Amazon is pushing the boundaries of smart home displays with its latest announcement, marking a significant evolution in the Echo Show lineup. The tech giant's surprise release demonstrates its commitment to expanding the smart home ecosystem, offering users unprecedented screen real estate for their digital interactions.
A New Era of Smart Displays
The Echo Show 21 represents Amazon's boldest move yet in the smart display market, featuring a massive 21-inch screen that dwarfs its predecessors. This new flagship device, priced at $399, aims to bridge the gap between traditional smart displays and entertainment centers, offering an immersive experience for both smart home control and media consumption.
 |
|---|
| The new Echo Show 21 features a massive screen, ideal for smart home control and media consumption |
Enhanced Audio and Visual Experience
The new model brings significant improvements to sound quality, addressing previous criticisms of Echo Show devices. With double the bass and room adaptation technology, Amazon has focused on delivering a more robust audio experience. The device features two 0.6-inch tweeters and two 2-inch woofers, though its thin profile does present some limitations compared to bulkier models.
Smart Home Integration and Connectivity
Both the Echo Show 21 and the refreshed Echo Show 15 come equipped with cutting-edge connectivity features. The integration of Matter and Thread protocols ensures broad smart home device compatibility, while Wi-Fi 6E support promises faster and more reliable connections. The ability to control certain devices locally, such as lights and switches, represents a significant advancement in smart home functionality.
Design and Mounting Options
Amazon has thoughtfully included wall-mounting equipment with both models, and offers additional customization through snap-on frames available in white and light brown ($40 for Show 21, $35 for Show 15). For those preferring a countertop setup, a separate stand is available for $100, providing flexibility in placement options.
Camera and Communication Improvements
The Echo Show 21 boasts enhanced video calling capabilities with auto-framing technology, a doubled field of view, and 65% increased zoom capability. The addition of noise reduction technology aims to deliver clearer communication during video calls, making it a more capable communication hub for home use.
Market Positioning and Future Implications
With this launch, Amazon is clearly positioning itself ahead of competitors like Google and Apple in the smart display market. The timing of this release, ahead of rumored Apple smart display launches, suggests Amazon's strategy to maintain its market leadership through innovation and expanded functionality.