New Alexa-powered gadgets are up for sale

Amazon has unveiled a slew of new Alexa-powered smart devices at various price points. First up is the Amazon Echo second generation speaker which now comes in six different colours – Charcoal Fabric, Heather Gray Fabric, Oak Finish, Sandstone Fabric, Silver Finish, and Walnut Finish. It will be powered by AI assistant Alexa, who can be commanded to perform functions like playing music, make calls, set alarms and reminders, among others. The new Echo comes with Dolby-powered speakers and 360-degree omnidirectional audio output. It is also equipped with seven microphones, which will make it easier to command Alexa while playing music.

The Echo Plus is a smart home hub powered by Alexa that can control smart products at home like lights, thermostats, locks, garage doors, and more. One variant of the Echo Plus is available with a Philips Hue bulb as well. Rest apart, the Echo Plus is also equipped with Dolby speakers and seven microphones.

The alarm-clock like Echo Spot is the newest and smallest kid on the shelf, with a small 2.5-inch screen and a camera that can show video flash briefings, music lyrics, and weather forecasts. The Echo Spot can also be used to control your smart home products via Alexa.

Then there’s the Echo Connect, which is a set-top-box shaped device that connects your landline to other Echo products. The new Fire TV supports 4K Ultra HD up to 60 frames per second and also comes with support for HDR as well as Dolby ATMOS audio.

Prices for the second generation Echo start at $99 (approximately Rs 6,600), Echo Plus at $150 (approximately Rs 9,900), Echo Spot alarm clock at $130 (approximately Rs 8,600), a new Fire TV at $70 (approximately Rs 4,700) and the Echo Connect at $35 (approximately Rs 2,300).

(source)