Amazon Unveils AI-Powered Alexa+, New Devices for Home Security and Entertainment
- tech360.tv
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
Amazon on Tuesday introduced a refreshed lineup of devices, integrating its new artificial intelligence-infused Alexa+ voice assistant. The announcements, made at an event in New York, focused on optimising products for home security and enhanced user interaction.
The new devices, which will be available later this year, include updated Echo speakers, Fire TV streaming devices, a new Kindle reader, and improved Ring and Blink cameras. These launches aim to generate interest in the updated Alexa, following substantial investment in AI for greater personalisation and a more conversational tone.
New Echo devices, including smaller Dots and Show devices with screens, will be enabled with Alexa+ and feature new silicon chips for faster processing. These Echos range in price from USD 99 to USD 219.
Improved Blink cameras offer higher resolution for enhanced monitoring inside and outside homes. The updated cameras in Ring devices also incorporate facial recognition capabilities designed to deter unwanted visitors.
Ring cameras will additionally be enabled with Alexa+, utilising AI to help determine if a visitor is delivering a package or casing a house for intrusion. These Ring devices will be priced from USD 60 to USD 350, depending on their utility and camera quality.
Jamie Siminoff, the founder of the world's first Wi-Fi video doorbell and current head of Ring, highlighted the security benefits. "It's about knowing immediately whether your visitor is someone you know or someone you've never seen before," Siminoff stated.
Siminoff also demonstrated a feature to help Ring users identify lost pet dogs in their neighbourhoods by notifying other community members with the device. This feature, available in Nov., is currently not supported for other animals.
Panos Panay, Amazon’s device chief, presented the new Kindle Scribe, priced at USD 630. This tablet, featuring a colour screen for the first time, allows for digital writing with a stylus. Panay remarked that it "just feels like you’re writing on paper."
New, improved Fire TV television sets, ranging from USD 160 to USD 480, and a USD 40 streaming stick offer new Alexa+-enabled features. These include asking the voice assistant to locate and cue a specific scene in a movie, and to provide more details on particular actors.
Amazon unveiled a new lineup of devices, including Echo speakers, Fire TV devices, a Kindle reader, and Ring and Blink cameras.
The devices are optimised for home security and feature the new AI-powered Alexa+ voice assistant.
Ring cameras offer facial recognition and AI to differentiate between visitors and potential intruders, and a lost pet notification system.
