Amazon Just Launched the First Echo With a Screen
Amazon on Tuesday launched a new version of its popular Echo smart speaker with a display screen and better advertised sound quality. The Echo Show, as it's called, will begin shipping on June 28 for 230. The Echo Show's screen allows users to watch YouTube videos, display photos, make video calls and more, according to Amazon's page for the device. The Show is about 80 more expensive than the standard Echo, which doesn't have a screen. The idea for a smart digital display isn't new The Chumby attempted to perform similar functions nearly a decade ago, but ultimately the technology wasn't quite there yet. Amazon's Echo speakers, powered by the company's Alexa artificial intelligence software, have shown that they are capable enough to handle a wide variety of tasks, from simple queriers about the news and weather to ordering pizzas and hailing Ubers thanks to third-party apps. Amazon also recently unveiled the Echo Look, a camera-equipped device meant to help users make daily outfit choices.