Amazon sells new Echo speakers and clocks, holds back large display

Amazon opened preorders for the Echo Show 16 on Wednesday, offering shoppers $100 off the initial price. The device is scheduled to arrive on December 16, marking the only item from the new hardware group not yet available for purchase.

The company released the rest of the updated Echo lineup simultaneously. This shift in strategy moves away from annual mass unveilings, giving each product a dedicated launch window instead of presenting dozens of devices in a single event.

The new Echo Dot features 50 percent more bass than its predecessor. It includes faster on-device processing to support Alexa Plus and adds an extra microphone to capture voices from different parts of a room. A new function called Omnisense integrates temperature and presence sensing to manage smart home devices automatically.

The Echo Studio now operates as the Echo Studio with Home Camera. It adds a camera and the Alexa Plus assistant to its existing speaker role. Amazon plans to allow pairing with Fire TV devices after launch, enabling video calls to display on larger television screens.

The Echo Time serves as a bedside alarm clock without a camera. It uses ultrasound technology to detect sleep stages and offers smart alarms that wake users gradually. This feature remains optional, allowing owners to decide when the monitoring is active.

The Alexa Photo Frame features a 10-inch anti-glare touchscreen and functions as both a smart speaker and a digital frame. It connects with Amazon Photos, a service that provides unlimited storage for Prime members. The frame is available in multiple design options.

The delayed Echo Show 16 is Amazon's largest smart display. It contains eight woofers and two tweeters distributed between the stand and the screen. The device supports VESA mounting, and buyers can select a pricier nanomatte screen option.