What is the Amazon Echo, what are the new devices called and what can Alexa do? All you need to know

AMAZON revealed a whole new range of Echo devices in time for Christmas shopping season.

Here's everything you need to know about the latest products...

What is the Amazon Echo and what can Alexa do?

In 2016, Amazon launched their first Echo device.

The technology features a Bluetooth-enabled speaker that has dual downward-firing speakers which can produce 360-degree sound which can fill a room with music.

Alexa is capable of over 3,000 services which are called skills and will understand and respond to naturalistic voice commands.

This includes playing music, reading novels, ordering a cab  and your favourite takeaway, it can tune into local radio stations, answer queries about sports teams, weather, traffic conditions, and more.

Powered by the company's cloud-based Amazon Web Services platform, Alexa is woken up by hearing its own name, and will even learn about your habits over time, such as which websites you like and what sports team you follow.

It also allows you to play music, dim the lights in the room, get answers to general knowledge queries, set timers and alarms, find out what's next on your calendar, order products on Amazon, and more, with just your voice.

Echo will be available in either black or white, and can be found at Argos, Currys, John Lewis, PC World, and Tesco, as well as online at Amazon.

What are the new Echo devices called and what's the difference?

In September 2017, Amazon unveiled all new Echo, Echo Spot and Echo Plus devices.

As well as a new, second-generation Echo, the Echo Plus doubles as a smart home hub while the Echo Dot has a display that doubles as an alarm clock.

The new Echo is smaller design than the original and also has a removable outer cloth shell - with interchangeable wood and plastic shells also available.

It incorporates a bass speaker and supports Dolby Audio for better sound quality.

The Echo Plus looks more like the original Echo and can link to certain smart home devices.

The smaller Echo Spot, is a circular device with a 2.5in display and camera.

The Spot supports video calls and can show feeds from security cameras.

The devices are currently available for pre-order in the US and are set to reach the UK in 2018.

What is the Amazon Echo Show?

The Echo Show is a new version of the virtual assistant, which will allow users to view photos and videos - all activated by voice commands.

The device costs £177 ($230) and will be compatible with other smart home devices including video baby monitors and security cameras.

The gadget will even show song lyrics as music plays, while videos calls can be made to friends and family members who also have an Echo device.

Amazon are yet to announce a UK release date, while rumours continue to circulate that Apple are making a similar device using Siri.

Recently, Amazon also announced a new device called Echo Look, aimed at fashion-conscious tech fans.

It's the first version housing a camera that can be controlled by voice - and even has an algorithm called Style Check, which will rate your outfit.

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