Amazon introduced five Echo devices. The most useful change for the smart home is the new Echo Dot: the $100 speaker supports the Matter standard and works as a Thread edge router. This allows you to connect compatible sensors, lamps and other devices without a separate hub. Dot's previous starting price was $50, so the improvement comes with a noticeable increase in price. Amazon also promises stronger bass and better microphone performance, but for now these are claims from the manufacturer and not the result of an independent long-term test.
For the first time among the speakers in this series, Echo Studio for $250 received a camera. It is needed for video communication, monitoring the room and recognizing the person who is accessing Alexa+. The camera doesn't have a physical shutter; microphones and camera can be turned off with a button. For those who do not want a camera at home, we left the usual Studio. Two more new items: a $200 photo frame that requires Amazon Photos, and a $200 Echo Time bedside clock. The watch must detect breathing using an ultrasonic signal and select the moment of awakening within a given window. This is not a medical sleep assessment and is designed for the person lying closest to the device. The wall-mounted Echo Show 16 starts at $500, with a temporary price of $400. Its new Alexa Neo interface creates cards, graphs and images on demand. The bottom line is simple: Matter and Thread increase compatibility, and the camera and bedside sensor require conscious choice of location and privacy settings.