Amazon today updated its Echo lineup, and previewed a conversational version of Alexa that offers a more chatbot-like experience.
The new Echo Show 8 is redesigned with an edge-to-edge glass and a curved back. Amazon promises improved video calls and audio that minimizes background noise. Like other Echo devices, the Echo Show 8 incorporate a smart home hub with Matter support.
An ambient computing feature will adjust the display based on where you are in the room. If you’re standing across the room from your Echo Show, it will show larger icons, like the current weather. Get closer and the screen will zoom in and show more details, like a 5-day weather forecast.
Pre-order the new Echo Show 8 now for $149.99; it ships next month.
For budding photographers, an Echo Show 8 Photos Edition and Photos subscription adds more photo frame features to the smart display. It'll be $159.99.
Echo Pop Kids (Credit: Amazon)The affordable Echo Pop smart speaker, meanwhile, gets a kid-friendly overhaul; the Echo Pop Kids comes with a Marvel Adventures or Disney Princess theme and six months of free Amazon Kids+. It launches next month for $49.99, a $10 premium over the original.
Amazon also updated its Fire tablets, with a new Fire HD 10 Kids for 3- to 7-year-olds and Fire HD 10 Kids Pro for 6- to 12-year-olds. Both feature 10.1-inch 1080p displays, 3GB of RAM, 5MP cameras, and up to 13 hours of battery life. Amazon says they're 25% faster than their predecessors, for $10 less.
Both tablets come with one year of Amazon Kids+ included. A Disney bundle for Fire HD 10 Kids features a Mickey Mouse or Disney Princess kid-friendly case, Disney-themed digital wallpapers, and quick access to Disney content.
Both are available to pre-order today starting at $189.99; they ship next month.
Amid an explosion of generative AI, meanwhile, Amazon has been working to improve Alexa, which—for many people—has largely been used to set timers or ask for the weather. Going forward, those with Alexa devices new and old will be able to say, "Alexa, let's chat" to have a more human-like back and forth with Amazon's virtual assistant. Alexa should know your preferences so you can ask questions like "how did my favorite team do last night?"
