Amazon is upping the smart-home voice-control ante for integrators with its new $229 Amazon Echo Show. The new device, which was just revealed by Amazon today and is set to be released for sale starting on June 28, 2017, offers visual hands-free feedback fro Alexa users including video flash briefings, YouTube, the ability to see music lyrics, security camera images, photos, weather forecasts, to-do and shopping lists.
Echo Show also allows for hands-free video calls to other Echo Shows or to the Alexa App, and voice calls to anyone who has an Echo or Echo Dot.
Similar to its progenitor, the upgrade device streams music via Wi-Fi on Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, iHeartRadio and more. Its speakers offer Dolby processing. Alexa can now show your clients the front door or monitor the baby's room with compatible cameras from Ring and Arlo. It can also turn on lights, control thermostats and more with WeMo, Philips Hue, ecobee, and other compatible smart home devices.
Echo Show has eight microphones, beam-forming technology, and noise cancelation. The device can hear the homeowner from any direction—even while music is playing. Amazon says it is adding new features to the ecosystem constantly, like calling Uber, playing Jeopardy!, accessing Allrecipes and watching CNN.
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Amazon is launching the product with a $100 off deal for those who purchase two Echo Shows.
For integrators, the Amazon Alexa voice control ecosystem is another way for your clients to interface with their smart home. Dealers can tie the voice control into a whole-house integrated system. Many integrators are embracing Alexa, even though it does not offer equipment margin.
Recently, CE Pro profiled an integrator in the Midwest who is effectively using Amazon voice control by simply dropping an Echo Dot on the doorsteps of prospective clients.
