Amazon recently concluded its autumn hardware event, unveiling extensive updates to its product range. The announcements included new Echo devices, enhanced Kindle Scribe features, refurbished Fire TV products, and other innovations.
Here are the key highlights from Amazon’s showcase.
Revamped Echo Show 8 and 11 Models
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The new Echo Show models include refreshed 8-inch and 11-inch displays featuring a redesigned form factor. The displays now sit atop an elongated speaker covered with knit fabric and offer 13-megapixel cameras with wide-angle views for improved person detection. Enhanced UI capabilities allow for efficient control of multiple connected devices, and both models are equipped with Amazon’s Alexa Plus assistant.
The Echo Show 11 is priced at $219.99, featuring a 1080p display, while the Echo Show 8 is available for $179.99 with a 720p resolution.
Redesigned Echo Dot Max Comes with a Premium Price
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The Echo Dot Max, now enhanced, features Alexa Plus support and is priced at $99.99. This speaker boasts three times the bass output compared to the standard Echo Dot and features an upgraded build, improved microphone array, and a redesigned layout for control buttons and an LED light ring.
More Compact and Powerful Echo Studio
The updated Echo Studio, priced at $219.99, now includes front-mounted touch controls and an LED light ring. This version is smaller than its predecessor and includes support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio features.
Additionally, users can utilize the new Alexa Home Theater function to connect up to five units of Echo Studio or Echo Dot Max for an immersive audio experience compatible with Fire TV devices.
Introducing a Color Kindle Scribe
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Among the new offerings from Amazon is the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, which debuts at a price of $629.99. This model provides excellent battery life of up to two weeks and comes equipped with features that enable color highlighting, drawing, and writing, set to launch later this year.
Alongside the Colorsoft, Amazon will also introduce an entry-level Kindle Scribe priced from $429.99, and a mid-range model with a front-light display starting at $499.99. All three new Kindle Scribes feature 11-inch screens with slimmer bezels, a lightweight design, and advanced AI tools for note summarization.
New Fire TVs with Built-In Alexa Plus
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The new Fire TV Omni QLED series showcases an improved design, brighter displays, and a faster processor, offering support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus. The televisions can automatically adjust colors according to ambient lighting. Sizes range from 50 to 75 inches, with a starting price of $479.99.
Amazon also introduced new versions of its 2- and 4-series Fire TV models, featuring thinner bezels and a more powerful quad-core processor. Prices for these models begin at $159.99 and sizes range from 32 inches to 55 inches. All new TV models come with Alexa Plus, enhancing voice command functionalities.
Fire TV Stick 4K Select Launches with Vega OS
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The Fire TV Stick 4K Select operates on the newly developed Vega OS, which enhances performance capabilities, provides 4K video support, and enables HDR10 Plus functionality. The device will soon support popular games such as Xbox Gaming, Luna, and include Alexa Plus. Available for preorder at $39.99, this device offers a competitive edge in streaming technology.
Ring Introduces 4K Video Recording Doorbells
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Amazon’s Ring division has unveiled an extensive lineup of devices featuring 4K video capabilities paired with “Retinal Vision” technology. This includes products like the $249.99 Ring Wired Doorbell Pro 4K, the $199.99 Outdoor Cam Pro 4K, the $249.99 Spotlight Cam Pro 4K, and the $279.99 Floodlight Cam Pro 4K, along with the $179.99 Ring Wired Doorbell and the $59.99 Indoor Cam Plus with 2K video.
Ring has also announced innovative features for its cameras and doorbells, such as new AI facial recognition technology for identifying visitors at your doorstep, Alexa Plus-powered video greetings, and a “Search Party” function to help find lost pets in the area.
