Amazon Announces New Line of Echo Devices Including Camera-Equipped Studio

Amazon has unveiled a fresh lineup of hardware devices as part of its October product announcements, moving away from its traditional large fall showcase in favor of smaller, focused launches. The centerpiece of the new Echo refresh is the Echo Studio with Home Camera, which turns the company's most capable smart speaker into a smart camera designed to monitor rooms while users are away.

According to the reports, the newly integrated camera can see and understand what is in front of it. Some reports indicate the device can be used to check on pets like dogs, while others mention it can assist users with activities such as telling them how to play the game Monopoly.

In addition to the updated Echo Studio, the company introduced a new Echo Dot. This model doubles as an eero Wi-Fi extender and a smart home hub, bringing added utility to the smaller speaker.

Most of Amazon's new Echo gear is already available for purchase. The recent string of October announcements has also featured new Fire TV devices, Kindles, the Alexa Tablet Pro 12, and Ring hardware.