The latest Alexa speakers are also joined by a new Show 5 kids edition
Amazon has delivered a substantial refresh of the Echo speaker lineup, introducing an all-new $40 Echo Pop and updating the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 5 Kids smart displays.
The Echo Pop is the first new smart speaker we’ve seen from the company since the Echo Studio first debuted in 2019, while the Show 5 represents a refresh of the 2021 model.
Our verdict: Amazon Echo Pop review
The second-gen Echo Auto that was announced last fall is also expanding to the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, Spain, and Japan.
Let’s dive into the specifics of each new release.
Amazon Echo Pop
The semi-spherical kind of looks like Amazon has taken a knife to the latest edition of the Echo Dot, with it featuring the same AZ2 Neural Edge processor on board and also carrying over the ability to pair with Eero mesh routers.
It’s not really clear where this fits in alongside the Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock, given that it’s only $10 – $20 cheaper, but the front-facing speaker should at least mean it’s a good option for those looking to tuck a speaker away in a corner.
It’s available in four colors, too: charcoal, white, lavender, and teal.
Amazon Echo Show 5
Amazon indicates the latest Show is both quicker and better sounding, though the actual design is almost identical when compared to the 2021 Echo Show 5.
That means the 5.5-inch screen remains, but watching the news, bringing up Spotify, or checking what’s happening on your video doorbell or security camera should all run smoother, with Amazon noting the third-gen model is 20% faster.
The internal speaker has also been upgraded, meaning the bass has been “doubled”, with the redesigned microphone array also ensuring voices are picked up a bit more easily.
It’s available for $90 in charcoal, white or blue.
Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids
This variant of the Show 5 adds a space theme to the display’s rear and promotes Amazon’s array of child-friendly features.
Alexa is wired differently here, as usual, and it means responses to jokes, questions about homework, and more are all dealt with a bit more responsibly.
It also comes with one year of Amazon Kids+ – the company’s subscription service for age-appropriate audiobooks, games, and videos – tacked on.
It’s available for $100 in the singular design pictured above.
