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Following Apple’s recent smart home announcement featuring Siri AI updates and the HomeView smart display, Amazon has revealed its own new Echo lineup taking a completely different direction. The latest devices include a much larger Echo Show, a smart speaker with a built-in camera, a dedicated smart clock, and the introduction of Alexa Plus.
Amazon’s Echo Show 16 and Fire TV Integration
Apple’s first smart display, the HomeView, relies heavily on audio features and Siri AI, but features a 7-inch screen that CNET noted is too small to comfortably watch television shows. In contrast, Amazon is pushing the Echo Show 16 to act more like a second TV for the kitchen or hallway. The device replaces the large speaker of previous models with small woofers and tweeters, and features a stand design reminiscent of Mac computers alongside optional wall mounting.
The Echo Show 16 incorporates a built-in Fire TV platform previously restricted to larger wall-mount-only models. This platform supports third-party apps like Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, HBO Max/Peacock, Tubi, and Pluto, as well as an enhanced Nanomatte display option designed to reduce glare and improve color accuracy.
Pricing for the Echo Show 16 starts at $499.99, rising to $569.99 for the Nanomatte display, while compatible stands cost between $69.99 and $150. This places it well above the smaller-screened HomeView, which starts at $299.
New Echo Studio, Echo Dot, and Echo Time
To compete against Apple’s HomePod Mini 2, Amazon introduced a new Echo Studio model priced at $249.99. This version features a built-in, nearly invisible home camera intended to gather visual intelligence for Alexa, allowing the voice assistant to answer questions about room activity or provide live views. Alongside the Studio, Amazon announced a more affordable, noncamera Echo Dot at $99.99, powered by an AZ3 custom-designed silicon chip for faster responses, as well as a kid’s version.
Amazon also revealed a dedicated round smart clock named Echo Time, priced at $199.99. Designed for nightstands and integrated with Alexa Plus, the clock includes unique smart alarm features intended to assist with a gradual waking process.
Alexa Plus Versus Siri AI
Both voice assistants bring new capabilities to their respective smart displays. Siri AI provides home control functions and pulls information from emails, text messages, and other iPhone sources. Alexa Plus introduces a new interface on the Echo Show 16 that displays interactive visuals, videos, and events during conversations, assigning each chat its own Card icon. It also includes a Home Map mode that functions as a visual layout for controlling smart devices room by room.
Apple has stated that advanced Siri AI features require iCloud Plus subscriptions, though details remain limited. Meanwhile, Alexa Plus is included at no additional cost with an Amazon Prime subscription, but otherwise carries a fee of $20 per month for most features.
Amazon’s high pricing across its new product line provides Apple with a potential advantage for the holiday season, though both companies are pursuing distinct visions and target audiences with their latest smart home releases.
