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At its hardware event today, Amazon announced a new look and fresh features for its Echo Dot smart speakers. Among the highlights are the ball-shaped design for the refreshed Echo Dot and a new Echo Dot with clock.
The changes mark a huge departure from the Dot's original puck-shaped design, although the new-generation smart speakers still retain the spherical design and fabric finish of the Echo. The new smart speaker features a 1.6-inch, front-firing speaker that's powered by Amazon’s first-generation AZ1 Neural Edge processor incorporating machine learning applications. The processor boasts of an all-neural speech recognition model that Amazon says "will process speech faster, making Alexa even more responsive."
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Amazon also redesigned the Echo Dot Kids Edition with new Panda and Tiger designs and animal-themed alarms. It comes with a one-year subscription of Amazon Kids+, with access to thousands of hours of children-oriented Audible books, interactive games, and educational skills. The new Dot Kids Edition will also allow parents to create an Alexa voice profile for their kids, featuring kid-friendly responses, games, skills, music, and more.
The redesigned Dot smart speakers will be available in Charcoal, Glacier White, and Twilight Blue color options. The Dot is priced at $49.99, available for pre-order today and will ship later this year. The one with clock option is priced a bit higher at $59.99. In addition, the Dot Kids Edition is available for pre-order today at $59.99, with shipping scheduled for later this year.
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