That makes way more sense than the current Alexa devices and Googles Home (or whatever it is called). There was an article yesterday on Mac Rumors about Apple SVP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller criticizing the current home assistant devices because they don't have a screen. I've been saying that all along. Alexa is good for some tasks that don't require a screen, like asking her questions, turning on/off home devices, etc. However, when it comes to some tasks you really need a screen. For example, a screen really improves mapping directions, picking between different versions of songs, seeing what is currently playing, etc. The first thing I did was install the Alexa app on my tables and phone. Some tasks simply require a screen for optimum use. If this rumor turns out to be true, then I think that it is going to be a great improvement to the Echo. They also need to greatly improve voice recognition though.

However, i won't be upgrading to that though. Why? Because I don't care for Android, and I think we can bet the farm that it will be an Android/FireOS device. The thing that gripes me the most about Alexa functionality is its lack of ability to work well with iOS calendars, notes, etc. I'm heavily invested in the Apple garden, so I want to be able to have a device that can fully integrate within that garden. Will I buy the Apple version when it comes out? Probably not. I can simply use my iThingies and Siri to do that already. Alexa has been a disappointment, and I suspect I would feel the same about Google Home too. Even with a screen, I'm not sure I benefit much from such devices. I use Alexa less all the time. BTW, I prefer using my iPad Pro 9.7 with Pandora app to listening to music on the Echo. Why? It sounds way better. The Alexa devices, especially that rumored new one, need to have greatly improved sound.