Typically Amazon throws a big event in the Fall to show off the newest versions of their in-home products. Today, the company revealed updates to not only the Alexa but introduced some major new players as well.
Amazon Echo has been a giant Coke can for too long, now the device is evolving into a sphere. The new, larger spherical design allows the device to use a new larger speaker and it even features premium adaptive sound. It’s also powered by an AZ1 neural edge processor that promises to be 20 times more power-efficient than the Echo Dot 3rd generation and provide two times faster speech processing. The new Echo Dot also features Zigbee and Bluetooth Low Energy and it’s available now for $99.
The Echo Dot is also getting a geometric makeover. Its new rounded shape features a simple LED clock display for $49 or without it for $39.
Ring home doorbell systems are now set to protect your car. The Ring Car Alarm is a small device that plugs into your automobile’s OBD-II port and once connected it adds intelligent sensors and another set of sirens to your car’s built-in alarm. Additionally, it connects with Amazon Sidewalk to help you locate your car in situations where you’ve forgotten where you parked it or it’s been stolen. The Ring Car Alarm retails for $59.
For anyone who already has in-car cameras, there’s also a new API system. The Ring Car Connect is primarily compatible with Tesla’s S, 3, X, and Y models, but Amazon plans to push its API to all car manufacturers. Ring Car Connect is also a service that will cost $199.
If you want to add a bit of surveillance to your car alarm, the rin Car Cam is the perfect thing for you. Additionally, the Ring Car Cam includes siren and emergency crash assistance. The Ring Car Cam retails for $199.
Amazon is also producing new mesh Wi-Fi routers ready to support the new 6 era. The eero 6 will retail for $129 and the eero Pro 6 will go for $229.
Why not have your own ED 209. Amazon is one step closer to the in-home security dream with a drone that will patrol inside your home when you’re away. The Ring Always Home Cam also has sound and motion sensors, though there’s no word on battery life yet. The Ring Always Home Cam will retail for $249. We can’t wait for the minigun mounted version.
Featuring better sound hardware, the new Echo Show also features a 10-inch screen and 13MP camera. Additionally, the new design incorporates a motor that allows the Echo Show to rotate and follow you as you are on a video call or moving around your kitchen or living room. The new Amazon Echo Show retails for $249.
A new version of the Amazon Fire TV Stick will come Dobly Atmos ready with 4k capability. Fire TV Stick Retails for $39 and it comes with an Alexa voice remote. Those that don’t need a fancy remote controller with volume buttons, can get the Fire TV Stick Lite for $29.
Finally, the big news. Amazon is getting into the streaming games service business. No not Twitch which it already owns. Amazon is set to compete with Google Stadia and Xbox Game Pass utilizing its new Luna gaming service. For PC, Mac, smartphones, tablets, and Fire TV devices. Luna will work on a subscription basis to grant users access to a library of games similar to Xbox Game Pass.
Amazon’s cloud gaming service will launch with games such as Resident Evil 7, Control, A Plague Tale: Innocence, and Yooka-Laylee, and The Impossible Lair. Luna+, the name of the gaming streaming plan, offers up to 4K resolution at 60 fps for select titles and will allow subscribers to play on two separate devices at the same time.
An introductory early access period will allow subscribers in for $5.99 a month, though it has not stated what the price will be after. In addition a new Luna controller designed to work on Wi-FI for zero latency is available for purchase $49.
