Amazon has today announced four new Echo devices, the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11. Built specifically for Alexa+, these devices claim to offer faster processing, more memory, advanced sensing capabilities, and edge-based AI computing. Every new Echo now ships with Alexa+ out of the box.
At the heart of the new Echo devices are two custom-designed silicon chips, AZ3 and AZ3 Pro, which include the tech giant"s new AI Accelerator for running edge-based AI models. The Echo Dot Max features the AZ3 chip, enhancing conversation detection, wake-word recognition (by over 50%), and noise filtering for more natural, free-flowing interactions.
The Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11 use the more powerful AZ3 Pro, which adds support for advanced language models and vision transformers. These devices also feature Omnisense, Amazon’s custom sensor platform that combines audio, vision, ultrasound, Wi-Fi radar, accelerometer, and more. Omnisense enables Alexa to respond proactively to events in the home, such as notifying users when a specific person enters a room or if the garage door is unlocked late at night.
The Echo Dot Max marks a major upgrade over the 5th-generation Echo Dot, claiming to deliver nearly three times the bass and a sophisticated two-way speaker system with a high-excursion woofer and custom tweeter for deep, room-filling sound. The speaker housing has been redesigned to double internal airspace, resulting in fuller, richer bass in a compact form factor. It is available for $99.99.
The new Echo Studio is 40% smaller than the original, delivers immersive audio with a high-excursion woofer and three optimally placed full-range drivers. It also supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio for an immersive listening experience. The new spherical design uses 3D-knit fabric for acoustic transparency, while an updated light ring incorporates visual understanding for smarter interactions. It is priced at $219.99.
Amazon’s new smart displays, the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11, feature in-cell touch panels and a negative liquid crystal design to enhance viewing angles and visual clarity in any lighting. Both models include a 13-megapixel camera for recognising users, displaying contextual information, and enabling richer visual interactions with Alexa+.
The displays also integrate advanced features for entertainment, smart home control, organisation, shopping, and wellness. Users can manage multiple connected devices, view Ring camera feeds, track family calendars, monitor deliveries, and access wellness guidance through partners like Oura. Both models feature new audio architectures with front-facing stereo speakers and custom woofers for spatial audio. The Echo Show 8 is priced at $179.99, and the Echo Show 11 at $219.99.
To make discovering new capabilities easier, Amazon is launching the Alexa+ Store, a central hub for enabling "tens of thousands of devices and services" from brands including Bose, Sonos, LG, Samsung, BMW, TaskRabbit, Fandango, Uber, Lyft, and more. Users can also manage subscriptions such as Amazon Music, Amazon Kids+, and Alexa Emergency Assist.
All four new Echo devices are available for pre-order today and U.S. customers will get Alexa+ Early Access out of the box with the purchase of any new Echo. The Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio will be available from October 29, and the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 will be available from November 12.