On September 30, 2023, Amazon hosted its latest Devices & Services event in New York City, showcasing a range of innovative products designed to enhance your smart home experience. This invitation-only event featured a plethora of new devices, including updated Ring cameras, Echo speakers and displays, Fire TV devices, and an exciting new addition to the Kindle lineup—the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.
ZDNET was present at the event, providing real-time updates and insights into the newest offerings from Amazon. With a focus on enhancing user experience, the event not only introduced new hardware but also showcased new software features that integrate seamlessly with existing Amazon devices.
Among the standout products was the new Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, a groundbreaking model featuring a color e-paper display. This new iteration aims to replicate the feel of writing on paper, boasting a 40% increase in speed compared to previous models. With its advanced color processing technology, users can expect a more natural reading experience without straining their eyes. The pricing for the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft starts at $630, with other models priced at $430 and $500 respectively.
Amazon also announced an impressive lineup of new Echo devices, including the Echo Studio, Echo Dot Max, Echo Show 11, and Echo Show 8. These new devices, powered by the faster AZ3 and AZ3 Pro processors, are designed for the Alexa+ experience. They come equipped with improved contextual awareness, allowing them to learn from the environment and notify users of unusual activities, such as an unlocked front door late at night. Prices for these new Echo devices range from $100 to $220.
Ring founder Jamie Siminoff introduced the much-anticipated Retinal Vision technology for the new Ring Video Doorbell, enhancing image quality with 2K resolution. The new lineup includes various 2K cameras, such as the Wired Doorbell Plus 2K and Indoor Cam Plus 2K, priced at $180 and $60, respectively. Additionally, Amazon is launching 4K security cameras, including the Outdoor Cam Pro 4K and the Floodlight Cam Pro 4K, with prices ranging from $200 to $280.
The new Ring devices will feature software updates like Retinal Tuning, allowing users to customize picture quality, and Familiar Faces, which uses facial recognition to identify visitors. Another exciting update is Alexa+ Greetings, enabling Alexa to act as a digital doorman. Additionally, the Search Party feature will assist pet owners in locating lost pets by utilizing nearby Ring cameras to spot them.
Amazon also unveiled new Blink security cameras, including the Blink Mini 2K+, priced at $50, and the Blink Outdoor 2K+, priced at $90. The Blink Arc, featuring two outdoor cameras for panoramic coverage, is available for $100.
The Fire TV lineup saw significant updates, including the release of the Fire TV 4 Series and Fire TV Omni QLED Series, starting at $330 and $160, respectively. The newly introduced Fire TV Stick 4K Select is available for $40. These devices run on Amazon's new Vega OS, a proprietary operating system designed to enhance performance and user experience, offering features like Dialog Boost to improve audio clarity.
The Amazon Devices & Services event has set the stage for a new era of smart home technology, featuring cutting-edge devices that cater to various user needs. With products available for pre-order immediately, Amazon continues to innovate, ensuring that customers have access to the latest in smart technology.
