At Amazon’s (virtual) hardware event last week, the company announced an entirely new one Echo, Echo Dot in Echo Dot with clock On.
Three balls
All three devices share a new spherical design that is much more compact than previous models. The fabric finish is available in three different colors: Charcoal, Glacier White and Twilight Blue.
The new Echo features Amazon’s AZ1 Neural Edge processor and should have hundreds of milliseconds faster response time. The company claims that the smart speakers can process commands much faster than its predecessors.
The new Echo Dot and Echo Dot with clock feature a 1.6-inch front-facing speaker that Amazon says “produces clear vocals and a balanced foundation for rich sound.” The Echo Dot is available for pre-order in America for $ 49.99, but it won’t ship until later this year. The Echo Dot with Clock will cost you a little more: $ 59.99.
Ultrasound for kids
Amazon also announced an Echo Dot Kids Edition, which has the same spherical shape, but with a choice between a Panda or Tiger design. These also come with a number of features specific to the device.
With a new feature called Reading Sidekick, Alexa can also teach your child to read … sort of. Basically, Alexa takes turns reading from a book (which is supported) while also listening to how your child reads, offering encouragement in the process. Amazon hasn’t confirmed when the feature will be available, but a preview will be launched in Amazon Kids + in the coming months.
Plus, parents can also create an Alexa voice profile for kids – another feature that will be available for Amazon Kids and Kids + in the coming months. When it’s on, Alexa will automatically know to switch to Kids Alexa mode when it recognizes a child’s voice.
That way, the smart speaker only delivers “child-friendly” responses, so you as a parent don’t have to worry about what exactly they are using via the device when you’re not there.
The speaker, which is available for pre-order now for $ 59.99, also comes with a one-year Amazon Kids + subscription.
–
