Amazon launches new Echo smart speakers and plans to inject generative AI into Alexa voice assistant
CTOnews.com, May 17 / PRNewswire-FirstCall-Asianet /-- Amazon today released two new Echo smart speakers on its website: the Echo Pop and the third generation Echo Show 5. Both products are equipped with Alexa voice assistant, which can perform a variety of tasks through voice control, such as playing music, controlling smart home, setting reminders, querying information, and so on. Amazon says this is to give Alexa access to more rooms and provide users with a more convenient smart life experience.
Echo PopEcho Pop, Amazon's latest entry-level smart speaker, costs $39.99. it looks like a hemispherical shape and is available in purple, green, white and black. The sound quality of the Echo Pop is better than that of the previous Echo Dot, and equipped with an AZ2 processor, it can process more voice instructions locally and improve the response speed. In addition, Echo Pop also supports Matter smart home standard, Sidewalk bridging technology and Eero mesh network extension function.
The Echo Show 5Echo Show 5 is one of Amazon's most popular smart speakers with screens. The latest third-generation product costs $89.99 and is available in black, white and blue. Compared with the previous generation, the Echo Show 5 has improved sound and processing power, and is also equipped with an AZ2 processor. The Echo Show 5 screen can be used to display more information, watch videos, view compatible security cameras, and make Alexa video calls. Users can also remotely view the images captured by Echo Show 5's camera through the Alexa app and use it as a motion sensor to trigger the Alexa Routines program. To protect users' privacy, the Echo Show 5's camera can be turned off with a physical occluder. Amazon also introduced an adjustable Echo Show 5 bracket, priced at $26.99, with an USB-C charging port that can charge a phone or other device. Amazon also offers a new space-themed Echo Show 5 Kids for $99.99, with a two-year warranty and an one-year Amazon Kids Plus, an ad-free service for children that offers audiobooks, videos and games.
Dave Limp, senior vice president of Amazon Devices and Services, told The Verge that Amazon is preparing to introduce generative AI and large language models into voice assistants through its Alexa Teacher model, which will bring a "very different experience." The main purpose of the shift, he says, is to make Alexa smarter and more conversational, while also helping users use smart homes more effectively. But that feature won't be available in Echo any time soon, and Amazon is still trying to integrate the technology in a way that doesn't cause confusion.
Amazon has begun accepting bookings for Echo Pop and Echo Show 5 and will start shipping on May 31. Amazon also released a new, cheaper Echo Buds wireless headset for $49.99, and extended its in-car Alexa system, Echo Auto, to more countries: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Japan. Echo Auto launches today, while Echo Buds will start shipping on June 7.
