Amazon packed its fall event with new devices across home audio, reading, TV, and security. Alexa+ also features in many of them, with faster on-device AI and new partner integrations. According to WIRED, preorders for many products start today.
Echo lineup and Alexa+ updates
Amazon introduced Echo Dot Max ($100), Echo Studio ($220), Echo Show 8 ($180), and Echo Show 11 ($220). Echo devices use AZ3 or AZ3 Pro chips for faster wake-word detection and on-device AI. Omnisense sensors help Alexa understand home context and tailor responses.
Echo Dot Max has two drivers and three times the bass of the prior Dot, according to Amazon. Echo Studio adds three full-range drivers and a high-excursion woofer, with Dolby Atmos and Alexa Home Theater support. A front light ring shows when Alexa+ is listening, thinking, and talking.
Echo Show models now include a 13-megapixel camera and better audio for calls. Alexa+ integrations are growing, with Oura sleep data and Fandango ticket buying coming.
Alexa+ access and pricing
Alexa+ remains in early access in the US and will roll out in waves. The company will prioritize Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 owners. Alexa+ is free for Amazon Prime subscribers, and costs $20 a month for others. It is coming to devices from Sonos, Bose, Samsung, LG, and BMW.
Kindle, Fire TV, Ring, and Blink
Amazon announced three 11-inch Kindle Scribes: Kindle Scribe ($430), Kindle Scribe With Frontlight ($550), and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft ($630). The Colorsoft adds a color screen and a new rendering engine. The Scribes are 5.4 mm thick, weigh 400 grams, and use aluminum. Amazon says writing latency is under 12 milliseconds.
New software includes Quick Notes, Kindle Workspace, OneDrive and Google Drive import and export, AI-powered notebook search, Story So Far, and Ask This Book. The Frontlight and Colorsoft launch later this year, and the basic model arrives early next year.
Fire TV Omni, 4 Series, and 2 Series are available for preorder, and are 30 percent faster with Dialogue Boost and Omnisense. The $40 Fire TV Stick 4K Select runs Vega, Amazon’s new operating system, and supports 4K and HDR10+. Vega also powers the new Echo devices.
Ring introduced Retinal 2K and Retinal 4K cameras, including Ring Wired Doorbell Plus 2K ($180), Indoor Cam Plus 2K ($60), Wired Doorbell Pro 4K ($250), Outdoor Cam Pro 4K ($200), Spotlight Cam Pro 4K ($250), and Floodlight Cam Pro 4K ($280). Features include Familiar Faces, Alexa+ Greetings, and Search Party for lost dogs.
Blink launched Blink Mini 2K+ ($50) and Blink Outdoor 2K+ ($90), plus the Blink Arc ($100) accessory that fuses two cameras for 180–degree footage.
