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Voice-enabled Echo gets a touch screen
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AMAZON is giving its voice-enabled Echo speaker a touch screen and video-calling capabilities as it competes with Google’s efforts at bringing “smarts” to the home.
The 7-inch (17.5 centimeter) screen on the new Echo Show enables the speaker to supplement voice responses with visuals and other information displays , similar to the Echo-like features on the Fire tablets and Fire TV streaming devices.
That could mean extended weather forecasts, not just current conditions, or music lyrics to go with the song you’re listening to. You can also call up cooking tutorials on YouTube, hands-free, while making dinner in the kitchen.
You’ll also be able to make video calls with other Echo Show devices or the Alexa app for iPhones and Android phones. Two previous models, the original Echo and the smaller Echo Dot, will get audio calling only, as they lack screens and cameras. Video and audio calls will be free.
The new Echo Show goes on sale on June 28 for US$230, making it the priciest Echo yet.
The market for voice-assisted speakers is small but growing. Research firm eMarketer expects use to more than double to almost 36 million Americans using such a device at least once a month by year-end.
Amazon’s Echo is expected to continue dominating, with a market share of nearly 71 percent, although eMarketer expects Google’s Home speaker to cut into that.
Google Home recently got the ability to recognize individuals within a family by voice, allowing for more precise recommendations and ad targeting. Amazon doesn’t yet have voice-recognition. But Google Home doesn’t have a screen or video calling.
All Echo devices can respond to voice requests for weather, news, music and other tasks. The original device, simply called Echo, sells for US$150.
Amazon and Google will get a new rival this fall: On Monday, Microsoft and Samsung’s Harman business teased an upcoming speaker, called Invoke, powered by Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant.
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