Amazon unveils Echo Show 15, Echo Buds and Astro the robot companion

Amazon has unveiled a host of new products today including the Echo Show 15 smart display, Echo Buds wireless earphones and Astro – a first-of-its kind robot companion.

Naturally all these new products have Alexa built-in to help you find information and control your smart devices.

The Echo Show 15 also includes visual ID which can recognise a user through the device’s camera and personalise the on-screen information.

“Today, families juggle multiple competing priorities—what time to drop the kids off at soccer practice, what to make for dinner, or when to schedule the next appointment—the list goes on and on. With Echo Show 15, Alexa can help,” said Kate Burleigh, Country Manager for Amazon Alexa, ANZ.

“Our continued innovation across Alexa and Amazon devices is to always be there when you need it but fade away quietly when you don’t.

“With visual ID identifying custom home screen and widget preferences across a household, Alexa’s performance has never felt more personal.”

ECHO SHOW 15 – $399

The Echo Show 15 has a full high definition 15.6-inch display and is designed to be wall-mounted like a TV. There is an optional stand which you can purchase at additional cost.

This would save counter space if placed in or near the kitchen where a product like this is likely to be set up.

Each member of the household will be recognised through the front camera with visual ID and the info on screen will be relevant to them.

The screen can display a shared calendar, to-do lists and widgets that can help you control other smart devices in your home.

Echo Show 15 can also be used as a digital photo frame or to display pre-loaded art, nature, season or travel galleries.

You can also ask Alexa to play music, your favourite podcast, the radio and your audio book.

The Echo Show 15 won’t be available in Australia until 2022.

ECHO BUDS – $169, $199 (with wireless charging case)

The Echo Buds offer quality sound and pack in Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in a compact and lightweight earbud which has an IPX4 rating making it water and sweat resistant.

The buds have a nozzle design so it fits comfortably and reduces ear pressure so you can wear them for hours.

Under the hood is a high-performance driver for crisp, balanced sound along with decent bass response.

The onboard ANC uses internal and external microphones to register the ambient sound and generate the inverse signal to cancel it out.

You can talk to Alexa directly through the Echo Buds like it’s a smart speaker. They are also compatible with Google Assistant and Siri.

Echo Buds will be available from October 27. Customers can pre-order them now.

AMAZON ASTRO

Amazon Astro is a household robot that can keep an eye on your home while you’re away.

This robot is on wheels and uses intelligent navigation technology to find its way around your home and go wherever you need it.

Users can remotely send Astro to specific rooms in their home, to people or retrieve objects.

You can also receive an alert if Astro detects an unrecognised person or hears sounds when you’re away.

Amazon Astro can also be used to remotely care for elderly people and help them live independently while allowing you to check in on them from time to time.

Astro can set up reminders, manage shopping lists and receive activity alerts.

It also comes with a detachable cupholder and can carry other items around your home.

Amazon has not announced a price or release date for Astro.