 10″ variant and the screen now takes up the entire front. There are 2″ drivers for the audio playback and new apps are coming, including those for Skype and Firefox. The price is $230.
Amazon is also entering the smart outlet market with the $25 Smart Plug. The smart power strip with Alexa support should distinguish itself with Wi-Fi Simple Setup, which should allow easy installation.
To bring its Alexa service to a multitude of products including kitchen appliances, Amazon has developed the Alexa Connect Kit, a low-cost module with software and support for WiFi and Bluetooth LE. One of the first products is an Amazon microwave, which costs $60 and is optimized for voice control. In addition, there is the $30 Echo Wall Clock. The Echo allows users to set timers, alarms and reminders on the wall clock.