Amazon introduces a $40 ‘Echo Pop’ smart speaker, $50 ‘Echo Buds’, and new versions of the ‘Echo Show’ to offer customers more access to Alexa and Amazon Music.
Amazon announced an update to its Echo line of smart speakers, making it easier for customers to access Amazon Music as Alexa-enabled devices surpass half a billion units sold globally. These include the new $40 Echo Pop available in Lavender Bloom and Midnight Teal colorways, the next-generation Echo Show 5 with a redesigned speaker system, and the brand-new Echo Buds wireless earbuds.
The latest Echo devices strive to pack more value into a small form factor, offering customers more choices in accessing their Alexa-enabled Amazon ecosystem. As customers are using Alexa more than ever — 35 percent increased engagement in 2022 — Amazon reports “well over” half a billion Alexa-enabled devices sold worldwide.
Echo Pop features a new form factor than previous Amazon smart speakers, with a front-facing directional speaker to deliver full sound and access to Alexa for $39.99. In addition to the familiar Charcoal and Glacier White colorways, Echo Pop is available in two new color options: Lavender Bloom and Midnight Teal.
“It was a big challenge to imagine and deliver a powerful smart speaker at this price,” says Rajesh Parthasarathy, principal product manager on the Echo Pop team. “We designed a unique form factor and added two new color options — we think customers are going to love it.”
Echo Pop supports eero built-in, meaning it can add up to 1,000 square feet of coverage to your existing eero WiFi network.
Echo Buds are wireless earbuds that deliver high-quality audio, promising long-lasting battery life, and “premium features at an unbelievable price” at $49.99. Multipoint pairing enables users to pair Echo Buds to two devices simultaneously — the earbuds will automatically recognize which device is playing audio and switch to it.
Amazon also announced that Echo Auto, designed to bring Alexa to your vehicle, is now available for customers in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Japan.