Love Amazon’s spherical smart speakers? Then today is a good day for you (sorry). Amazon has just announced the new 5th-generation Echo Dot, with improved audio – up to 50% less distortion in particular, and even twice as powerful bass at the same time.
It comes in the usual flavor of the Echo Dot and the new Echo Dot with a clock that has a more advanced display so it can show additional information out of time. This includes calendar appointments or a snooze countdown.
There are also two great new 5th generation Echo Dot smart speakers in town for kids! Of these, our marginal favorite is probably the purple dragon, but the owl is also cool.
A regular Echo Dot will cost $ 49.99 in the US and $ 79 in Australia, while the UK price has risen from the Echo Dot (2020) to £ 54.99, while the Echo Dot with clock will cost $ 59.99 / 64 £ 99 / $ 99. The Echo Dot Kids will also cost $ 59.99 / £ 64.99, though it’s not currently available in Australia.
There was no mention of a new full-size Echo replacing the 2020 Amazon Echo, so it looks like it works as it is for now – but it will be updated with a new feature which means it can act as a mesh extender for Eero network.
The full-size Echo looks more and more like it’s squeezed from both sides – the smaller model now promises a more expansive and clearer sound, while the Studio Echo may often only have a little more than a full-size ordinary Echo.
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Speaking of that, there’s also word of a new color for Amazon Echo Studio (Glacier White), as well as news that the existing Echo Studio models are getting an update to add better surround sound processing for 360 audio and great dynamic extensions for audio positioning in space. Officially, they will be on sale for $ 199.
Amazon launched Smart Speakers at a special event dedicated to devices, services and ringtones – and there’s plenty to celebrate. The company also launched an advanced 65-inch and 75-inch QLED 4K TV, a new Amazon Fire TV Cube, a Halo Rise smart sleep monitor and wake-up lamp, and a Kindle with a stylus for taking notes.