Amazon releases Echo Input to provide ‘dumb’ speakers with Alexa

Amazon has announced the Echo Input, a puck with microphones that can be connected to any speaker, to give it support for the voice assistant Alexa. The company also comes with an update of its Echo Dot and Echo Plus.

The Echo Input is the first device in the Echo line that does not have its own speaker. The intention is that the small accessory is connected to existing speakers via a 3.5 mm connection or bluetooth. There are four microphones in the puck-like device for voice control. Amazon will release the Echo Input later this year, initially in the US, Germany and the UK. There will also be bundles with speakers, including from Bose. The price is $35.

In addition, there is a new version of the Echo Dot, the company’s small smart speaker. Amazon has increased the driver from 1.1″ to 1.6″ for better sound reproduction. In addition, the volume can be turned up and there is a new microphone set-up. Starting next month, Amazon will take orders, with the price remaining the same compared to the current Echo Dot.

The Echo Plus also gets an update, with better display and an equalizer function. The speaker can already serve as a hub and take care of the setup of smart home devices. In addition, local voice control is possible, so that basic functions such as switching the light off and on remain possible, even if the connection to the internet is lost. There is also a temperature sensor, for automatic adjustment of, for example, the air conditioning. The new Echo Plus will cost $150.