Amazon Unveils New Generation of AI-Powered Kindle and Other Devices
o Online juggernaut Amazon Inc. unveiled its next generation of Kindle, Ring, and Echo devices, among other gadgets, all powered by artificial intelligence and connected to Alexa+, its AI-infused personal assistant, which debuted in February. The lineup, announced at a presentation in New York, includes new cameras for its Ring video monitoring device with an AI facial recognition feature that allows users to register friends and family and notify them who is at the front door.
Amazon also unveiled four new Echo devices revamped with Alexa+, which serve up personalized insights such as whether the user left the front door unlocked after midnight. Additionally, the company announced a series of Alexa+-infused Fire TVs that offer more personalized searches, like finding a specific scene in a movie or getting commentary on last night’s football game.
The presentation marked the first big product event for Panos Panay, who joined Amazon in 2023 to head the company’s devices and services teams after a 19-year career at Microsoft. Panay told journalists and bloggers that Alexa+ and artificial intelligence allow technology to work “in the background when you don’t.” He emphasized that products create subtle shifts in behavior, integrated into the hardware, such as a camera catching what you missed, your Fire TV updating you on a game, or your Kindle remembering exactly where you left off.
Amazon’s effort to infuse more AI into its device lineup is part of the technology industry’s latest craze, as all major players aim to gain the upper hand. The battle has focused on leveraging AI to make smartphones smarter and turn digital assistants into more conversational and versatile companions. Samsung and Google have made notable strides in AI features, while Apple’s iPhone is still catching up. OpenAI is also collaborating with former Apple design guru Jony Ive on a wearable AI device.
A More Powerful Ring Doorbell
Amazon has been expanding its home security features since acquiring Wi-Fi-connected cameras and doorbell maker Ring in 2018. The new Ring devices include upgraded cameras and AI features that turn the device into a doorbell attendant and community tool for pet owners. Ring cameras now offer 2K resolution and 4K video, with AI facial recognition called “Familiar Faces” to register friends and family. Alexa+ integration allows the device to manage deliveries and provide instructions to delivery workers.
For pet owners, a new feature helps reunite lost dogs with their families. A neighbor reports a lost dog via the Ring app, which notifies nearby users with Ring cameras. The cameras use AI to identify potential matches. Ring Wired Doorbell Pro ($249.99) and Wired Doorbell Plus ($179.99), among others, are available for pre-order. Ring’s “Search Party” for pets will roll out starting with dogs in November, followed by cats, with Alexa+ Greetings and Familiar Faces launching in December.
Updated Kindle Scribes
Amazon unveiled new versions of the Kindle Scribe, which are lighter, faster, and feature an AI-powered notebook search, with one model including a color screen. The new 11-inch glare-free E Ink screens are larger than the previous 10.2-inch versions, and the devices now weigh 400 grams compared to 433 grams last year. At 5.4 millimeters thick, these new versions are thinner than the iPhone Air.
The updated Scribes allow access to documents stored on Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. Kindle Scribe will start at $499.99, and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft at $629.99, available later this year in the U.S.
New Alexa+-Empowered Echo Devices
Amazon also introduced four new Echo devices — Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11 — specifically designed for Alexa+, offering more personalized experiences. These devices, starting at $99.99, allow users to engage with Alexa+ for tasks like booking reservations and controlling smart home devices. Early users reportedly interact with the assistant twice as much.
The new Echo features recognize users and provide personalized insights, such as analyzing how they slept last night. All four devices are available for pre-order starting Tuesday.
