Amazon is pushing the boundaries of smart home displays with its latest product launch, marking a significant evolution in the company's Echo Show lineup. The tech giant is targeting the growing demand for wall-mounted smart home hubs that can serve as central command centers for modern connected homes.
A New Era of Smart Displays
Amazon has introduced its largest smart display ever, the Echo Show 21, alongside an upgraded Echo Show 15. These wall-mountable devices represent Amazon's vision for the future of smart home control and entertainment. The Echo Show 21 boasts a massive 21-inch screen that nearly doubles the viewing area of its predecessor, while both models incorporate significant technological improvements aimed at enhancing the user experience.
Audio and Visual Enhancements
Both new models feature substantial audio upgrades, addressing previous criticisms of the Echo Show line. The new audio system combines dual 2-inch woofers with two 0.6-inch tweeters, delivering enhanced bass response and room adaptation capabilities. The auto-framing camera system has been improved with double the field of view compared to the original Echo Show 15, along with advanced noise reduction technology for clearer video calls.
Connectivity and Smart Home Integration
These new Echo Show models are the first to support Wi-Fi 6E technology, promising improved streaming performance and lower latency. They function as comprehensive smart home hubs with built-in support for Thread, Zigbee, and Matter protocols, making them versatile control centers for various smart home devices. Both models are powered by an octa-core processor featuring Amazon's AZ2 neural network engine.
Pricing and Availability
The Echo Show 15 is available for purchase at $299, while the larger Echo Show 21 is priced at $399. While both devices come with an Alexa Voice Remote and mounting equipment, the tilt stand remains a separate purchase at $99. This pricing strategy positions these devices as premium offerings in the smart display market.
| Feature | Echo Show 21 | Echo Show 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 21-inch | 15-inch |
| Price | $399 | $299 |
| Audio | 2x 2-inch woofers + 2x 0.6-inch tweeters | 2x 2-inch woofers + 2x 0.6-inch tweeters |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Smart Home Protocols | Thread, Zigbee, Matter | Thread, Zigbee, Matter |
| Mounting | Wall-mountable (Stand sold separately) | Wall-mountable (Stand sold separately) |
Future Implications
As the smart home market continues to evolve, Amazon's latest offerings demonstrate the company's commitment to maintaining its leadership position in the face of potential competition from other tech giants. While Alexa's promised generative AI capabilities are still in development, these new hardware improvements provide a solid foundation for future software enhancements.