Amazon dominates the smart speaker market that it pretty much created when it launched the first Amazon Echo a few years ago. But the company is facing increased competition from Google, Apple, and others. So it’s no wonder the company has expanded its Echo lineup in recent years (there are now 4 Echo speaker models — if you count the Kids Edition as its own model — and 3 Echo smart displays).

So what’s next? According to a report from Bloomberg a model that offers higher-quality sound.

Right now you can play music through an Amazon Echo Dot, Echo, or Echo Plus. But you won’t necessarily get a lot of bass unless you connect external hardware like an Echo Sub.

Basically Amazon has focused on functionality and affordability over audio quality.

Meanwhile Apple took pretty much the opposite approach with its HomePod smart speaker. Google offers options ranging from the Echo Dot-like Google Home Mini to the HomePod-like Google Home Max. And wireless speaker maker Sonos also offers smart speakers powered by Google Assistant and Alexa.

On the one hand, Amazon could leave it to partners like Sonos to cover the high-end space. As long as you’re using Alexa, Amazon’s happy, right? But the fact that Sonos speakers can also use Google’s rival voice assistant probably helps explain why Amazon is trying to develop its own alternative.

Details about the specs and launch date are scarce. Bloomberg says the new Echo is still in the prototype stage, with some models featuring at least four tweeters, among other things.

Bloomberg also reports that Amazon is continuing to work on a robot with Alexa voice assistant features that was first reported on last year. But it’s unlikely that the robot will be released this year, if it ever comes to market at all.

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4 replies on “Bloomberg: Amazon’s next Echo could sound a lot better”

  1. I’m surprised there haven’t been any news reports on Alexa sounding different the past week. Now when she says “okay” after a smart home device responds to a command, she sounds bored or depressed.

    Are no members of the tech press into home automation?

      1. I can’t say I remember Alexa making any sales pitches, unless maybe she didn’t understand my question and was making a suggestion.

      2. I look forward to the day when both Alexa and Siri are fully paid up members of the party and frequently tell us that “War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength” and remind us that our conversations have been recorded and are under review.

        Doubleplusgood for Amazon and Google!.

        Who needs the Stasi nowadays with modern technology except for escorting thougtcriminals to the Ministry of Love?

        How much does it cost to get Alexa or Siri to promote a candidate in the 2020 presidential election btw?

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