Amazon launches new Echo smart speakers ranging from an upgraded Echo through to the Echo Studio which is capable of lossless streaming with its 24-bit DAC and 330W amp. In addition, Amazon announced a range of new Alexa enabled devices at its Amazon Devices Event such the Echo Dot with clock, the Echo Show 8 and Echo Buds to add to the Alexa ecosystem. The new Echo devices are available for pre-order now and will start shipping later this year and further information can be found here.
Amazon Echo
The next-generation Echo features an updated fabric design with colour options for any style including Twilight Blue, Charcoal, Heather Grey, and Sandstone. Echo has the same audio architecture as Echo Plus, including a 3-inch woofer and increased back volume so the bass feels stronger, and the mid-range and treble is clearer. Price in the US will be $99 and £89 in the UK.
Echo Flex
Echo Flex is a plug-in smart speaker which is an affordable way to add Alexa to any space in your home. It plugs directly into a standard electrical outlet. Simply ask Alexa to control compatible smart home devices, make an announcement, or check the score of a favourite sports team, and responses will come through the small speaker on the device that’s been optimized for Alexa’s voice. Echo Flex also has a built-in USB port so you can easily charge your phone or add an optional accessory, like a Smart Night Light or Motion Sensor, all while using only one power socket. Price in the US is $24.99 and £24.99 in the UK.
Echo Studio
The Echo Studio is Amazon’s flagship smart speaker offering immersive 3D audio, a 24-bit DAC for lossless music streaming and five built-in directional speakers. Its 5.25-inch woofer and 330W of peak power produce deep, rich bass by using the bass port at the bottom to maximize airflow and bass output from the woofer. Echo Studio has a 1-inch tweeter and three 2-inch midrange speakers delivering dynamic midranges and crisp, high frequencies. It also has a 24-bit DAC and a 330W power amplifier with 100 kHz of bandwidth for high-res, lossless music playback, available via Amazon Music HD. Echo Studio also automatically senses the acoustics of your space and fine-tunes audio playback to deliver optimal sound—no matter where you put the device in the room.
Echo Studio is the first smart speaker to deliver an immersive three-dimensional (3D) audio experience using Dolby Atmos and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment are bringing a growing library of new music, current hits, and legendary tracks to these immersive formats. Native 3D music will be available on Echo Studio with a subscription to Amazon Music HD which was launched recently. Coming next year, it will also be available through TIDAL HiFi. To sample native 3D music on Echo Studio and Amazon Music, simply ask “Alexa, play the best of 3D music.”
One or two Echo Studio devices can be paired with select Fire TV devices for audio playback with multi-channel sound and support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio 5.1, and stereo audio. Echo Studio also has a built-in Zigbee smart home hub which can be used to control compatible smart home devices. Price in the US is $199.99 and £189.99 in the UK.
