Amazon at its Fall 2023 event announced the upgraded lineup of Echo devices. In addition to the new Echo Show 8, the company has introduced third-gen Echo Frames, home security cameras, Fire TV a lot more. All these devices will now use generative AI to boost the performance of Alexa.
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Alexa gets generative AI features
First, Alexa is getting generative AI, and Amazon will now use the power of LLMMs to provide practical answers to its consumers. The new generative AI features will be compatible with all currently available Echo devices. At its Amazon Fall 2023 event, the e-commerce platform showcased the even smarter, and more conversational Alexa, powered by generative AI.
As per the company it is based on a new large language model that’s specially created and optimised for voice interactions, Today, we shared a preview of an even smarter, and more conversational Alexa, powered by generative AI. It’s based on a new large language model that’s been custom-built and specifically optimized for voice interactions, and the things we know our customers love—getting real-time information, efficient smart home control, and maximising their home entertainment.
Customers in the US will be the first to get a preview to test these new generative AI features by just saying, “Alexa, let’s chat” to their existing Echo devices. Using the voice command your echo device will turn on the chatbot mode which is created upon a large language model (LLM).
Amazon believes that with the power of new generative AI speaking to Alexa will feel more natural and conversational than ever before, and Alexa’s ability to reason, infer customer intent, and understand complex requests will remarkably improve.
In addition to this, Alexa is also getting 18 new features including Eye Gaze Mode, Call Translation, Alexa Emergency Assist, Game Start Routines, Email to Alexa, Top Connections, Profile-level Voice Customization, AI Art on Fire TV and a lot more.
3rd gen Echo Frames
The all-new smart glasses from Amazon have also been updated. The 3rd gen Echo Frames now have better battery life and have been redesigned. They now look more like regular spectacles thanks to the slimmer profile and have improved audio quality which is said to be less distorted now. Did you know the Echo Frames are been upgraded for the first time in two years? The Echo Frames and Carrera Smart Glasses now come in variants to match your style and they all come with multiple lens options, including sunglass lenses with UV400 protection, prescription-ready, or blue light lenses.
In addition to this Echo Frames are now IPX4 splash and scratch resistant. Talking about battery life, Amazon claims that its upgraded smart glasses will now last you for up to six hours of continuous media playback or talk time, or up to 14 hours of moderate usage on a full battery charge—up to 40% more audio playback and 80% more talk time than the previous generation. In addition to this, the new Echo Frames can be charged wirelessly with an all-new charging stand. Not to forget that also have hands-free access to Alexa. The price of the new Echo Frames begins at $269.99.
Echo Show 8 and New Echo Hub
Echo Show 8, Amazon’s new smart display has also been upgraded. With the improved processor, the display responses are quicker with audio with spatial audio, room acoustic sensing, and noise reduction technology. It features a new proximity sensor which is now able to adjust its UI. It identifies acoustics around it easily to adjust the sound output and the front-facing camera comes with a physical switch to turn off the mic. Not just that it has an in-built smart home hub for seamless compatibility. With an upgraded design it has edge-to-edge glass and a centered camera. Echo Show 8 price starts at $149.
On the other hand, the Echo Hub smart home control panel costs $179.99. It is Amazon’s first wall-mountable smart home control panel powered by Alexa. It features an 8-inch touchscreen and a customizable dashboard for all your smart home devices. Moreover, you can use it as your security system, start a Routine, turn on the fan, or change the volume on your Echo and view multiple live camera feeds at the same time. There is support for more than 140,000 smart devices and all major connectivity standards, including Matter and Thread on the Echo Hub.
New Fire TV devices
Amazon has also announced new models of new Fire TV devices including new Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Soundbar. The new Fire TV Stick will be available in Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max models. The Stick 4K is claimed to be 30% more powerful than the previous generation and now includes support for Wi-Fi 6. Fire TV Stick 4K price starts at $49.99.
Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) on the other has Fire TV Ambient Experience which transforms the TV into a always-smart display by replacing blank screens with information like your family calendar, local weather forecast, and reminders on your screen when you’re not streaming.
It is also the first-ever streaming stick to support Wi-Fi 6E resulting in lower latency and faster speeds. The new 4K Max comes with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) is now available for pre-order for $59.99.
While the Fire TV Soundbar is 24-inch is size soundbar. It has support for DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio. It can be paired with all Fire TV streaming media players and TVs. The Fire TV Soundbar is available for $119.99.
Amazon Security cameras
Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera is the latest addition to the company’s home security portfolio. It is basically a wireless outdoor camera with motion-triggered LED lighting and up to two years of battery life, based on default settings. Its outdoor security camera has accurate motion alerts which use radar technology to track people. It comes with several accessories Sync Module Pro, wireless floodlight mount and a battery extender do those who already have Blink Outdoor 4.
Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera is available in the U.S. and Canada for $159.98. The Floodlight Mount accessory can be purchased for $39.99, the Blink Sync Module Pro for $49.99 and the Blink Outdoor 4 Battery Extension pack at $29.99.
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