Amazon announced four new Echo smart speakers and displays overnight, with refreshed designs, more powerful audio, and improved smart features.
The global retail juggernaut began with the $199 Echo Dot Max, Amazon’s most powerful version of the petite smart speaker. Featuring a reworked sound system, the Echo Dot Max reportedly produces nearly three times more bass than the most recent Echo Dot model.
Instead of the device consisting of a separate speaker module, it’s all integrated into one module. Amazon says this leaves more room internally, therefore enhancing the speaker’s bass performance.
On the inside of the Echo Dot Max is Amazon’s custom AZ3 processor, which is said to improve Alexa interactions. According to Amazon, the chip results in better conversation detection by blocking out more background noise. So, even if there’s cross-talk or the TV’s blaring, Alexa should be better at detecting when you’re talking to the AI assistant.
Alongside the new Dot is the latest Echo Studio, which looks completely different to its older rectangular design. Reportedly 40 per cent smaller than the previous Echo Studio, the 2025 model now looks like a larger Dot speaker.
The upgraded Echo Studio also supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, putting its woofer and three drivers to work. It’ll cost $429 in Australia.
On the display side of things, Amazon announced new versions of the Echo Show 8 ($349) and Echo Show 11 ($429). Improvements to the display technology and screen coating give them a wider viewing angle, along with enhanced clarity. Bezel reduction was also on Amazon’s list of improvements, resulting in the 8- and 11-inch screens showing a wider viewing area.
Amazon’s AZ3 Pro chip powers the Echo Studio and Show devices, including on-device support for language models. Pre-orders for the new Echo range are live now; the speakers arrive in Australia on 29 October, while the smart displays launch on 12 November.
