Amazon has finally launched its second generation Amazon Echo digital assistant. During an unveiling event in Seattle on 27 September 2017, the all-new Amazon Echo (2nd generation) was shown off to the world, and it’s packed with plenty of new features at a fraction of the price.
The online retailer’s new Amazon Echo – referred to as the Amazon Echo 2, Amazon Echo 2nd generation and Amazon Echo 2017 – is smaller than the original, with new features such as Dolby Sound and improved far-field microphone technology.
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It’s about time, too. The original Echo launched way back in 2015 in the US, and has started to show its age, especially since Google threw its hat into the ring and launched its own digital helper: Google Home. It was cheaper, smaller and more feature-packed, but that’s not the case any more.
Amazon launched a handful of other devices at the grand unveiling too, including the Echo Spot, Echo Connect, Echo Plus and the new 4K, HDR Fire TV streamer. But we’re not here to talk about those: this is the Amazon Echo 2, and here’s what makes it so much better than the original.
Amazon Echo 2 release date: When’s it coming out?
Following the grand unveiling, Amazon’s new and improved Echo 2 will launch sometime in October in the UK. There’s no word yet on a specific release date, but the 2nd-generation Echo is now available for preorder.
Amazon Echo 2 UK price: How much will it cost?
The all-new Echo will launch for just £90. For comparison, that’s £60 cheaper than the original Echo’s launch price of £150, and undercuts the Google Home by £40. The 2nd-generation Echo Dot is still doing the rounds at £50.
If you’re lucky enough to own a big house, and want to fill it with Amazon’s digital butlers, the Echo 2 is available in a two-pack for £155 (saving £25) and a three-pack for £220 (saving £50).
Amazon Echo 2 features: What’s new?
But what’s the difference between the last gen Amazon Echo and this updated model? Well, aside from it being smaller and cheaper, the new and improved Echo combines a new speaker with a dedicated tweeter, a 2.5in downward-firing sub-woofer and Dolby Audio processing. This is great, given that the original’s sound quality wasn’t its strong suit.
The new Echo also takes advantage of Amazon's second-generation far-field microphone tech, with improved listening capabilities.
There’s also a new Alexa ability called “Alexa routines”, which is a way of customising certain phrases to perform multiple actions at once. For instance, just say: “Alexa, good night” and your Echo 2 will turn off the lights, lock the door, and turn off the TV. Handy.
Amazon Echo 2 design: What does it look like?
The new Echo 2 is dinkier than its predecessor – 89mm smaller in fact – so it will take up less space on your shelf or kitchen counter. It also no longer looks like that tall black obelisk from 2001: a Space Odyssey, instead looking more like a small sanitary bin you’ll find in your bathroom.
For the first time, you can choose from a bunch of different shell colours and finishes to blend your Echo 2 into your home’s decor. The Echo 2 comes in Charcoal Fabric, Sandstone Fabric, Heather Grey Fabric, Oak Finish, Walnut Finish and Silver Finish.
Amazon Echo 2: Early verdict
Amazon’s 2017 Echo sequel cooks up plenty of upgrades at a cheaper price. We didn’t all have £150 to spare for the original digital assistant, so a cheaper model that doesn’t scrimp on features or specs is more than welcome.
Of course, we’ll have to wait and see if the new Echo 2 is as good, if not better, than its predecessor. One thing’s for sure: it won’t be long until we find out.
