Amazon Announces New Alexa-Powered Echo Devices

With over 500 million Alexa-powered devices sold worldwide, Amazon today announced several new additions to its Echo lineup.

“These new Echo devices pack even more value into their compact form factors and offer customers even more choice in how they access Alexa,” Amazon’s Henry Wilhelm writes in the announcement post. “There have now been well over half a billion Alexa-enabled devices sold globally, and customers are using Alexa more than ever. Engagement with Alexa increased more than 35 percent in 2022.”

Here’s what’s new.

Echo Pop. This new form factor Echo speaker costs just $39.99 and its compact design makes it perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, and multi-room scenarios, Amazon says. It’s available in Charcoal and Glacier White, plus two all-new color options, Lavender Bloom and Midnight Teal. It also supports Eero, so it can be used as a Wi-Fi extender.

Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 5 Kids. These new 5.5-inch smart displays introduce a new look, which to me seems like something out of The Jetsons when combined with an optional adjustable stand accessory. Each includes the AZ2 Neural Edge processor, a re-engineered microphone array, and double the bass of previous-generation products. The Echo Show 5 costs $89.99, and the Echo Show 5 Kids, which comes with two new themes, Dinosaurs and Jazzy Jungle, costs $99.99.

Echo Buds. This new version of the Echo Buds earbuds costs $49.99 and features high-quality audio, long battery life (5 hours, plus another 20 from the charging case), a semi-in-ear design, customizable tap controls, and multi-point pairing so you can use them with multiple devices.

Echo Auto. While the Echo Auto hardware hasn’t been updated, the product is now available in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Japan too. It features a slim design, an adhesive mount, and five microphones, and it costs $54.99.