A few days before Black Friday, Amazon is hitting hard by unveiling two new connected screens: the Echo Show 21 and a new version of the Echo Show 15. These devices, which are part of the American giant’s line of connected screens, come to directly compete with Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem with advanced features for the connected home.
An XXL screen and optimized audio performance
The Echo Show 21 stands out with its imposing 21-inch Full HD screen, offering a much larger display area than the Echo Show 15. Amazon has not skimped on the audio part with bass twice as powerful and room acoustic adaptation technology. The camera also takes a leap forward with a doubled field of view and a 65% more efficient zoom than the previous generation, like Center Stage.
The new Echo Show 15 benefits from the same audio and video improvements, in a more compact format. Both models feature noise reduction technology for clearer calls, even in a noisy environment like a kitchen.
Aside from the format and some welcome updates, the Alexa voice assistant should be the same as on other Echos. Amazon plans to integrate generative AI into Alexa but we do not know when or how.
A complete home automation hub to rival HomeKit
Amazon is clearly positioning its new Echo Shows as control centers for the connected home. Equipped with an integrated home automation hub, they are compatible with the main market standards: Matter, Wi-Fi 6E, Thread and Zigbee. A versatility that allows them to easily manage connected devices such as bulbs, cameras or sockets, via voice or touch commands.
The multimedia part is not left out since both models integrate Fire TV, allowing access to the main streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, etc.). A feature reminiscent of AirPlay on Apple devices, with the ability to switch content between screens seamlessly.
The Echo Show 15 and Echo Show 21 are available now on Amazon.fr at the respective prices of €329.99 and €439.99. Accessories such as decorative frames (€39.99/€43.99) and a premium adjustable stand (€109.99) are also offered.
As a reminder, Apple still does not have a connected screen in its catalog, even if rumors regularly mention the development of a HomePod with a screen. In the meantime, Amazon continues to innovate in this segment with increasingly sophisticated products.
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