Amazon.com Inc. unveiled a smaller, cheaper version of its popular Alexa-powered Echo speaker that the e-commerce giant said has better sound.
The new speaker has a dedicated woofer and tweeter for improved music playback as well as a new set of far-field microphones to better hear what users are saying, Amazon said at an event in Seattle on Wednesday. The new version comes in six different colors, Amazon said.
The new Echo costs $99, a significant price drop from the current model’s $180 price. It’s available today from Amazon’s website, said Dave Limp, who runs the company’s Alexa and Echo lines. There will also be a two-pack available that saves consumers $50.
The better sound takes on new speakers from companies including Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google. Apple will release its HomePod speaker with Siri integration and loud speakers for Apple Music later this year, while Google is expected to unveil a smaller Home speaker in October.
