Amazon now has additional ways for us to access Alexa with the launch of two new Echo products for the home and car.
The line-up includes the all-new Echo Pop, a compact smart speaker available in four colour options to suit any home aesthetic, including two brand new colours, and the Echo Auto, a flexible mounted device, offering Alexa smart features to any car.
“Around the world, customers continue to trust and depend on Alexa, they’ve now purchased well over half a billion Alexa-enabled devices globally, with use of Alexa around the world increasing 35 percent last year,” said Patrick Walker, country manager of Amazon Devices, Australia and New Zealand. “These new devices will give local customers more of what they want—more options, for more environments and at an affordable price, making it easier for customers to build a smart home that fits their space and needs. And as with every Echo we’ve shipped, these devices will only continue to get better as we add even more generative AI powered experiences for Alexa.”
Echo Pop is a new addition to the Echo family with a compact semi-sphere form factor offering a quality audio experience in all-new Lavender Bloom and Midnight Teal colour options, as well as in Charcoal and Glacier White.
It features a front-facing directional speaker to deliver full sound that’s great for bedrooms, apartments, or any small space in the home. Simply ask Alexa to play your favourite music or radio station, read audiobooks, remind you of your daily calendar, control compatible smart lights and plugs, or reorder household essentials. Echo Pop comes in four colours so customers can find a colour that fits their style, find a spot that fits their small space, and play a track that hits just right, totally hands-free with Alexa.
To match your space and style, the Echo Pop also launches with a range of new accessory options including silicone sleeves in seven colour options to suit any aesthetic, including a glow-in-the-dark option to brighten any room, and a shelf wall mount to ensure the Echo Pop finds its perfect position. A selection of bases are also available, including a USB charging base to provide additional device charging ports, and a battery base, enabling the Echo Pop to be used in any location without the need for a power outlet.
Echo Auto (2nd Gen) is designed to enable Alexa hands-free features for cars that don’t have AI support built in.
It comes in a new, slimmer design and includes a new adhesive mount for more placement flexibility in your car. The device is built with five microphones, designed to hear your requests over music, the air conditioner, and road noise. With Echo Auto (2nd Gen), add Alexa to your car to listen to music, make calls, Drop In on compatible Echo devices, binge new podcasts, catch up on the news, and add items to calendars or to-do lists – all while keeping your eyes fixed on the road. You can also control compatible smart home devices from the road; ask Alexa to turn off the lights or turn on the coffee machine, and more, while you’re away from home.
Echo devices are designed with customer privacy in mind and include multiple layers of privacy controls. All Echo devices include a microphone on/off button and the ability to view and delete voice recordings. With Amazon Kids on Alexa, parents can view their child’s activity and manage parental controls in the Parent Dashboard.
Both the Alexa Pop and new Echo Auto are available now.