Amazon releases new Echo devices centered on screens

Amazon is shifting its smart home strategy toward visual interfaces. The company announced a new group of Echo devices on Tuesday, with most models featuring screens or cameras. This approach moves away from voice-only controls and prioritizes visual interaction for users.

The centerpiece of the release is the Echo Show 16. It is the most expensive device in the group, priced at $499.99 with a wall mount. A version with a Nanomatte display costs $569.99. The device includes eight woofers and runs the full Fire TV experience. Preorders are open with a $100 discount, and the unit will ship on December 16. It also introduces new software features for smart home control and calendar management.

The Echo Time is a baseball-sized smart speaker with a 3.2-inch touchscreen. It costs $199.99 and is available for immediate purchase. The device features sleep-sensing technology designed to wake users during light sleep cycles. It allows users to set alarms via the touchscreen, removing the need to speak aloud.

The Echo Studio with Home Camera adds a built-in lens to Amazon's premium speaker. It allows users to monitor a room or show Alexa objects in the space. The device includes an Advanced Room Adaptation feature that adjusts sound quality based on the room's acoustics. An Adaptive Volume feature maintains consistent audio levels as users move around.

The Alexa Photo Frame is a digital frame that displays family photos without showing advertisements. It costs $199.99 in black or $229 with a wood frame. The device pulls images from Amazon Photos, which offers unlimited storage for Prime members. It supports backups from Android and Apple devices but does not yet import from Google Photos.

Amazon also updated the Alexa Home Map to an interactive 3D view. Using compatible Ring cameras, the map provides a 360-degree view that animates nearby people and cars. It replaces the 2D map introduced in 2023 and displays the status of connected devices such as lights, locks, and thermostats.

All new products, except for the Echo Show 16, are available to buy now. The company spread its hardware announcements across October, following earlier releases of Fire TV devices and Kindles.