Amazon Unveils Alexa Photo Frame, Echo Time And Updated Echo Devices

Amazon’s five-device Echo launch adds a photo frame and bedside clock while bringing Alexa+ features to updated speakers and a larger smart display.

Amazon has introduced five Echo-family devices, led by the Alexa Photo Frame and Echo Time bedside clock. The launch also includes a new Echo Dot, an Echo Studio with Home Camera and the Echo Show 16. Most are available now, while the Show 16 is available for preorder, according to TechCrunch and The Verge.

Table of Contents
  1. A photo frame built around Alexa
  2. A clock for the bedroom and updates elsewhere
  3. A smaller launch with a broader Alexa+ push
  4. Sources

A photo frame built around Alexa

The Alexa Photo Frame pairs a 10-inch, semi-matte anti-glare touchscreen with Amazon Photos and a built-in Alexa speaker. Amazon says Alexa+ can select pictures based on qualities such as lighting, smiles and season, while leaving out screenshots and receipts, according to TechCrunch and Engadget. Users can also ask Alexa to find particular photos or swipe through them on the screen.

Engadget reports that users can choose people to feature in the frame and have new pictures of them sync automatically. Friends and family can add images, too. Voice notes can be attached to photos; Wired says adding those notes directly on the frame is planned for a later update. The frame starts at $199.99 in Black, with Birch and Walnut versions priced at $229, according to TechCrunch. Engadget notes that Amazon has made digital frames before, but calls this its first with built-in Alexa.

A clock for the bedroom and updates elsewhere

The $199.99 Echo Time offers optional sleep sensing and a smart alarm designed to wake users during a lighter sleep phase within a selected window before their set alarm, TechCrunch reports. It can also simulate a sunrise. The Verge says it detects sleep stages using ultrasound and has no camera. TechCrunch lists a Kids version at $209.99.

Amazon’s new Echo Dot adds smart-home hub features, an eero Wi-Fi extender and an AZ3 chip intended to speed on-device processing for Alexa+ conversations, according to TechCrunch. Wired says it supports Matter and can act as a Thread border router; the Wi-Fi extender feature requires an eero router. The Dot costs $99.99, TechCrunch reports.

The $249.99 Echo Studio with Home Camera lets users check on their home and show objects to Alexa for help identifying them or answering questions, according to TechCrunch. The Echo Show 16, priced at $499.99, has a 16-inch display and built-in Fire TV.

A smaller launch with a broader Alexa+ push

Rather than present all its hardware at one large fall event, Amazon spread announcements across October, The Verge reports. At the Echo event, the company demonstrated new Show software, including an interactive smart-home map and a way to carry Alexa+ conversations between Show devices, the Alexa app and Alexa.com.

The outlets differ on the Echo Show 16’s immediate availability: Wired describes all five devices as available for purchase now, while TechCrunch says the Show 16 is available for preorder. The Verge says it will launch December 16 and can be preordered now.

Sources

This story was compiled by AI from the reports below. Read the originals for the full details.