How to Pre-Order All the New and Creepy of the Latest Amazon Technology
Amazon managed to squeeze about a dozen product announcements into Thursday’s 50-minute presentation, showcasing everything from new Alexa smart speakers to cloud gaming services, next-generation Wi-Fi routers, fitness trackers and home security devices. It was a lot. If you blinked, you may have missed a few.
However, we got you covered. Here’s a quick overview of all of the new equipment and services Amazon announced yesterday, including information on how much they cost and when you can get them.
New Echo speakers
Amazon kicked off the presentation by showcasing a batch of new Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers:
- All- new Amazon Echo ($ 99) : The new flagship Echo speaker replaces the traditional cylindrical design with a spherical design. It features dual speakers, a 3-inch subwoofer and a new AZ1 processor for faster Alexa response. It also has a built-in home hub that can control other smart home devices, and a light ring at its base that reacts to your interactions with Alexa.
- Three new Echo Dots: $ 50 model ; $ 60 model with built-in watch display; and a $ 60 “kids’ edition” that can be adorned with cute animal mesh covers. All three Echo Dots share the same spherical shape as the flagship Echo, but smaller and less powerful.
You can pre-order the new Echo , Echo Dot and Echo Dot Kid’s Edition right now. Echo Dot Watch Display Pre-orders Coming Soon. All four models will launch later this year.
Echo Show 10 Smart Display
Amazon also unveiled the new Echo Show 10 voice-activated smart display with a 10-inch display and a 13-megapixel camera. Echo Show 10 supports live video chat and uses AI to adjust the angle of the camera during calls to keep you in the picture.
Amazon used the Echo Show 10 announcement to confirm that Netflix is now available on all of its smart display devices, but will be better watched on Echo Show 10 as the Show 10 security camera will automatically aim the screen at you as you move around the room.
We’d be lying if it wasn’t kind of creepy, but thankfully Show 10 doesn’t use facial recognition and can’t “tell” what’s on the camera. When not in use, it also enters a hibernation mode. In this mode, the device is disconnected from Amazon cloud servers and does not record audio.
The Echo Show 10 is available in white and black. You can pre-order now for $ 250 . It is expected to ship during the holiday season.
Luna Game Streaming Service
The next major announcement was Amazon’s acclaimed cloud-based video game streaming service, Luna. Unlike a dedicated game console, Luna allows players to access games on their existing devices. Luna will be available as a dedicated app on PCs, Macs and Fire TV devices at launch, and available via the web apps on iPhone and iPad. The release of an Android application is also planned.
Naturally, Amazon says Luna will also have strong integration with Twitch, although details on exactly what this entails are few.
Users can play with a keyboard and mouse, Bluetooth controllers, or a $ 50 Luna controller. Amazon claims the Luna controller has lower latency than conventional Bluetooth controllers.
As for games, the core of the service is the Luna + channel, which includes a library of games that can be streamed from any supported device. In fact, users can stream the game to two devices at the same time in one account. The Luna + Channel will cost $ 6 during the Early Access Preview period and will include several games at launch, including (but not limited to):
- Abzu
- Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
- Control
- NET
- Panzer dragoon remake
- Plague Story: Innocence
- Resident evil 7
- Wave 2
- Yuka-Leili
Over time, new names will be added to the Luna + channel.
Beyond Luna +, Amazon is working with Ubisoft and other companies to create dedicated channels that you can subscribe to for an additional fee.
Amazon is aiming for 4K / 60 FPS video quality for gaming on its service, but will only support video up to 1080p at launch … whenever that is. Amazon hasn’t announced a release date, but US customers can request early access today.
Upgraded Fire TV Stick and Stick Lite
Moving on to Amazon’s video streaming products, the company announced the updated Fire TV Stick ($ 40) and Fire TV Stick Lite ($ 30).
The two streaming joysticks are pretty similar. Both functions:
- HD video and HDR support
- Voice search and playback control
- New Fire TV interface
- New power saving low power consumption mode
Amazon says the Fire TV Stick Lite is the fastest under $ 30 streaming device on the market. However, the $ 40 Fire TV Stick is faster and has dedicated volume buttons. Both devices launch on September 30th.
Eero Wifi 6 Routers
Amazon will release two new Eero routers with mesh technology and Wi-Fi 6 support later this year. Pre-orders are now available for the Eero 6 ($ 130) and Eero Pro 6 ($ 230) .
Amazon Halo
Amazon’s new Halo fitness bracelet gives you another option to carry around a fitness tracker, but this is a simple bracelet without a screen and not one of the smartwatches that many of us are used to.
To use the Halo strap, you need to subscribe to the Amazon Halo membership ($ 4 per month). The team tracks body composition (body fat versus muscle), sleep patterns, daily activity tracking and sedentary time comparisons, and more. You can access this data in the Halo mobile app.
The Halo Group will go on sale later this year for $ 99 in a variety of colors and sizes, but it will be dropped to $ 65 for a limited time during Early Access. Customers will also receive the first six months of Halo membership for free.
Always Home Cam Security Drone
Amazon showcased Ring’s new Always Home Cam, a flying security drone that self-patrols your home. Seriously.
The drone is equipped with a camera and patrols your home. Users can view the drone’s camera image in the Ring app and create routes for the drone to follow.
Amazon warned the privacy concerns inherent in such a device, stating that the drone only records video during flight and that the camera is physically covered when docked. It’s also loud enough to be heard while hovering.
The Always Home Cam will go on sale in 2021 for $ 250. Early purchase invitations will be sent to select customers starting today.
Alexa guard plus
This paid upgrade to Alexa Guard adds 24/7 audio monitoring to your setup for $ 5 / month or $ 50 / year. Users will receive a notification on their phone if their Amazon products notice unusual activity. Your devices will also play warning sounds to ward off potential intruders.
Alexa Guard Plus is launching later this year, and you can subscribe to receive email notifications as soon as they become available.
Ring car security devices
Finally, we have three car security devices from Ring. They are not available yet, but will likely launch in the coming months. You can subscribe to email updates on the Ring website .
- Car Alarm Bell ($ 60) : This device connects to the OBD port under your car’s steering wheel. It detects break-ins, accidents, tows and more.
- Ring Car Cam ($ 199): An Alexa-enabled Ring CCTV camera for your vehicle. It syncs with your Ring app, tracks hacks, and can automatically call for help after a crash. It also works as a video recorder.
- Car Connect ($ 199): Uses in-car safety features and on-board cameras to create a safety system that syncs with your Ring app. It only supports Tesla vehicles at launch, but support for additional manufacturers will be added in the future.