Amazon shows off new spherical Echo speakers at annual event

Amazon.com Inc. was a pioneer in voice-controlled speakers. Now it’s trying to move beyond the cylindrical design these devices initially embraced.

Amazon Echo (Amazon)

Amazon on Thursday hosted its annual Amazon 2020 event. At the event, which was held virtually this year owing to the pandemic, Amazon introduced its next-generation Echo smart speakers, which include Amazon Echo, Amazon Echo Dot and Amazon Echo Dot with a Clock and Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition. 

However, unlike the previous generation Echo smart speakers, the new Echo smart speakers come with a spherical design. These new smart speakers come with a smarter Alexa that is capable of having more seamless conversations with the users.

Apart from launching new Echo speakers, Amazon also launched Ring security video and alarm products for cars. The company said Tesla Inc's vehicles will be the first that are compatible with its Ring Car Connect software, which can tell customers if their vehicle is unlocked and can playback video.

Apart from this, Amazon, as mentioned before, also announced upgrades such as a deletion feature for all prior voice recordings, a more natural tone for its voice assistant Alexa and an improved ability to discern whether speech is directed at Alexa or at others in a household.

Amazon's stock is up more than 60% this year, while the benchmark S&P 500 is roughly flat. Sales have jumped for the Seattle-based company as more consumers turned to online shopping during the coronavirus pandemic. In July, Amazon announced the biggest quarterly profit in its 26-year history.

(With Bloomberg and Reuters Inputs)