Smart technology is bound to be on many family wish lists this holiday season if the trends are any indicators. The US smart home market is expected to reach 40 billion USD by 2020, and 57% of Americans say they save at least 30 minutes per day by using smart products at home.
With faster internet speeds coming both from the introduction of Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, we’re only going to see more internet-connected gadgets to make our lives easier coming in the near future.
One of the most popular smart home items is a voice activated assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa leads the pack in popularity with over 60% of the market share.
In their efforts to stay on top, Amazon announced 15 new smart devices at their hardware event at the end of September, and they’re all ones that are currently available, just in time for the holidays!
If you’ve been wondering what’s going to be a hot ticket item this holiday season, we bet that several of these Alexa-powered products will be showing up under trees and in stockings this Christmas.
Here’s a rundown of some exciting new Amazon gadgets.
New Amazon Alexa Smart Products… Just Out!
From a glowing Echo just for kids to a “secret agent-like” wearable ring, there’s something for everyone in the newly released Amazon smart products. Here are some that look like they’ll be big hits this holiday season.
Echo Glow – Smart Lamp for Kids ($29.99)
Bringing a colorful and more fun look to smart technology, the Echo Glow multicolor smart lamp is going to be a popular addition to many kids’ rooms this year.
By pairing it with another Alexa device, like an Echo Dot, you can add voice control to the lamp. It includes fun features like Rainbow Timer and the ability to add color and lighting effects while playing or listening to music.
Echo Flex – Plug-in Mini Smart Speaker ($19.99)
If you like the thought of having a smart speaker, but don’t have much space or are looking for a budget price, the Echo Flex is designed just for you. It plugs directly into an outlet and is about the size of a pluggable air freshener.
It also has a handy built in USB port for charging phones or adding an optional accessory like a nightlight or motion sensor.
Echo Show 8 – Smart Display ($79.99)
You may have noticed all the commercials lately for visual voice assistant and video call displays like the Portal. Amazon’s product in this arena is the Echo Show 8 smart display.
It takes Alexa a step farther by adding visuals and you can use it to do things like watch TV or movies, video calling and messaging, and show off photo albums from Amazon Photos.
Echo Loop – Smart Ring with Alexa ($129.99, invitation only price)
If you like wearables, the Echo Loop is a smart ring that allows you to make quick calls, fast answers, and speak to Alexa. You currently have to request an invitation to purchase the Day 1 editions and quantities are limited.
The ring is water-resistant, made with titanium, and gives you one-click assess to Alexa while you’re on the go.
Echo Frames – Eyeglasses with Alexa ($179.99, invitation only price)
Another wearable that might make you feel like a secret agent is the Echo Frames product. These are also available to be purchased for Day 1 edition by invitation.
The frames are designed to be used with prescription lenses and they give you hands-free access to Alexa to make calls, set reminders, listen to podcasts, control smart home devices, or just about any other Alexa activity.
Amazon Smart Oven ($249.99)
Not only will Amazon’s new Smart Oven give you voice control and preset assistance for cooking a meal, it will also tell you when dinner’s ready or when the oven has reached the preheat temperature.
Even without the cool voice connection, it’s a pretty handy appliance as a 4-in-1, including being a:
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Microwave
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Convection Oven
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Food Warmer
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Air Fryer
Echo Buds – Wireless Earbuds ($129.99)
People have been ditching the wires when it comes to connecting to the sound of their smart devices. Amazon has introduced their own wireless earbuds with immersive sound, active noise reduction, and… Alexa too.
The Echo Buds are designed to reduce background noise and provide dynamic audio. Beyond working with Alexa, you can also access other voice assistants with them like Siri or Google Assistant.
Echo Auto – A Gift to You if You’re with Nationwide
This product wasn’t announced at the Amazon event, but it might make a nice gift for you or someone else, and it’s free if you happen to be a new or existing Nationwide insurance customer.
Nationwide recently announced that they were giving the Echo Auto (List: $49.99) for free to over a million customers, no strings attached. The Echo Auto is designed to fit in a car vent and brings Alexa capabilities to you while you’re on the road. You may want to check your email for a note about the offer or contact your agent.
Enjoy Your Technology Securely!
When it comes to internet-connected devices in the home, that also means there’s risk of a hacker gaining access to your network if you don’t have security set up correctly. Pro Tech Guy has a Cloud Care Premiummanaged antivirus and malware protection for computers, and we can also help with you secure settings for your smart home gadgets.
Contact us today to ensure your home network security. Call 508-364-8189 or reach us online.