Smart speakers get a refresh
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Image: Amazon
Amazon is launching the a new range of Echo devices: the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11. These all-new Echo devices deliver more processing power and advanced audio and design enhancements, according to the company.
The core of the new Echo devices are two custom-designed silicon chips: the AZ3 and the AZ3 Pro. Chips with a brand new AI Accelerator designed to serve AI edge models of the future.
The AZ3 chip, found in the Echo Dot Max, is one of the most important, but also most challenging parts of building ambient AI. The AZ3, according to Amazon, provides the best microphones in an Echo device to date, allowing for even more natural, free-flowing interactions with Alexa and filtering out background noise.
The AZ3 provides the best microphones in an Echo device to date, allowing for even more natural, free-flowing interactions with Alexa and filtering out background noise.
The Echo Studio, Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 include the more advanced AZ3 Pro, which builds on the power of the AZ3’s audio features and adds support for modern language models and vision transformers.
The Echo Dot Max delivers almost three times more bass than the Echo Dot (5th generation) with room-filling sound. For the first time, the sound system has been completely re-engineered with an advanced two-way speaker system, including a high-excursion woofer for deep bass and a custom tweeter for crisp treble. Thanks to the direct integration of the speaker into the enclosure, the air space is doubled which ensures fuller bass. This results in a compact speaker with a surprisingly powerful impact.
The new Echo Studio has a compact design that is 40% smaller than its predecessor. The new Echo Studio combines a powerful high-excursion woofer for deep bass with three strategically placed full-range drivers for an immersive, room-filling experience. Moreover, the speaker supports Spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, for a true surround sound experience. In addition to high-quality sound, the speaker also features a new high-quality casing. The fabric is 3D knitted to maintain perfect acoustics.
The Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 feature a completely new audio architecture. Both units feature forward-facing stereo speakers and a custom woofer for room-filling spatial audio. The full-range drivers are strategically placed under the floating displays and are carefully designed to direct sound forward to deliver clear sound directly to the customer.
The new range of Echo devices is available for pre-order today. The Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio are available from 29 October; Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 are available from 12 November.
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