What to expect from Amazon’s Alexa hardware event on September 24
Amazon is holding an event on September 24, where it is expected to reveal a range of new Alexa devices.
The event comes a year after the last time Amazon announced new Alexa products, so it's likely that we will see new hardware from the company's Echo range of smart speakers, displays and other Alexa accessories.
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As for what we can expect to see, there have been indications through September that Amazon's Alexa products will soon be replaced. GearBrain reported on September 1 how the latest, third-generation Echo speaker was out of stock, with a note on Amazon's website saying it didn't know "when or if" it will be available again.
Other Echo devices have also been reduced heavily from their normal prices, with the second-generation Echo Plus down from $150 to $75, the third-generation Echo Dot reduced from $50 to $30, and the flagship Echo Studio cut from $200 to $170. Amazon's Echo Show smart displays are also all below their normal prices.
The same products are discounted elsewhere too, with the Echo Plus reduced by more than 50 percent on Amazon's UK store, and the Echo Dot with Clock almost half-price.
This all suggests that Amazon is preparing to refresh its Echo product range ahead of the holiday season – and ahead of Google's own hardware event, scheduled for September 30 and likely to include new smart speakers.
Last year, Amazon used its Alexa event to announce the new Echo Studio speaker, Echo Show 8 smart display, and the third-generation Echo speaker.
What to expect from Amazon on September 24
As for what to expect from Amazon's Alexa hardware event on September 24, a new Echo speaker is very likely. This is expected to offer more power and greater sound quality over its predecessor, and potentially an updated design too.
We're also keen to see what Amazon has planned for its entry-level $50 Echo Dot, and whether the premium Echo Plus and Echo Studio will receive an update, or be killed off. On that last point, Amazon has a history of getting rid of products that weren't a success – like the Echo Look and Dash Wand – so we wouldn't be surprised to see multiple Alexa devices come and go on September 24.
We're also keen to find out if Alexa has any major new features. We hope Amazon has improved its intelligence and hopefully created new ways to set up, manage and control the smart home.
No doubt, we will also see Amazon add Alex to some more left-field products. It has in the past announced Alexa smart glasses, called the Echo Frames. Such products tend to be sold by invitation-only and act as a trial. We're keen to see what new products Amazon plans to install Alexa on for 2020.
Echo Show 8 -- HD smart display with Alexa – stay connected with video calling - Sandstone
