Digital assistant Amazon Echo announced

November 6, 2014

Editorial Note: Talk Android may contain affiliate links on some articles. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

amazon_echo

Amazon has released a new device that puts a unique twist on the digital assistant market. Rather than existing as a piece of software only on a smartphone or tablet, the Amazon Echo puts that technology on a piece of hardware ready to be deployed around the house. The device is always on and will respond to a wake word to provide information, answer questions, or even fill a room with music.

The Amazon Echo comes equipped with seven microphones that employ enhanced noise cancellation and far-field technology. This means users can speak in a normal voice from anywhere in a room. Speaking is important because the device is voice-activated and according to Amazon, will learn speech patterns, vocabulary and personal preferences making it smarter over time.

Besides the voice input capabilities, Amazon also built the Amazon Echo to delivery crisp, clear sound with a nice immersive bass response. Users will be able to access services like Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and TuneIn for musical content. The Amazon Echo is also Bluetooth enabled so users can stream content from sources like Spotify, iTunes or Pandora using a phone or tablet.

Amazon is also releasing an Amazon Echo app for multiple platforms that can be used to manage alarms, create shopping lists and perform other functions.

Amazon is only selling the Amazon Echo by invitation. You can hit the source link to request an invitation. Amazon Prime members can get the Amazon Echo for $99 while the normal price is $199.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkOCeAtKHIc

source: Amazon

Jeff Causey Author

Raised in North Carolina, Jeff Causey is a licensed CPA in North Carolina. Jeff's past Android devices include an HTC EVO, a Samsung Note II, an LG G3, and a Motorola Moto X Pure Edition along with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1. He currently uses a Samsung Galaxy S8 and (very rarely) a Nexus 7 (2013). He is also using a Verizon-branded Motorola Moto Z Play Droid supplied by his job. Jeff used to have a pair of Google Glass and a Moto 360 Sport in his stable of gadgets. Unfortunately, his kids have all drunk the Apple Kool-Aid and have i-devices. Life at home often includes demonstrations of the superiority of his Android based devices. In his free time, Jeff is active an active runner usually training for his next marathon, owns a Mazda MX-5 Miata, and plays Dungeons & Dragons. Jeff has three grown kids and a golden retriever.