Amazon has announced a new set of Echo devices built for its upgraded Alexa+ assistant. The new lineup includes the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11. Each device has been designed with new hardware and software to support more advanced features, including custom-designed silicon chips and a sensor platform called Omnisense. These updates aim to make Alexa+ interactions more natural, accurate, and useful in daily life. Anyone who buys one of these new Echo devices will get Alexa+ access right away.
At the center of these new Echo devices are the AZ3 and AZ3 Pro chips. These chips power features like improved conversation detection, better audio processing, and support for newer AI models. The AZ3 chip is found in the Echo Dot Max and helps the device hear voice commands more clearly, even in noisy rooms. This chip also improves the way Alexa+ responds to conversations, making it easier to interact with the assistant from anywhere nearby. The Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11 use the AZ3 Pro chip, which adds support for more advanced language and vision features.
The Omnisense sensor platform is another major update. Omnisense combines data from sources like cameras, microphones, ultrasound, Wi-Fi radar, and accelerometers. This lets Alexa+ recognize what is happening in a room and respond in useful ways. For example, Alexa+ can send reminders when a certain person enters a room or alert users if a garage door is left open late at night. The goal is to create a home assistant that understands the environment and takes actions without needing constant direction from the user.
The Echo Dot Max is a new addition to the smart speaker lineup. It has two speakers, including a woofer and a tweeter, which gives it deeper bass and clearer high notes. The device is built to fill a room with sound while staying compact. The Echo Studio is a smaller version of the original but is designed to offer strong sound and support for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. It uses a round shape and new materials to improve both sound quality and appearance. Both speakers can be connected with Fire TV sticks for a home theater setup.
The Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 are the latest smart displays in the range. They have new high-definition screens with better clarity and wider viewing angles. These devices use a 13-megapixel camera so Alexa+ can recognize when someone is nearby and show relevant information. The screens can display photos, video feeds, family calendars, and entertainment options. The displays also adjust their visuals to fit the lighting in the room, making content easy to see at different times of day.
Amazon has focused on making these new Echo devices more helpful and easier to use. The updates to hardware and software are meant to support more personal and proactive interactions with Alexa+. All four devices are now available for order, and each one comes ready for Alexa+ out of the box. This marks a step forward for Amazon’s smart home lineup, offering better sound, improved displays, and smarter AI features through the new Echo devices.
View the original press release.
