Amazon Unveils New Echo Lineup with Alexa+ AI Assistant

Amazon has refreshed its Echo portfolio with a new lineup of smart speakers and displays, this time powered by its upgraded Alexa+ AI assistant. The announcement came during the company’s annual devices event, where Amazon showcased significant updates across its product categories, including the latest Kindle models.

Next-Generation Echo Devices

The updated range includes the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11. All four devices come with faster processors, more memory, and deeper integration with Alexa+, enabling them to hold more natural conversations and handle complex queries.

At launch, Alexa+ will also support third-party services through a dedicated store. Brands like Fandango, GrubHub, Lyft, Priceline, Taskrabbit, Thumbtack, and Yahoo Sports will be among the first to offer add-ons, expanding the ecosystem of smart services.

Powered by In-House Silicon

The new Echo lineup runs on Amazon’s in-house AZ3 and AZ3 Pro chips.

• The AZ3, used in the Echo Dot Max, improves wake-word detection and boosts voice recognition accuracy by over 50% compared to previous models.

• The AZ3 Pro, featured in the Echo Studio and Echo Show devices, supports advanced AI workloads such as large language models and vision transformers, giving Alexa+ more intelligence and adaptability.

Omnisense: Smarter Real-World Interaction

The Echo Show devices also integrate Omnisense, Amazon’s new multi-sensor system. It uses inputs from the 13MP camera, audio, ultrasound, Wi-Fi radar, and accelerometer to detect and respond to real-world events. This technology enables Alexa to manage family calendars, shopping lists, groceries (via Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods), and entertainment more seamlessly.

Home Entertainment Hub

Beyond productivity, Amazon is also focusing on entertainment. The Echo Show devices can act as household hubs and, when paired with up to five Echo Studio or Echo Dot Max devices, create a surround sound home theatre experience with Fire TV integration.

AI at the Core of Alexa+

With Alexa+, Amazon aims to move beyond voice commands toward context-aware conversations. Subscribers will also be able to link Alexa+ with Amazon Music, Amazon Kids+, and Alexa Emergency Assist, customising their AI experience for entertainment, safety, and family activities.

Availability

The updated Echo lineup has been launched in the US, with plans to expand to other countries, including India, in the near future.