In the earlierHardware launch eventIn the 2018, Amazon announced a series of smart hardware products centered around its Alexa digital assistant service, including updated and upgraded Echo series smart speakers and smart displays. It also brought the Alexa digital assistant service to more IoT devices, and also launched its own smart glasses and smart rings integrated with the Alexa digital assistant service, as well as true wireless headphones that introduced Bose's active noise reduction technology.
In addition to promoting the Alexa digital assistant service application experience through large-scale exhibition events this year, Amazon also announced the launch of a series of products integrated with the Alexa digital assistant service at this hardware launch event, hoping to enable the Alexa digital assistant service application to be implemented in more usage scenarios.
Smart speaker
The updated Echo series smart speakers also use a fabric outer layer design, and by adding neodymium magnet driver units and 3-inch woofer amplifier components, the overall output sound quality has been improved. The suggested retail price is also US$99, and pre-orders are expected to be open from now on.
In response to recent privacy concerns surrounding smart speakers, Amazon has added the option to automatically delete recorded audio files after three or 3 months to the latest version of its Alexa digital assistant service. Separately, Amazon also announced a paid feature using neural text-to-speech (Neural TTS) technology, allowing users to pay $18 to have Alexa speak with celebrity voices. The first option available will be Samuel Jackson, the voice of "Director of S.H.I.E.L.D."
As for the newly updated Echo Dot, it adds a digital clock display function to its appearance, can also display the current temperature, and supports anti-snooze alarm function. It is also equipped with Alexa digital assistant service. The suggested retail price is US$60 and it is also available for pre-order from now on.
At the same time as launching the new Echo Dot, Amazon also announced the launch of a new rainbow-colored Echo Dot designed for children's use. It also added a feature called FreeTime, which allows parents to use Echo or Echo Dot to manage the audio and video content their children watch at home through the Internet, or filter video conversation partners.
Amazon has also added an 8-inch model to its Echo Show lineup. While its features remain the same as the previous model, it includes the Alexa digital assistant and can display intuitive content, allowing users to watch videos and conduct video conversations. The 8-inch model is similar in appearance to the previous 5-inch model, featuring a physical camera shield. Its suggested retail price is $129.99.
The newly added Echo Studio emphasizes its ability to output Dolby Atmos sound effects and can actively analyze ambient sound. It then produces better field performance through internal left, right and top amplifiers, as well as independent tweeter amplifiers and 5.25-inch woofers. It can even play the lossless streaming music service recently launched by Amazon. The suggested retail price is US$199.99.
IoT devices
In terms of IoT devices integrated with the Alexa digital assistant service, Amazon has launched a smart night light called Echo Glow with a suggested retail price of US$30. It supports changing the light color according to the rhythm of music and provides a campfire mode suitable for nighttime use. In addition, it has launched a new microwave oven with added convection oven, air fryer and food insulation functions. It also supports the linkage of the Alexa digital assistant service and has a suggested retail price of US$250. An additional Echo Dot will be given with the purchase, allowing users to operate the microwave oven through the Echo Dot.
In response to its previously acquired Eero, Amazon has launched a larger Mesh Wi-Fi router that supports dual-band Wi-Fi and integrates the Alexa digital assistant service. It emphasizes that all settings can be completed within 10 minutes. The price of a single set is US$99, and the price of purchasing three sets at a time is US$249.
The previously launched smart socket Echo Flex with Alexa digital assistant service will be available for pre-order at US$24.99, while the new Stick Up Cam from Ring, which was acquired by Amazon, will be available for pre-order at US$99.99.
Wearable device
Finally, in the wearables segment, Amazon launched the Echo Frames smart glasses and the Echo Loop smart ring. The former can be worn like regular glasses and interacts with the Alexa digital assistant service via voice control, but lacks augmented reality capabilities. The latter is made of titanium and interacts with the built-in Alexa digital assistant service through vibrations of the ring itself and by listening to it by placing it against your ear. The suggested retail prices are US$179.99 and US$129.99, respectively.
The true wireless earphones Echo Buds launched by Amazon have added active noise reduction technology in cooperation with Bose. A single charge can maintain a battery life of about 5 hours. With the charging storage box, the usage time can be extended to 20 hours. The suggested retail price is US$130 and pre-orders are expected to be open from now on.
