Amazon unveils robot on wheels, a $60 smart thermostat and more
Big Tech is rarely content with simple announcements when it comes to unveiling new hardware. It has to be an event, and this continues even as audiences can only attend virtually.
Apple recently unveiled its flagship product, the iPhone 13, which comes in four flavors. Along with this came details on the new Apple Watch as well as some new entries in the iPad family. Tap or click here for our Apple rundown.
Hot on the heels of Apple’s event is Amazon, with news of a robot and some new gadgets. There are also new ways to communicate and play and updates to existing devices. We gathered the highlights together below.
Check out this cool household robot
Astro is a household robot on wheels that incorporates Alexa and more artificial intelligence to go beyond a simple smart speaker.
Astro wanders your home and adapts to changing environments. The robot performs many functions that a smart speaker can, such as playing music, using Alexa guard for security and making calls, but the locomotion adds some flavor.
- Astro patrols your home and show you live views of each room and any action it finds.
- Keep the robot away from areas you designate as off-limits.
- Flip the microphones/cameras button to off and the robot can’t move or capture video or audio.
- Astro will initially be available by invite only for $999.99 as part of Amazon’s Day 1 program and ships November 4. Tap or click here to request an invite. There are no guarantees. After the introductory period, the price goes up to $1,449.99.
Here’s a quick video of Astro in action:
Echo Show 15
The latest Echo Show has a 15.6-inch screen and can be mounted to a wall or rest on a flat surface.
- Control your smart home with the Echo Show 15. With a picture-in-picture mode, you can do two things at once like monitor your security camera while browsing the web.
- Echo Show 15 can double as a small television. Place one in your kitchen and stream Prime Video, Netflix or Hulu while you cook.
- Customizable Alexa widgets give you the most pertinent information in one gallery.
- Optional Visual ID lets the Show recognize you when you walk in front of it. The screen displays content for you, including reminders, calendar events, recently played music and more.
- Privacy features include microphone and camera controls, the ability to view and delete your voice recordings and and a camera cover.
- The Echo Show 15 is available later this year for $249.99. Tap or click here to stay updated on availability.
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