Amazon’s touchscreen Echo has been all in the news since the past few weeks. We even got a look at what its expected to look like last week, through a picture reportedly obtained from Amazon’s internal network. Well, the speakers (do we still call them just that?) could launch as soon as today — or tomorrow, depending upon where you are.
The news comes from the WSJ, which cites sources intimately familiar with the matter. The device is expected to come with a 7-inch touchscreen and the ability to answer questions. Actually, it could always answer questions but now, it would be able to display answers as well — thanks to a new 7-inch display placed squarely on top of the speakers. The device could also offer support for Internet based calls.
Google has its Google Assistant, Microsoft its Cortana and Apple its Siri. Amazon was the first to capitalize with the idea of integrating its smart assistant inside a speaker. And capitalize it did, with its Echo, Tap and other products. However, other companies were quick to catch up as well. Google for instance, came up with its Home in short order. Competition in the niche is expected to only grow tougher with companies like Apple and Microsoft to eventually enter the niche.
Which is why Amazon is now hoping to do something even more innovative. Putting a screen would allow the company to ensure that its device could do a lot more — like allow video calls. However, Amazon would first have to convince developers that developing apps for a device that has a video interface would be worth their time.
There could be security and privacy issues as well. The new Echo (if that is what it would be called) could also pack a camera and that could lead to a whole host of potential issues. Regardless, the device could open new avenues. Let’s keep our eyes peeled for a new, display-equipped device.
1 comment