Amazon recently conducted its autumn hardware launch event, during which it unveiled a slew of new products, including a new Kindle Scribe, an upgraded Fire TV cube, and a second-generation Echo Auto gadget. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting announcements from Amazon’s event.
Number 1. Amazon unveiled the all-new Kindle Scribe with Stylus
Kindles are no longer simply for reading; the latest Kindle is an E-Ink tablet that can be used for both reading and writing. It has a 10.2-inch 300ppi screen and a stylus with either a Basic Pen or a Premium Pen option.
The Premium Pen costs $30 extra and has a programmable shortcut button as well as an eraser sensor. The tablet costs $339 with the regular stylus and is now available for presale.
Number 2. The new fifth-generation Echo Dot Speakers
Amazon has unveiled two new Echo Dot speakers, one with and one without a clock. While the devices may seem identical to the previous generation, they now include enhanced audio, a temperature sensor, and tap-to-gesture controls. Meanwhile, the Echo Dot with Clock boasts a brighter, higher-resolution LED display.
Number 3. Echo speakers can now be used as Wi-Fi extenders
Amazon unveiled two new Echo Dot speakers, as well as the ability to utilize the devices as Wi-Fi extenders for your Eero Mesh Wi-Fi network.
While that capability will be available with the new Echo speakers described above, it will also be available on fourth-generation Echo speakers on October 20th, as well as fourth-generation Echo Dot devices in the “coming months.”
Number 4. Amazon unveiled an all-new Echo Auto device
Amazon also debuted the new Echo Auto, a gadget that hasn’t been updated since 2018. Echo Auto, like its predecessor, embeds Alexa in your vehicle, providing hands-free control over your car’s music system, Bluetooth-connected calls, and more.
The second-generation Echo Auto costs $54.99 and is smaller, making it simpler to place on your dashboard. It also has fewer microphones than the original, with five instead of eight, but it compensates with enhanced algorithms that allow it to identify voice commands over other noises in the vehicle, such as your radio or AC.
Number 5. We now have an Alexa-based BMW Voice assistant
Despite the fact that certain BMW vehicles already support Alexa, the company is now using the voice assistant’s technology to construct its own system via Amazon’s Alexa Custom Assistant program. BMW intends to introduce its own vehicle assistant over the next two years.
Number 6. Next, we were introduced to a sleep-tracking bedside lamp called the Halo Rise
Amazon also demonstrated the Halo Rise, a gadget that sits on your bedside and analyses your sleep using sensors for movement and breathing to determine how well you slept. It may also be used as an alarm clock, waking you up with lights and music.
When it is released later this year, the tablet will cost $139.99.
Number 7. Amazon unveiled the voice-controlled Fire TV Cube
The newest version of Amazon’s Fire TV Cube has various improvements. This features an HDMI connector for plugging in and controlling your cable box with your voice, a new “super-resolution upscaling” capability to increase the quality of high-definition material, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and a new eight-core CPU that Amazon claims is 20% quicker than the previous device.
The new Fire TV Cube is priced at $139.99. Preorders for the gadget begin today, and it will be available in October.
Number 8. We also saw the unveiling of two new high-end Fire TVs
Aside from a new Fire TV Cube, Amazon also unveiled two new Fire TV Omni QLED TVs with ambient light sensors that lower the display when no one is there. The 65-inch television costs $799, while the 75-inch television costs $1,099.99.
Number 9. The Blink Mini got a pan and tilt mount
Amazon has created a method for converting your existing Blink Mini camera into a stationary device with a fully controllable camera. Simply put the camera on the new Mini Pan Tilt mount, position it on a table or mantle, and use the Blink app to view the room remotely.
The Mini Pan Tilt mount costs $29.99, or it may be purchased with a Mini cam for $59.99.
Number 10. The Ring Spotlight Pro is a more sophisticated camera that can be used wirelessly
Ring’s new Spotlight Cam Pro has more sophisticated capabilities such as 3D motion detection, color pre-roll, and Bird’s Eye View, which is unique in a wireless gadget.
The wired and wireless versions are both $229.99, while the solar panel-powered option is $249.99. They are now available for pre-order.
Number 11. Amazon’s Astro robot can now identify your pet’s presence
Amazon didn’t leave out their $1,449.99 Astro robot (which presently costs $999.99 on an invite-only basis). Later this year, the two-wheeled bot will get an update that will allow it to recognize your dogs and give you a video of them when it detects activity.
