The year 2021 was rich in new products Alexa, Amazon Echo and Fire TV. The teams ofAmazon have in fact spared no effort to offer us ever more services, features and new devices. But, even if you are loyal members of our Facebook community, you may have missed some information ... Let's take stock!
Echo Show 15: a new one smart eagerly awaited display
Range Amazon Echo was further enriched in 2021 with the release of a new Echo Show 15. Halfway between the touchscreen tablet and the digital photo frame, this 15.6 inch connected screen responds to the insistent demand of home automation users to be able to control their connected home by voice, but also with the finger and the eye.
Designed to be mounted on the wall or placed on a compatible support, in portrait or landscape orientation, Echo Show 15 aims to help us stay organized, connected and entertained. Equipped with a new processor Amazon AZ2 Neural Edge, it brings together everything families need on a beautiful display.
Already available in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, its release elsewhere in Europe is expected in first quarter 2022.
Discover Echo Show 15 | 15,6 "Full HD connected display for home organization with Alexa
Fire TV: streaming with Alexa got a new look
The solution Amazon Fire TV, more and more popular with users ofAlexa, was not left out this year either!
After the arrival in March of a new remote control Alexa with quick access buttons to the main streaming services, Amazon renewed its 4K dongle and presented a new Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2021) last October.
In the United States alone for now, a range of televisions has emerged with two ranges named Amazon Fire TV Omni Serie and 4-Series intended for two types of use comprising no less than 8 models from 43 to 75 inches with prices ranging from 300 € to more than 1000 €. Powered by Fire OS 7, these televisions obviously integrate Alexa.
In terms of functionality, the new Fire TV interface was deployed on all models as announced in December 2020 and some new features have gradually appeared. We are thinking in particular of the arrival of applications for Jump ou France TV, or the management of webcams on Fire TV Cube which allows in particular to use Zoom on Fire TV. Finally, it is now possible to find certain channels of Live TV on Fire TV.
But the most interesting novelty concerns home automation with the deployment of a connected home dashboardAlexa on Fire TV. Still not available in Europe, this feature tends to make our televisions central elements of our connected homes.
Amazon Astro: the robot Alexa
We have been talking about it for years under its code name Vesta, the first domestic robot with Alexa is now a reality and it is called Amazon Astro. Designed to be user-friendly, with expressive eyes and body movements that respond to user interaction, Astro takes the form of a rotating screen mounted on a base with wheels.
Capable of moving from one room to another on its own, this first robotAmazon knows how to get around objects on the ground or brake to avoid hitting obstacles or a pet that he meets in his path. A periscope camera fixed in its center allows it to see objects in height and at 360 degrees, in order to patrol independently in your home during your absence. Thus, it can alert you to any potential intruders, detect broken glass, fire alarms, and much more ...
Of course, it obviously responds to voice commands and supports all of the voice assistant features listed in our guide Alexa.
Amazon Devices: new devices
During its annual keynote, Amazon unveiled new compatible devices Alexa expected for 2022:
- Amazon Smart Thermostat : a smart thermostat designed with Honeywell that works directly with Alexa at only $ 59.99.
- Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor : it was the surprise of the year, a compatible air quality monitor Alexa appeared in the catalog!
- Blink Video Doorbell : a new connected doorbell soon available at only 59.99 €
- Blink Floodlight Mount et Solar panel : two accessories for Blink Outdoor
- Amazon Basics : compatible connected switches Alexa
Alexa : news for 2021
Celebrating its 3 years in France and its 7 years in the United States, Alexa was not left out this year and finally brought us the possibility of new features and services throughout the year:
- Alexa in Belgium : Amazon this year started its beta phase in Belgium;
- Low consumption mode : Amazon Echo can now be switched to low consumption mode and an energy table is provided within the application;
- New themes : the application Alexa now offers a clear theme and a "dark mode";
- Alexa Music Sharing : you can now share your favorite songs with your loved ones, just ask Alexa ;
- Alexa for truck drivers : Volvo Trucks has integrated the assistant in four new trucks;
- Remote Echo Show cameras : the cameras are available from the application;
- Zoom on Fire TV and Echo Show : the videoconference service is available on Fire TV and will also be available soon on Echo Show;
- Sound detection with Alexa : the pregnant Amazon Echo can now detect certain sounds and use them as triggers in routines;
- Matter soon on Amazon Echo : the universal home automation standard will be rolled out in 2021;
- Favorites connected homeAlexa : very practical shortcuts have appeared in the application;
- Conversation mode : Echo Show 10 will soon be equipped with a conversation mode with Alexa making it possible to no longer have to repeat the wake-up word for each command;
- Sticky Alexa : reminders on our Echo Show;
- Alexa On Windows : the application has undergone a significant overhaul;
- Alexa & Netflix : the assistant can now make recommendations on Fire TV;