Amazon today held a surprise hardware event, and there it announced a boatload of new Echo devices.
The new Amazon Echo is shorter than the first Echo and is covered in cloth. It’s also got a dedicated woofer and tweeter to offer improved sound over its predecessor, as well as multi-room audio support.
One of the other main features of the Echo is its microphone array, which it uses to hear all of your requests. Amazon says that it’s upgraded the microphones in the new Echo so that the device can hear you better.
Perhaps the most notable change between the original Echo and the new model is the price. While the original Echo launched at $179.99, the new Echo will start at $99.99.
You can pre-order a new Amazon Echo now ahead of its October 31st launch date. Amazon is also running a special deal that’ll get you $50 off a 3-pack of Echo devices with the code ECHO3PACK.
Amazon also announced an Echo Plus today. This device looks pretty similar to the original Echo but has the same subwoofer and tweeter as the new Echo as well as improved microphones and Dolby sound.
Another notable feature of the Echo Plus is that it works as a smart home hub. To help new Echo Plus owners test out their device’s smart home capabilities, each Echo Plus will come with a Philips Hue smart light bulb.
The Echo Plus is now available for pre-order for $149.99, and it’ll begin shipping on October 31st.
