Amazon Echo Club

[tubemonkey]

Echo Input – Bring Alexa to your own speaker


$34.99 -- Echo Input -- release date: TBA

Meet Echo Input

Echo Input adds Alexa to your favorite speaker and connects via 3.5 mm audio cable or Bluetooth. Just ask Alexa to play a song, check the news or weather, set alarms and timers, add items to your to-do list, or control compatible smart home devices.

• Echo Input adds Alexa to an external speaker and connects via 3.5 mm audio cable or Bluetooth.
  
• Hears you from across the room—even when music is playing.
  
• Stream Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, and more on your favorite speaker.
  
• Just ask Alexa to play a song, read the news, or check the weather and traffic.
  
• Set alarms and timers, add items to your to-do list, and control compatible smart home devices.
  
• Alexa is always getting smarter and adding new skills like tracking fitness, playing games, and more.
  
• Slim, low-profile design fits almost anywhere.

[tubemonkey]

Echo Link - Stream hi-fi music to your stereo system


$199.99 -- Echo Link -- release date: TBA

Echo Link is a new product that has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained. Click Email Me to be informed when it becomes available.

• Echo Link is a new product that is not yet available for purchase. Click Email Me to be informed when it becomes available.
  
• Upgrade your stereo system with high-fidelity streaming music and Alexa.
  
• Voice control music selection and playback with your compatible Echo device or the Alexa app.
  
• Connect Echo Link to your stereo and group with other supported Echo devices to play music throughout your home.
  
• Multiple digital and analog inputs and outputs ensure compatibility with your existing stereo equipment.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by OtinG

That might mean it has a cellular radio, or it could mean it requires your smartphone to provide the cellular connection. It isn't really clear at all, so we will have to see what early users say about it.

You're right. That is rather odd phrasing. It could have been much clearer if they wanted it to be.

In any case, it's an odd flurry of devices being announced.
Does it seem like Amazon is suddenly throwing a lot of spaghetti against the wall hoping something will stick?
(That may be a mixed metaphor. Hopefully you get the point.)

[tubemonkey]

Echo Link Amp - Stream and amplify hi-fi music to your speakers


$299.99 -- Echo Link Amp -- release date: TBA

Echo Link Amp is a new product that has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained. Click Email Me to be informed when it becomes available.

• Echo Link Amp is a new product that is not yet available for purchase. Click Email Me to be informed when it becomes available.
  
• Upgrade your speakers with a built-in 60W x 2-channel amplifier, high-fidelity streaming music, and Alexa.
  
• Voice control music selection and playback with your compatible Echo device or the Alexa app.
  
• Connect Echo Link Amp to speakers and group with other supported Echo devices to play music throughout your home.
  
• Multiple digital and analog inputs and outputs ensure compatibility with your existing stereo equipment.

[tubemonkey]

Echo Wall Clock


$29.99 -- Echo Wall Clock -- release date: TBA

Echo Wall Clock, an Echo companion to see timers and reminders at a glance, helps you stay organized and on time at home. Set timers on your paired Echo device with your voice. Just say, “Alexa, set a 12-minute timer” and your clock will display the time remaining, as well as a countdown for the last 60 seconds.

Sign up to receive a notification when Echo Wall Clock is available and get updates on other upcoming Alexa Gadgets.

[CRussel]

Originally Posted by ApK

In any case, it's an odd flurry of devices being announced.
Does it seem like Amazon is suddenly throwing a lot of spaghetti against the wall hoping something will stick?
(That may be a mixed metaphor. Hopefully you get the point.)

I was just thinking it was more that Amazon wants to _own_ the streaming side, however you want to come at it. You want to stream music? We'll make it really easy, however you want to do it. Very much their strategy for online sales -- they want to be the first (and hopefully, only) place you go to order something. Anything.

[tubemonkey]

AmazonBasics Microwave - 0.7 Cu. Ft, 700W, Works with Alexa


$59.99 -- AmazonBasics Microwave -- release date: 14 Nov 2018

AmazonBasics Microwave simplifies cooking by letting you microwave using your voice and an Echo device. Just say, “Alexa, reheat one cup of coffee,” and Alexa will start reheating with the appropriate power and time settings. Quick-cook presets mean there’s no need to guess cook times or heat levels when you’re defrosting peas or microwaving a potato. Plus, Alexa is always getting smarter and adding new presets.

• Now it’s easier to defrost peas, make popcorn, cook potatoes, and reheat rice. Quick-cook voice presets and a simplified keypad let you just ask Alexa to start microwaving.
  
• Auto Popcorn Replenishment can automatically reorder popcorn when you run low, enabled by Amazon Dash Replenishment technology.
  
• Compact size saves counter space, plus 10 power levels, a kitchen timer, a child lock, and a turntable.
  
• Alexa is always getting smarter and adding new presets, features, and skills.

[tubemonkey]

Echo Sub - Powerful subwoofer for your Echo


$129.99 -- Echo Sub -- release date: 11 Oct 2018

Add Deep Bass to your Echo

With Echo Sub and a compatible Echo device, you can add rich bass to your music experience. Echo Sub delivers down-firing, 100W deep bass sound through a 6” woofer. When paired with your Echo device, you can feel the music as it fills the room — just say “Alexa, play music.”

• Echo Sub delivers down-firing, 100W deep bass sound through a 6" woofer.
  
• Pair with one Echo or Echo Plus (sold separately) to enjoy dynamic music that fills the room.
  
• Pair with two of the same Echo devices for rich left/right stereo sound.
  
• Simple to set up and use—just plug in, open the Alexa app, and wirelessly connect to your Echo device(s) to control music with your voice.

[OtinG]

This initially caught my attention:

Fire TV Recast, Over-the-air DVR, 500 GB, 75 hours

Fire TV Recast is a DVR that lets you watch and record over-the-air TV at home or on-the-go with a Fire TV, Echo Show, or compatible mobile device—with no monthly fees.
Watch and record live sports, local news, late night shows, and other can’t miss TV from channels available through an HD antenna (sold separately) like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and The CW.
With 2 tuners, record up to 2 shows at once. Plus, store for up to 75 hours of HD programming.
With a compatible Alexa-enabled device, you can use your voice to search for shows, manage and schedule recordings, and help with other requests. Say things like “Alexa, open Channel Guide" or “Alexa, record ‘Riverdale.’”
Fire TV Recast delivers the most reliable video streams over Wi-Fi of any over-the-air DVR.

But then I saw the price and read this:

To use Fire TV Recast to watch and record over-the-air TV, you’ll need the following (sold separately):

An HD antenna—specific channel availability and reception varies by location. Learn more

A Fire TV streaming media player or Echo Show.

Access to the free Fire TV app on a Fire tablet (5th Gen or above), or an iOS 10 (or above) or Android 4.4 (or above) mobile device.

That makes no sense. Why not make it self contained?

ETA: Farther down the page they state you need only one of the devices listed, not all three, but you do need the antenna of course. Oddly though, they seem to state in the FAQs section that you cannot schedule recordings but must start them during the live broadcast. If so, then WTH! But the wording is awkward, so its hard to tell for sure.

ETA2: After digging farther and following a link to more FAQs, it states that you can choose to record a single episode or the whole season. It also says you can schedule recordings up to 14 days in advance. They really need to get better marketing writers as this was confusing just looking at the website. I had to do a lot of digging.

[OtinG]

Originally Posted by CRussel

I was just thinking it was more that Amazon wants to _own_ the streaming side, however you want to come at it. You want to stream music? We'll make it really easy, however you want to do it. Very much their strategy for online sales -- they want to be the first (and hopefully, only) place you go to order something. Anything.

Amazon will never “own” the streaming market with the services they offer now. Their music service is terrible, unless you like listening to elderly rockers forgetting the words to their songs during lackluster live performance recordings. Their video streaming is very expensive since they charge extra for most of their offerings choosing to force you to rent or buy rather than include it in their Prime Video. Personally I think all these various devices being released are a sign that Bezos must be smoking the same stuff Elon Musk is! Or if he isn’t, maybe he should be.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by OtinG

That makes no sense. Why not make it self contained?

That's a pretty common model these days for many of the DVR-type offerings, to have the media server separate from the viewing clients. I guess if you're an all-Amazon household with fire TVs, it could be attractive.

I'd consider one like that if it had a Roku channel, if it was cheap enough.

[CRussel]

Originally Posted by OtinG

Amazon will never “own” the streaming market with the services they offer now. Their music service is terrible, unless you like listening to elderly rockers forgetting the words to their songs during lackluster live performance recordings. Their video streaming is very expensive since they charge extra for most of their offerings choosing to force you to rent or buy rather than include it in their Prime Video. Personally I think all these various devices being released are a sign that Bezos must be smoking the same stuff Elon Musk is! Or if he isn’t, maybe he should be.

No, you miss the point. They don't care WHAT you use as the music source -- they're perfectly happy to stream Pandora or whatever. Same with Video. What they want to own is "the last mile" in a streaming sense. Just as they do for everything else they sell. So they started out with physical books. Then added physical music CDs. Then more and more dedicated stores within the Amazon framework. Then they added third party vendors and gave them the promise of warehousing and a secure selling portal with LOTS of traffic. Then they added vendors who don't use the warehouse, but do use the portal. All the same to them, they make their cut regardless. Now they want to do the same for streaming.

[tubemonkey]

Echo/Alexa Devices -- released | lowest --> updated 22 Sep

• $230 -- Echo Show 10 --> Oct 2018 --> details --> $180
  
• $150 -- Echo Plus 2 -----> Oct 2018 --> details -->
  
• $130 -- Echo Spot -------> Dec 2017 --> details --> $104
  
• $120 -- Echo 2 wd ------> Nov 2017 --> details --> $103
  
• $100 -- Echo 2 fab -------> Oct 2017 --> details --> $68
  
• $50 ---- Echo Dot 3 ------> Sep 2018 --> details --> $45
  
  
• misc Echo Devices
  
• $200 -- Echo Look --------> Apr 2017 --> details -->
  
• $130 -- Amazon Tap -----> Mar 2016 --> details --> $68
  
• $130 -- Echo Sub ---------> Oct 2018 --> details -->
  
• $60 ---- Microwave ------> Nov 2018 --> details -->
  
• $55 ---- Show Dock 10 --> July 2018 --> details --> $50
  
• $40 ---- Show Dock 8 ----> July 2018 --> details --> $35
  
• $35 ---- Echo Connect ----> Dec 2017 --> details -->
  
• $30 ---- Echo Remote ----> xxx 2017 --> details --> $12
  
• $30 ---- Echo 2 Shells ----> xxx 2017 --> details --> wood
  
• $20 ---- Dash Wand ------> Jun 2017 --> details --> free
  
• $20 ---- Echo Buttons ----> Dec 2017 --> details -->
  
• $20 ---- Echo 2 Shells ----> xxx 2017 --> details --> fabric
  
  
• Release Date TBA
  
• $300 -- Echo Link Amp --> TBA ---------> details --> $300
  
• $200 -- Echo Link --------> TBA ---------> details --> $200
  
• $50 ---- Echo Auto -------> TBA ---------> details --> $25
  
• $35 ---- Echo Input ------> TBA ---------> details --> $35
  
• $30 ---- Wall Clock -------> TBA ---------> details --> $30

Discontinued Echo Devices

• Echo Show 7
  
• Echo Plus 1
  
• Echo 1
  
• Echo Dot 2
  
• Echo Dot 1

[tubemonkey]

Amazon Announces New Echo Devices—Add Alexa to Every Room and Your Car

All-new Echo devices make it even easier to add Alexa to more places in your home

Now, you can bring Alexa on the road with Echo Auto

New Echo companion devices let you see timers at a glance with a wall clock, add a subwoofer to your Echo devices, amplify or stream high-fidelity music to your existing home audio system, and add Alexa to your own speaker

New Amazon smart home devices offer more ways to interact with Alexa around your home—whether turning on or off your lights by voice with the Amazon Smart Plug or cooking with the AmazonBasics Microwave

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 20, 2018-- (NASDAQ: AMZN)—Today, Amazon introduced a new line-up of Echo devices, Echo companion devices, and Amazon smart home devices, making it even easier to bring the features and convenience of Alexa to any room and now, to the car.

New Echo devices include:

All-new Echo Dot: The easiest way to bring Alexa into your home, now with a new speaker for louder and crisper sound, an updated fabric design, and still only $49.99

All-new Echo Plus: A simple way to start your smart home with a built-in Zigbee hub, plus an upgraded speaker and a new design, and still only $149.99

All-new Echo Show: An all-new design, upgraded speaker, a stunning 10-inch HD display, and a built-in smart home hub, plus all the glanceable features customers love about Alexa for $229.99. Read the press release: www.amazon.com/pr.

Echo Auto: Bring the power of Alexa to your car, now available by invitation


New Echo companion devices include:

Echo Wall Clock: Connects to your Echo device to visually enhance timers, alarms and reminders for $29.99

Echo Input: Add Alexa to your existing speaker for $34.99

Echo Sub: Add deep, rich bass to music playback on Echo devices for $129.99

Echo Link: Connects to your home stereo system to stream high-fidelity music for $199.99

Echo Link Amp: A 60W, 2-channel built-in amplifier to stream high-fidelity music to active or passive speakers for $299.99


New smart home devices include:

AmazonBasics Microwave: A compact countertop microwave that connects to your Echo device to make cooking easier for $59.99

Amazon Smart Plug: Control compatible lights, fans, coffee makers, and more for $24.99

“We want you to have access to Alexa everywhere—in your kitchen, in your living room, in your office, and now in your car or truck,” said Tom Taylor, Senior Vice President, Amazon Alexa. “Today, we’re excited to expand the number of ways that customers can add Alexa to their homes and their vehicles, so they can use Alexa to make their lives more convenient and easy—whether it’s asking for the traffic on your drive home, checking your email in the morning, or simply saying ‘Alexa, good night’ to turn off your lights and lock your door.”

[tubemonkey]

Amazon Introduces the All-New Echo Show—Better Sound. Bigger Screen.

Features an all-new design, upgraded sound, a stunning 10-inch HD display, a 5 MP camera, and a built-in smart home hub

New integrations with Hulu, NBC, and Vevo keep you entertained in the kitchen—just ask to watch live TV, stream videos or play your favorite music videos

Just ask to cook along with step-by-step recipe instructions, browse your favorite websites, and enjoy tens of thousands of Alexa skills

With the new video doorbell integration, you can easily see and talk to anyone at your front door

Stay connected to friends and family around the world with Skype calling, Alexa calling, and Drop In features

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 20, 2018-- (NASDAQ: AMZN)—Today Amazon announced the next generation of Echo Show: the all-new Echo Show has an immersive 10-inch HD display with crisp and bright visuals, a built-in smart home hub, and an upgraded speaker system that delivers powerful bass and stereo sound—and it’s still $229.99.

“Customers tell us they love the convenience of being able to ask Alexa to show them things,” said Tom Taylor, Senior Vice President, Amazon Alexa. “Today, we’re making the voice-first, visual Echo Show experience better in every way by adding even more experiences to delight our customers—a dynamic and vivid display makes watching live TV enjoyable, new speakers for music and music videos, two-way doorbell video calling, simple set-up and control of smart home devices, Skype calling to friends and family, and all-new visual features.”