Amazon has introduced four new Echo devices, each designed specifically to work with its latest AI assistant, Alexa+. The new lineup includes the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11. According to Amazon, these devices incorporate custom-designed silicon chips and a new sensor platform called Omnisense to provide more personalized and proactive interactions with users.
"Earlier this year, we launched Alexa+, our next-generation AI assistant that’s deeply conversational and engaging, personalized, and gets things done. Already, the millions of customers with Early Access are talking to Alexa over 2x more, having deeper conversations on any topic, and relying on her to complete more tasks like controlling smart home devices, booking reservations, and helping navigate the family calendar. Today, we’re introducing four new Echo devices, purpose-built for Alexa+. The all-new Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11 are the most advanced Echo devices we’ve ever built. They deliver more processing power, memory, edge-based computing, and advanced sensing capabilities to enable Alexa+ to deliver ambient AI experiences that fade into the background of daily life. They have an all-new look and feel we think customers will love. And now, any customer who orders a new Echo device will get access to Alexa+ out of the box."
The core of these products is two custom silicon chips—AZ3 and AZ3 Pro—engineered for faster AI processing at the device level. The AZ3 chip in the Echo Dot Max improves conversation detection by supporting a better microphone array that filters background noise and enhances wake-word recognition by over 50%. The AZ3 Pro chip in the other models adds support for advanced language models and visual processing.
Omnisense is Amazon’s proprietary sensor platform that uses data from cameras, audio inputs, ultrasound sensors, Wi-Fi radar signals, accelerometers, and other sources. This enables features such as reminders when specific people enter a room or alerts about open garage doors late at night.
The new speakers focus on improved sound quality. The Echo Dot Max offers nearly three times the bass compared to its predecessor due to its two-way speaker system with a woofer and tweeter integrated into its housing. It is priced at $99.99. The redesigned Echo Studio is smaller than previous versions but includes spatial audio technology like Dolby Atmos for surround sound experiences; it will sell for $219.99.
Customers can also set up home theater systems by connecting up to five compatible Echos with Fire TV sticks for surround sound setups managed automatically by Alexa.
The updated smart displays—Echo Show 8 ($179.99) and Echo Show 11 ($219.99)—feature high-definition screens using new display technologies for improved clarity in various lighting conditions. Both include front-facing stereo speakers with custom woofers aimed at delivering clear audio directly toward users.
Additional features include integration with health partners such as Oura (and upcoming partnerships with Withings and Wyze), which allows users who connect their accounts to receive wellness suggestions while maintaining strict data privacy standards.
To help users discover available features and third-party integrations—including services from companies like TaskRabbit or Uber—Amazon plans to launch an Alexa+ Store where customers can manage subscriptions or personalize their assistant experience further.
Amazon’s expansion of Alexa+ into products from brands such as Bose, Sonos, LG, Samsung, and BMW aims to broaden access across different environments including homes and vehicles.
Since launching in 2014 with its first smart speaker (source), Amazon has continued evolving its product line based on user feedback regarding sound quality improvements (source) as well as advances in artificial intelligence capabilities.