Why You Can Trust CNET How to buy the latest Amazon devices: The $1,000 Astro, Ring's flying drone camera, more
Some of the latest tech is available by invite-only preorder. We'll tell you how to get on the list.
Amazon announced several new additions during Tuesday's product launch, including this new robot, Astro.
Amazon's latest device lineup is a mix of new learning devices for kids, smart home upgrades and everyday tech. The Echo Show 15 has a screen that's bigger than ever (you can mount it on your wall) and the Ring Always Home flying drone camera gives a new take on home security cameras. But the showstopper that took our breath away was the all: Amazon's $1,000 Alexa-powered Astro robot.
Amazon's Astro takes a new spin (on wheels) in Alexa voice commands and hoping to show really need robots in our homes. Astro can monitor your Ring home security system, deliver items from one room to the next and video chat -- all while your pets. But there are already a few privacy concerns. Questions also stem from criticism of Ring's policies and police partnership and privacy issues. But there's already talk that Amazon is looking into an Astro 2, despite these raised eyebrows.
We'll tell you how and when to get your hands on Amazon's new devices and give details on the latest futuristic features. This story has been recently updated.
Astro brings AI to your home, but puts bots to the test. Amazon's new robot is designed to follow voice commands and keep an eye on your home with its periscope camera. Astro can show a live view via the mobile app, so you can check on your home when you're away. Astro works with Alexa Together and Ring Protect Pro (and comes with a six-month free trial of the latter). Anticipating privacy criticism, Amazon offers privacy features with Astro that include:
- No-go zones
- Do not disturb features
- Alexa's standard privacy features
You can sign up to request an invite today. Astro will ship later this year.
Read more: Amazon's Astro: New details on price, privacy, battery, specs and more
Amazon partnered with the Honeywell Home thermostat team to create an Energy Star-certified smart thermostat that competes with Nest. Most customers may be able to get the thermostat for free after utility rebates. It's an Alexa-enabled thermostat that supports routines and automatically adjusts temperatures. It's available for preorder now and will ship starting Nov. 4.
Here are a few of the top features you can look forward to:
- Control your thermostat using the Alexa app or voice commands
- An energy dashboard to breakdown your usage on your Echo device or the Alexa app
- Thermostat Hunches, which automatically adjusts the temperature
Amazon's new Echo Show is bigger than ever. It comes with a 15.6-inch display and in a single color: black. You can mount it on the wall or place it on a stand. The newest model also has facial recognition for personalized alerts and more when the hub recognizes your face, tightening the competition with Apple. It also comes with personalized to-do lists, like Google's Hub Max. But the Echo Show 15 comes with a few highly anticipated features.
- Custom sounds that allow Alexa to listen to specific noises in your home (available in 2022)
- Visual ID to give you more customized calendars and reminders
- Customizable Alexa widgets
Echo will also get a few new features, including Hey Disney to give your device new voices with character-inspired games, books, skills and more. Alexa Together will also be available for loved ones with the Alexa Care Hub. You can sign up to receive an email when the Echo Show 15 is available for preorder.
The Amazon Glow is a brand-new kid-friendly smart device (yes, it's different from the Echo Glow night light). It takes after Osmo and other interactive learning gadgets. Kids can use the video screen to chat with long-distance family and friends. It includes a silicone mat to read, play and draw with loved ones. You'll also get a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus for access to digital books, games and more. The Amazon Glow comes with a two-year, worry-free guarantee if you happen to break it. You can request an invite to the Glow program today.
- Games and activities from Mattel, Disney, Nickelodeon and Sesame Street
- Preapproved contacts using the Amazon Glow app
- Camera with privacy shutter
The Halo View is a new addition to Amazon's Halo family. The latest Amazon fitness tracker has a few new features, including an AMOLED color display screen. Halo View users can also look forward to Halo Fitness and Nutrition services that will help with exercise and healthy eating. It benefits the Halo user in several ways, including the movement, emotional tone and the camera's body analyses. And it still works with the original Halo band. But these new additions might be worth upgrading from Amazon's Halo.
- Seven-day battery life
- Water resistant down to 50 meters
- Skin and temperature tracking