Smart speaker wars: As Amazon moves up, Sonos moves out
Voice agents like Alexa have already caused Sonos to rethink its product line. Now, it's looking beyond the home as Amazon starts to go for its throat with the Echo Studio.
Voice agents like Alexa have already caused Sonos to rethink its product line. Now, it's looking beyond the home as Amazon starts to go for its throat with the Echo Studio.
The online giant's reinvention of the old Christmas in July promotion has turned into a celebration of all things Amazon.
As their hardware businesses grow, big tech OS licensors are more willing to cut into the sales of their licensees' products.
For years, Kickstarter and Indiegogo have dominated the device crowdfunding space. Now, Amazon is entering the fray with gadgets it will make if people vote with their wallets.
Compared to pricey but sleek smart rings that track activity, Amazon's Echo Loop is a chunky one-trick pony, but one that provides a great personal mobile Alexa interaction that could ring up wearable success.
With Show Mode, Amazon's agent will bring the heat as the company brings Alexa closer to the Fire.
Amazon's latest vehicle for the Alexa voice agent has the opportunity to expand the retailer into new businesses as well as raise more privacy concerns.
The two futuristic retail experiences offer a contrast in how advanced tech can be used to prepare beverages on the spot as well as eliminate the scourge of the checkout line. But humans are still in the picture for now.