Four new Amazon Echo devices are set to launch later this month. The company announced this in a press release and explained that in addition to “even more choice and utility at affordable prices”, further features with generative AI are to be added to the smart home assistants over the course of the year. In addition to a new generation of the Echo Show 5 including the associated Kids Edition – the first of its kind in Germany – there are two completely new series in the portfolio with the Echo Pop and the Echo Auto.
Amazon Echo Pop: Small speaker with Alexa
The Amazon Echo Pop is a new mini speaker that the company claims is powered by the latest AZ2 Neural Edge processor. The speaker itself is described as a “directional, forward-firing” speaker, but without going into more detail about the technical details – only a good sound is promised. Based on the price of 54.99 euros, the sound level of the Amazon Echo Pop should be below the more expensive Echo Dot.
The new Echo Pop is offered by Amazon in four different color variations. Source: Amazon
Amazon Echo Show 5: For the first time with Kids Edition
The first generation of the Echo Show 5 is already a few years old – accordingly, Amazon is giving the in-house smart display a fresh cell treatment. The AZ2 Neural Edge processor is also used here, with which the company promises “up to 20 percent faster” performance. In addition, the speakers have been revised and now deliver twice as much bass and an “even clearer sound” if required. With new microphones, the Alexa voice control should be able to react even faster. As an RRP, Amazon estimates a price of 109.99 euros for the new Echo Show 5.
If you want to provide your little ones with the Echo Show 5, you can do this with the specially designed Kids Edition – so far there has not been a smart display from Amazon designed for children in Germany. In addition to the space design, the company offers a one-year free subscription to the Kids+ subscription, which offers unlimited access to countless games, books and apps suitable for children. In case of doubt, Amazon promises a “two-year worry-free guarantee” for the Echo Show 5 Kids, which is intended to cover damage free of charge. For parents, on the other hand, there should always be “transparency and control over their children’s experience”, for which the associated dashboard is responsible. Amazon sets the price for the Echo Show 5 Kids Edition at 119.99 euros.
For the first time in Germany, the Echo Show is also available in a version designed for children. Source: Amazon
Amazon Echo Auto: smart home helper for the car
Also new is the second generation of the mini speaker Echo Auto, which at first glance represents a step backwards: Only five instead of eight microphones as in the predecessor are installed here. However, Amazon itself promises that all Alexa voice commands can be recognized well despite street noise or the air conditioner running. In general, a connection to a smartphone is required, so users can access and control all the smart home functions of the classic Echo devices on the go. The Echo Auto 2, which is available for EUR 69.99, can also be used to play music and podcasts and to create to-do lists or calendar entries.
The Echo Auto is designed to bring all the benefits of smart speakers into the vehicle. Source: Amazon Generally speaking, Amazon talks about its Echo devices with Alexa as “familiar and personal AI”, which models have now sold more than half a billion units; usage has thus increased by more than 35 percent compared to the previous year. In principle, all newly introduced Echo models can be pre-ordered from today, and delivery is scheduled to begin this month – with the exception of the Echo Auto 2, which will be shipped from today.
