Amazon launches new Echo

[AlanH]

Amazon has launched a new, improved Echo speaker selling for $99.
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/09/27/amazon-new-echo-speaker-better-sound/

[malliekm]

Wow, the Amazon Echo dept has been busy
I like this little guy for $130...kinda price tho.
I really wouldn't want it as a "Show" alternative.
Just a Dot that has a built in clock (and a cool one at that)   
Thanks for the heads up AlanH

[AlanH]

More detailed photos in this article:
https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/27/16372578/new-amazon-echo-speaker-announced-price-release-date-2017

[malliekm]

I really thought you could embed youtube videos here.
I must be extra clueless today 
Video of the Echo Spot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HduQNleOGs

[renegade600]

I like the echo with the clock face.  Might have to get that one for the bedroom.  I also like the fact you will soon be able to make phone calls like google home instead of only those who have the echo. 

[strayfish]

Those things have got me with their coloured lights! Wonder if there are/will be battery bases for them.

[jwlv]

All 6 new Echo devices are on the front page of Amazon.com now.
My opinions so far just based on what I'm reading on Amazon:

1. New Echo. At least it costs significantly less than the regular full size Echo.
2. Echo Plus. Meh. Don't need built-in hub.
3. Echo Spot. Cool! But I think the $129.99 price tag is much too high. I would still be hesitant even if the price was $99.99. If it was $69.99 I might consider it.
4. New Fire TV. Don't see a need to replace my current Fire TV sticks.
5. Echo Connect. I like it. I like it a lot! My only concern is how the Echo handles duplex speaker phone. From my experience with using the Drop In feature thus far, the speaker phone really, really sucks. But having the Echo Connect dial for you and then transfer the call to the Echo you are speaking to is a nice idea. Good price point too!
6. Echo Buttons. Who in the world would buy this???

[k9kids]

Picked up a new gen Echo for supposed better sound quality and an Echo Spot. The Spot should make a great alarm clock amongst other things.

Chose walnut finish for the new Echo.

[malliekm]

When  you say "picked up" does that mean you an Amazon book store and bought one?
Would love to hear more about the "Spot" (and see pictures) if you actually have it in your possession  
I agree with jwlv about the price.  $130 is more than I'm willing to pay since I already have
5 AIs and plan on getting the GH Mini the second they drop   Even if I didn't have
all the AIs I NEED, that price point seems pretty high. 

[k9kids]

No. I pre-ordered both.

Early November for the new Echo and December 19th for the Echo Spot.

Happy birthday to me and merry Christmas to the wife. LOL!

[scottrods]

I'd pay 100 bucks or the Spot without hesitation... Oh hell... who am I kidding? I'm gonna have to have one anyway... better start saving, or sweet talking the Wife so I can take it out of savings we already have... Maybe a bonus will happen at work.

 (nah... never happen)

I just installed the last of my spare Dots last weekend, so I have room on my shelf for some new stand by units...

[malliekm]

I'm trying to figure out how to slip one (a Spot) in the house.  If he notices it, I'll try to play the "this ol' thing?  I've had it forever" card

[k9kids]

Slipped right by me that the Spot has a built-in camera. Hmmmm.

https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/28/16378472/amazons-echo-spot-camera-in-your-bedroom

[renegade600]

Slipped right by me that the Spot has a built-in camera. Hmmmm.

https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/28/16378472/amazons-echo-spot-camera-in-your-bedroom

and how many will have one in their bedroom pointed at the bed  :-)

[renegade600]

I'm trying to figure out how to slip one (a Spot) in the house.  If he notices it, I'll try to play the "this ol' thing?  I've had it forever" card

give it to him for christmas  :-)