The Rise and Fall of the Amazon Echo Line: Updating the Show and Pop, Bedside Alarms, and the Echo Show 5 and Echo Buds
A new stand that adds aUSB-C charging port is also called the Show 5 stand. There’s a chance it will become a bedside table device, although the Show charging port would have been better.
The show 5 smart display is getting a refresh along with the new Pop. The third-gen model of the smallest and most popular of Amazon’s smart speakers with a screen now has better sound and improved processing power.
Below, we’ve rounded up all the details on the latest additions to the Echo line. Pre-orders for the new devices can be made through Amazon. The Echo Show and Echo Pop will begin shipping on May 31, and the Echo Buds will ship June 7.
As with the previous model, the camera can be a security device, allowing you to view the camera’s feed through the Alexa app and use it as a motion sensor to trigger Alexa Routines. The Show 5 is a popular device as a bedside alarm clock, and while the camera poses privacy concerns, there is a physical shutter to block it.
The echo show 5 is just as small as its predecessor but features a speaker system that should deliver better sound quality with double the bass.
Out of the blue, Amazon dropped a slew of new Echo devices today. One of these, the Echo Pop, is a brand-new smart speaker with a semi-sphere form factor we haven’t seen before. The other two are revamped versions of the Echo Show 5 and Echo Buds, both of which feature more than just a few changes.
That isn’t coming to an echo near you anytime soon. Amazon is working on integrating the tech in a way that doesn’t cause chaos. “There are certain things that you don’t want to have to happen,” says Limp, pointing out that you don’t have to work hard to have LLMs “hallucinate.” “If you ask to buy paper towels, we need to get the price right, and we need to ship it to the right address.”
Alexa has leveraged AI for a while now, specifically in products like hunches that suggest automations for you based on actions you repeatedly do — such as turning off all the lights and locking the door at around the same time every night. This type of “intelligence” will be even more powerful with the help of LLMs.
The entry-level Pop is one of the few intelligent speakers that do not run on gasoline. It’s a voice-controlled device that can do things like control smart home devices, add eggs to your shopping list and stream music, and it has all of the hallmarks of an echo speaker.
Review of Amazon: Smart Home Devices with AZ2 Neural Edge Processor and Eero Enabled Sidewalk-Enabled Speakers
Amazon won’t start shipping the new devices until the end of the month, but you can preorder them starting today. This piece includes product highlights, pre-ordering links, and pricing details so that you can learn about the new gadgets. Given how often Amazon discounts its devices, we’ll also update you when we start seeing the sales roll in, so be sure to keep an eye on our deals coverage.
Amazon has also unveiled a new set of Echo Buds. Unlike the Echo Buds released in 2021, the earbuds lack active noise cancellation and ear tips. Instead, they feature a new semi-open design that supposedly feels more comfortable and allows you to hear your surroundings better. Even though the design is different, the buds still work withAlexa for hands-free calls and other tasks. They also can pair with multiple devices at the same time and feature customizable tap controls. We will be testing soon, so be sure to check out our full review.
The front of the speakers is designed to provide full sound, and the back has an Amazon AZ2 Neural Edge processor for speech models. It comes with an Eero built-in and can be used to add up to 1,000 square feet of coverage.
Amazon stated that the Amazon Sidewalk program would allow all hardware developers to make their devices compatible with smart home devices. Anyone can make a smart home device, like a speaker or lawnmower, that is Sidewalk-enabled, which will let it stay online.