The famous Siri from Apple’s iPhones might finally have some kind of competition. Amazon has released a machine called Echo, a tiny cylindrical device that connects to your phone via Bluetooth.
The device is always on and listening for commands, and it has a 360-degree speaker for greater sound potential. It uses seven microphones on top to listen to every command from whatever room you are in.
The Echo, which comes with the default name “Alexa,” will be able to run tasks like word definitions, unit conversions, news and weather updates, and the ability to control your music and several other compatible apps from your phone.
In case you were wondering, the Echo will be shipped with a dedicated app and will be able to run on Android and iOS software.
But here’s the catch. Echo is available for $199 ($99 for Amazon Prime users) but will only be available for order through special invitation from Amazon itself. Amazon looks to be taking a slow and quiet approach to its new product for reasons unknown to the public.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for future updates regarding Echo and its software. Will Amazon fully release it to the public, or will it fail and fall through? Only time will tell.