New Hardware Announced at Amazon’s Fall 2019 Event

Amazon had its fall 2019 hardware event on September 25, 2019 in Seattle, the home of Amazon headquarters.  Amazon announced 15 new products and the debut of celebrity voices for Alexa. Some of the new products are invitation only, some you can pre-order now and some are available today!  Let’s take a look:

• Echo Dot with Clock – Amazon says that its customers ask “What time is it?” about a billion times per year, so it makes sense that they would add a clock to its most popular Echo Dot.  The Echo Dot with Clock 3^rd Generation is an alarm clock as well, complete with a snooze feature activated by tapping the top of it.  This newest Echo Dot won’t be released until October 16^th, 2019, but it can be pre-ordered today for $60. [Update – 03/2022: Echo Dot with clock (4th Gen) is still $60!]
• Echo Buds – Amazon has officially entered the wireless earbud game with the introduction of Echo Buds.  They feature dual armature drivers for balanced sound, and Amazon boasts that they have 5 hours of continuous battery life, with up to 20 hours with the included case.  Amazon has included Bose smart noise reduction that makes it easier to hear what you are listening to,  Also, Echo Buds work with all voice assistants, not just Alexa. You can pre-order yours today for only $130.  They will be released on October 30^th, 2019. [Update – 03/2022: Echo Buds (2nd Gen) with wired charging case are here for just $120 and Echo Buds (2nd Gen) with wireless charging case are available for $140.]
• Echo Loop – The Echo Loop is a smart ring that vibrates.  Amazon says it puts “information at your fingertips.”  The Echo Loop is a titanium ring features a haptic engine and 2 microphones. It uses Bluetooth to get to the internet via your phone and responds in a whispered tone.  It is available by invite only and will cost $130. [Update – 03/2022: this item is no longer available for new invitations requests.]
• Ring Indoor Camera – The Ring Indoor Camera is really small and cheap.  It can be powered by either your wall outlet or a battery.  The Ring Indoor Camera supports Alexa’s “home mode” that will automatically pause recording inside the house when you’re at home.  It costs just $60 and will be in stock on October 19, 2019. [Update – 03/2022: the Ring Indoor Cam (plug-in) is still $60, but now you can purchase the Ring Stick Up Cam (battery) for either indoor or outdoor use for $100.]
• Smart Oven – The Smart Oven has everything that the original Smart Microwave has, plus a convection oven and air fryer.   It can scan products and have the cooking information automatically entered into the oven.   It also comes with an Echo Dot.  The Smart Oven costs $250 and will be released on November 14^th, 2019, but it’s available for pre-order today. [Update – 03/2022: check out the newest Amazon Basics Microwave for $75 and Amazon Basics Microwave bundle with Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for only $100!]
• Echo Show 8 – If you like the 10-inch Echo Show and 5-inch Echo Show 5, then you will love the new 8-inch Echo Show 8, Amazon’s latest smart display.  It gives consumers yet another sizing option to choose from.  It is available now for pre-order and costs $130.  The Echo Show 8 will be released on November 21^st, 2019. [Update – 03/2022: The Echo Show 8 (1st Gen, 2019 release) is $110, and the newer Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) is available now for $130.]
• Echo Studio – The high-end Echo Studio is the latest addition to the Echo smart speaker lineup.  It supports Dolby Atmos and 3D audio.  Amazon says it has “unbelievable sound.”  You can pair a couple Echo Studios together and throw in an Amazon Echo Sub for a complete Fire TV surround system.  You can pre-order the Echo Studio today for $200, and it will be released on November 7^th, 2019. [Update – March 2022: Echo Studio is now available!]
• Echo Frames – You can augment your day via your voice with the brand new Echo Frames.  They look like a regular pair of eyeglasses, but they feature discreet microphones so that you can chat with Alexa without getting out your phone.  The Echo Frames are invite-only for now, and they will cost $180. [Update – 03/2022: Echo Frames (2nd Gen) are prescription ready and available for $250.]
• Echo Flex – If you want an Echo Dot in a place that’s not made for an Echo Dot, then the Echo Flex is for you.  It is the smallest Echo device and has the plug is built-in, so everything mounts together.  The Echo Flex plugs directly into a power outlet, and it contains both a speaker and a microphone optimized for Alexa voice.  There are even built-in USB ports so that you can charge devices without taking up another outlet.  The Echo Flex can be pre-ordered today for $25.  Also, there’s an optional motion sensor and smart nightlight that will each cost an additional $15.  The Echo Flex will be released on November 14, 2019. [Update – 03/2022: Echo Flex is currently unavailable.]
• Echo Glow – The Echo Glow is a new smart lamp for kids.  It’s a night-light that links wirelessly to an Amazon Echo device.  The Echo glow has colorful lights that blink in patterns along with music.  It will be released on November 20^th, 2019, but you can pre-order it today for $30. [Update: get the Echo Glow now!]
• Celebrity Voices – Celebrity voices are coming!  Amazon is introducing new voices for Alexa, and Samuel L. Jackson is the first one. More voices will also be available, all for 99 cents each.