When the Amazon Echo debuted in November 2014, most folks were confused about what to think of the device. What was Amazon planning to do with this cylindrical voice assistant? Would it be any good? Turns out that, yes, it is a nice little device, and apparently Amazon likes it, too, because another Echo may be coming soon.
Sources speaking to the Wall Street Journal say that Amazon will announce a smaller, portable version of the Echo sometime “in the coming weeks.” Pricing isn’t known, but it’s expected to be less than the $180 that Amazon is asking for the standard Echo.
The new Echo is said to be codenamed “Fox” and is described as being small enough to fit in the palm of your hand like a can of beer or soda. The device will charge in a docking station, the tipsters say, and will include a button that’ll turn on voice controls. The standard Amazon Echo is always listening for voice commands, but that always-on feature won’t be included in the portable version in order to conserve battery life.
Amazon’s Echo has been something of a surprise success, and so it’s no surprise to hear that Amazon might be making a second model. This smaller version will likely be more affordable than the regular version, which could help folks that are wary about the standard Echo and its $180 price see what the Echo devices can do. And for folks that already own the regular Echo, a new portable model could be enticing because it’ll let them easily take their Echo experience outside of (or just around) the house.
Have you bought the Amazon Echo? If so, what do you think of it?