CIOInsider India Magazine
Always Home Cam Among Others Could be Out this Amazon's Fall Event
Last year, Amazon introduced the Echo hardware including the Echo Show 10 with its fall event. This year’s invite-only event has branched out into a web of curiosity piquing the minds of many wondering about what the e-commerce giant has in store. Time and time again its fall event bring a bulk of products, features and services to the table. Yet this time, it has kept every detail under wraps let alone hosting it virtually for the invitees only.
It’s unclear whether there will be new projects compared to its previous launches such as Echo Loop and the Echo Frame, but surely there will be updates to the slew of devices it has released thus far.
There could be new devices to expect, as it’s unclear what the e-commerce giant has up its sleeve this time. It has also been busy digitally harvesting India’s agriculture with its apps and services. At the same time, it has added a fruits and vegetable produce segment while it’s working on the fields, sort of similar to an equivalent exchange. There’s no telling what it might drop this year, but here’s a list of what to expect this year.
Echo Smart Speakers
Echo Auto, Echo 10 among others have been the e-commerce giant’s favorite among users. Not much is known, but it’s bound to release more speakers in the event this year. The already existing Echo devices are expected to get refreshers with the most likely one to get that could be the Amazon Echo Studio.
Alexa Could Bring Celebrities from Way Back
The voice assistant already made headlines this year when Bollywood’s big B Amitabh Bacchan became the first Indian celebrity to give a male voice to Alexa. Likewise the voice assistant also gets its share of updates this year, since the e-commerce giant has already announced a slew of updates during its developers conference called Alexa Live. Then there was also the Amazon Custom Assistant program that gives third parties the power to create their own versions of voice assistants based on Alexa’s blueprint. However, this time there are chances of hearing celebrity voices from way back as one of its first party features.
Always Home Cam to Set Sail this Q4
Amazon is also slated to release its Always Home Cam, a flying drone camera, in Q4 of this year, and the firm is expected to provide additional details about it this year, most likely at its fall event. Secondly, Ring has been working with the e-commerce giant for more than three years now. This could also mean that there might be some significant integrations made with Alexa, while other devices and services make way. Ring has yet to publicly disclose any updates around the Always Home Cam.
Matter to Communicate with Google and Apple Devices
Matter, formerly known as Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP), will be an open-source, IP-based standard that will work over Wi-Fi and support all main control platforms. It's meant to serve as a universal language for smart home gadgets from companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon to communicate and comprehend one another. Amazon announced plans to integrate Matter into nearly all Echo devices (with the exception of the first-generation speakers) through an over-the-air update at Alexa Live. Amazon had planned to deliver the software development kit later this year, but it has now been pushed back to 2022.
Auto Focused Car Security Devices
With the Ring Car Cam, Ring Car Connect, and Ring Car Alarm, Ring has already made inroads into the car security industry. With just a few words, you can record activity in and around your vehicle, control your smart home from your automobile, or even contact emergency services. Consider it an Amazon-powered OnStar. Ring's entry into the car security market is really a natural extension of Amazon Echo Auto. Ring is expected to launch many more auto-focused security devices this year, especially as cars become more intelligent with integrated systems like those found in Tesla models.
Matter, formerly known as Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP), will be an open-source, IP-based standard that will work over Wi-Fi and support all main control platforms. It's meant to serve as a universal language for smart home gadgets from companies like Google, Apple
The Amazon Smart Plug has been around for quite a few years now and the device functions well, however it does not have a particularly appealing appearance. With the company's recent emphasis on design, a new line of smart plugs could be on the way. The smart plugs might be redesigned to be less bulky, or two outlets could be combined into one. A new Echo speaker from Amazon is also rumored to be on the way. The Echo Show 10, Echo Dot (4th Gen), and Echo (4th Gen) were all released last year, but the Echo Studio might be upgraded as well. This is the ideal time to introduce an audio-focused speaker to compete with Nest Audio.
Echo Earbuds Could Echo the User's Feedback this Time
The Echo Buds, a set of Alexa-enabled earphones designed to compete with Apple's AirPods, are Amazon's first foray into the audio market. This would be an excellent opportunity for Amazon to offer a pair of Bluetooth headphones or earbuds that do not include Alexa. It would enable them to appeal to the audio market without having to include smart technology. Despite the fact that the second generation of Echo Buds was only recently released, this is an excellent opportunity for Amazon to announce changes and incorporate user input.
Updates to the Kindle Fire
The Kindle Fire is a low-cost tablet that appeals to a wide range of users, but it still has a lot of potential for growth. The Amazon Fire HD 8 was released in 2020, therefore there's a chance a fresh version will be announced next week. The device's poor performance and low-quality display are two of the most common criticisms regarding the hardware. If Amazon delivers a newer version that fixes these issues, it will have a low-cost tablet that can compete with far more expensive alternatives.
Alexa Could be Around the Backyard, Poarch or Pool
Almost all smart home hardware is focused on the interior of the home, but there is a gap when it comes to outdoor gear. Amazon might take advantage of this gap in the market by releasing an Alexa-enabled product for outdoor use, such as a pool-side floating speaker or a weather-resistant Bluetooth speaker. It's unlikely that something along these lines is being developed without any leaks, but it's always possible. Amazon appears to be focusing on getting Alexa into as many devices as possible, including smaller alternatives like the Echo Flex.
