Amazon has just launched a swathe of new devices including new smart speakers, Kindles and Fire TV Sticks.
If you own an Echo, Fire TV Stick or Kindle, then it might be time to think about getting an upgrade. The online retailer has just announced the launch of a swathe of new products that make its older devices look more than a little inferior. The updates were unveiled during an event in New York, and all will be available via Amazon’s store soon.
So what’s new? Mirror Online took the trip across the pond to check out the changes, and here are our top picks.
First up, there are four new Echo speakers, including an Echo Dot Max and a refreshed Echo Studio. Along with a new look, this duo of ball-shaped speakers get smarter thanks to some Alexa changes, and they also sound better. In fact, Amazon is promising that Dot Max owners will get nearly three times the bass compared to the Echo Dot (5th gen).
Meanwhile, the Echo Studio is now 40% smaller than the original, but Amazon reckons it will offer the best sound you can get in a smart speaker of this size.
If you fancy a device with a screen, there are also two new Echo Show speakers – a Show 8 and Show 11.
These get new displays that combine in-cell touch and negative liquid crystal design to deliver a better viewing experience, plus there are ambient visuals that adapt to the environment.
They also feature an all-new audio architecture, so they should sound more impressive. Both devices include new front-facing stereo speakers and a custom woofer for room-filling spatial audio.
The event wasn’t just about Echo speakers.
Next, there’s an all-new Kindle called the Scribe Colorsoft. This is just like the current Scribe range, with it offering a pen that lets you scribble on the screen.
However, as the name suggests, those buying this device will also be treated an 11-inch colour display which makes it ideal for reading things such as comics and better for budding artists.
There’s also an ultra-thin and light design, plus the screen gets texture-moulded glass. The idea behind this is to give the feel of writing on paper when using the pen.
It also gets a backlight for using at night and there’s a better processor inside for faster page turns and improved overall performance. Amazon is also promising weeks of battery life despite that new colour screen.
Another update from Amazon is a new Fire TV Stick called the 4K Select. This device offers improved 4K visuals but at a cheaper price than its Ultra HD siblings.
Those were the main updates, but there was plenty more from Amazon’s event, including new Fire TV screens, and an update to the Ring Doorbell, which now brings 4K recordings.
All of these devices are launching soon.