Amazon is developing a series of new devices and services as it delves into other markets, including larger Echos with wall-mounted screens, TV sound bars, more advanced automotive technology and wearable devices.

The tech giant is carrying out these plans in its Lab126 division, which has created popular products such as the original Echo and Alexa voice assistants. The Seattle-based company will hold a press conference for new equipment and services on September 28, and some product details may be announced at that time. Other products may be launched next year or later – or they will be scrapped if they do not show enough prospects.

Wall echo
According to internal documents and people familiar with the matter, the company is planning to launch a large Echo controlled by Alexa, with a display codename of about 15 inches, codenamed Hoya, which can be installed on a wall or placed on a table with a stand. The device is intended to be a smart home control panel for activating appliances, lights and locks. It can also be used as a window to understand the status of inbound Amazon packages. The product will have a user interface that can display widgets for weather, timers, calendar appointments and photos.

Amazon is designing the device to attract kitchen users, allowing them to view recipes or watch videos of cooking methods. Like other Amazon products, it will also run third-party video streaming applications, such as Netflix. According to a Bloomberg report in February, Amazon has tested a similar version of the concept with a smaller display and plans to launch it this fall or next year.

This is part of the promotion of more Echo products with visual displays. The company found that customers use more screen-equipped devices than pure audio smart speakers.

An Amazon representative declined to comment.

Home robot
Outside of the Alexa department, Amazon has been working on the development of a household robot codenamed Vesta for many years. But the product is not sure. A person familiar with the matter said the robot has caused concerns about its viability among employees, including co-founder and chairman Jeff Bezos (Jeff Bezos).

The robot uses the Alexa interface and is considered a security tool. But as Amazon’s Ring product line (originally a smart doorbell) has consolidated its role as the company’s main security product, this focus has changed. Amazon released a Ring-branded flying safety camera drone last year, and now it’s harder to tell where the robot is. Some people within Amazon questioned the usefulness of Alexa, which has a screen that follows the user.

If the device is finally launched, it is likely to be a high-priced, low-volume product: some early versions are expected to cost about $1,000. A few months ago, Amazon began testing prototypes in employees’ homes. One version has an approximately 7-inch display, while the other version has a 10-inch screen that can be adjusted by itself. It will follow users and remind them of upcoming calendar events. Computer vision technology is considered effective and can accurately map the layout of the house. However, it has no arms and cannot use stairs.

Bloomberg first reported the existence of the robot in 2018 and reported more details of the product development in 2019.

Sound bar and car
Amazon is also looking at the TV’s soundbar—a long, horizontal device used to spread sound in a room. The company originally planned to release it in 2021, but it is now unlikely to meet the delivery schedule. However, Amazon often announces new products a few months before they are released.

There are already several third-party sound bars that support Alexa, but Amazon sees its own space in this concept. Amazon has been developing a version with a front camera. According to internal documents, this product, code-named Harmony, also allows customers to make video calls from their TV-similar to Facebook Inc.’s Portal product. Amazon announced its low-cost TV series earlier this month.

The company also plans to enter the automotive field on a larger scale. Amazon is developing a second-generation model of the Echo Auto technology code-named Marion. The current product has been questioned by some consumers. It is paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to use the device’s microphone to access Alexa through the car’s speakers. The updated version will use a new design, and may be able to use induction technology to charge the user’s device.

Amazon is also building closer relationships with automakers. The company recently established an in-depth partnership with Ford Motor Company, which will embed Alexa in 700,000 cars this year. The system allows users to access Alexa directly from the dashboard entertainment system, without the need for a mobile phone, downloading an application, or pressing a button. Amazon is now exploring additional deals with automakers to allow Alexa to enter more cars.

Speaker and wearable device push
After redesigning most of the Echo speaker series last year, including Echo Show, Echo Dot and standard Echo, the company may not plan to make major updates to these devices this year. Instead, it is planning for changes in 2022.

In addition to the recently launched Halo fitness tracker, Amazon is also weighing larger wearable devices. The company discussed a series of new products internally, including a model for children and another model for seniors that can detect when they fall and monitor activities. Bloomberg reported earlier on plans to develop wearable devices for children, but the development of these two products is still in its infancy.

News Source : Backtrack