Amazon released two new Echo smart speaker products on its official website: Echo Pop and the third generation of Echo Show 5. Both products are equipped with Alexa voice assistant, which can perform various tasks through voice control, such as playing music, controlling smart home, setting reminders, querying information, etc.. Amazon says this is to bring Alexa into more rooms and provide users with a more convenient smart living experience.
Echo Pop
Echo Pop is Amazon’s latest entry-level smart speaker, priced at $39.99 (currently about RMB 279), shaped like a half-sphere and available in purple, green, white and black. The Echo Pop has improved sound quality over the previous Echo Dot and features the AZ2 processor, which can process more voice commands locally for faster response. In addition, Echo Pop supports the Matter smart home standard, Sidewalk bridge technology and Eero mesh network expansion.
Echo Show 5
Echo Show 5 is one of Amazon’s most popular smart speakers with a screen, the latest launch of the third generation of products priced at $ 89.99 (currently about 628 yuan), available in black, white and blue colors. The Echo Show 5 has improved sound and processing power compared to its predecessor, and also features the AZ2 processor. the Echo Show 5’s screen can be used to display more information, watch videos, view compatible security cameras and make Alexa video calls. Users can also remotely view footage from the Echo Show 5’s camera via 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 obscurer. Amazon is also offering an adjustable Echo Show 5 stand for $26.99 with a USB-C charging port to charge your phone or other device. Amazon is also offering the new Echo Show 5 Kids with a space-themed look for $99.99, a two-year warranty and a year of Amazon Kids Plus, an ad-free service for kids that offers audiobooks, videos and games.
In an interview with The Verge, Dave Limp, senior vice president of devices and services at Amazon, said Amazon is preparing to bring generative AI and large language models to voice assistants through its Alexa Teacher model, which will lead to “a very different experience. The shift, he said, is primarily about making Alexa smarter and more conversational, while also helping users use their smart homes more effectively. But the feature won’t be in the Echo anytime soon, and Amazon is still working to integrate the technology in a way that won’t cause confusion.
Amazon is already taking pre-orders for the Echo Pop and Echo Show 5 and will begin shipping on May 31. Amazon also announced a new, cheaper Echo Buds wireless headset for $49.99 (currently about RMB 349) and is expanding its Alexa system for in-car use, Echo Auto, to more countries: Australia, Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Japan. Echo Auto launches today, while Echo Buds will begin shipping June 7.
