Amazon has unveiled five new Alexa devices, including a more capable Echo Dot that now doubles as a smart home hub with built-in Matter, Thread and Zigbee support.
Announced on October 28, the new range includes the Echo Show 16, Echo Studio with Home Camera, Echo Time and Alexa Photo Frame. While each serves a different purpose, Amazon is clearly looking to make Alexa+ a bigger part of everyday life, from controlling connected devices to monitoring sleep.
The biggest smart home upgrade comes to the new Echo Dot, which now includes a Zigbee hub and Thread border router. That means users can connect compatible smart home accessories without needing a separate Thread border router, making the $99.99 speaker a more useful starting point for an Alexa-powered setup.
Amazon has also equipped the Dot with its AZ3 processor and an additional microphone to improve voice recognition. The company claims it delivers 50% more bass than its predecessor, while built-in eero functionality can extend Wi-Fi coverage for households using compatible eero equipment.
For those wanting a larger smart home control centre, the Echo Show 16 features a 16-inch Full HD display, built-in Fire TV and a 13-megapixel camera with night vision. Its redesigned interface includes customisable layouts for family calendars, photos and smart home controls, while an optional Nanomatte screen promises to reduce glare by more than 90%.
Elsewhere, the Echo Studio with Home Camera adds visual capabilities to Amazon’s premium smart speaker. Its camera allows Alexa+ to identify objects placed in front of it and lets users remotely check a room through the Alexa app. A dedicated button disables the camera and microphones when they’re not needed.
Amazon is also moving into the bedroom with Echo Time, a $199.99 bedside clock featuring a 3.2-inch touchscreen and optional sleep sensing. Using ultrasound, it can monitor breathing patterns and adjust alarms to wake users during lighter sleep.
Rounding out the range is the Alexa Photo Frame, a 10-inch touchscreen that displays Amazon Photos albums and lets users search for pictures using natural-language Alexa+ requests.
The hardware announcements come alongside Alexa Home Map, an upcoming feature that will let users control connected lights, locks and cameras through an interactive 3D layout of their home.
Four of the new devices are available in the US now, while the Echo Show 16 starts at $499.99 and is available to pre-order, with shipping expected later in 2026. UK pricing and availability have not been confirmed in the supplied announcement.
With Matter and Thread now built into the standard Echo Dot, Amazon’s latest lineup isn’t just about adding more screens and cameras. It’s also making it easier to bring different smart home devices together under Alexa.
