New Echo release as Amazon launches updated device that takes aim at Google

Amazon and Google continue to battle it out for a place in your home.

The firm’s smart speakers are some of best you can buy and now there’s a new addition to the ever-growing range of intelligent devices.

The new Echo Show 5 has just been revealed and it arrives packing all the usual Alexa-powered smart skills but it also adds a 5.5-inch screen and in-built camera to mix.

Amazon is no stranger to launching speakers with a screen but this latest model arrives at a more affordable price.

In fact, when it goes on sale next month it will cost you under £80 – that’s considerably cheaper than the standard Show’s £219 price tag.

As well as offering that display there’s also some decent speakers which Amazon says offers rich and full audio.

A new smart home dashboard is also included which gives you even more control over compatible smart home devices and groups. You can also view your smart home camera feed and thermostats, access recently used devices, and manage smart devices by group.

With a screen included you can play some more visual games such as Pointless and Deal or No Deal plus make video calls to friends and family.

Amazon has also now added an ambient lighting mode which auto-adjusts the brightness of the screen based on the light in the room.

“Since we launched the first Echo Show device, customers have told us that they love asking Alexa to show them things—whether it’s asking for their favourite recipes to cook along with, their shopping list, or music lyrics. With Echo Show 5, we’ve made it even easier and affordable for customers to add a smart display to every room of their house,” said Jorrit Van der Meulen, VP Amazon Devices EU.

“The compact form factor is perfect for a bedside table or desk, plus it has a camera shutter for added peace of mind, and new Alexa privacy features that are coming soon to the UK for even more control.” 

Echo Show 5 is available in Charcoal and Sandstone for £79.99. 

Both are available for pre-order today at www.amazon.co.uk/echoshow5 and will start shipping in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia next month

The news of this new Echo comes as Google has announced a new member of the Home family dubbed the Google Nest Hub Max.

The new Max looks very similar to the standard Google Nest Hub but comes with a larger 10-inch display that has the resolution of 1280×800.

Nest Hub Max also features a more powerful audio array than its smaller brother and has a built-in Nest Cam that allows users to monitor what is going on in their home when they are out and about.

The front-facing camera also allows the hardware to make video calls via Google Duo.

source: express.co.uk