Amazon unveils AI-powered Echo line with on-device chips

Amazon unveiled a new line of Echo devices on Tuesday that it says are purpose built to run an AI-powered version of its Alexa assistant, rolling out upgraded speakers, displays, custom chips and new software aimed at deeper smart home integration. The company introduced four devices — the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 — together with software features intended to let Alexa handle more complex, natural-language interactions and proactively respond to events in the home.

The hardware refresh centers on Amazon’s in-house AZ3 and AZ3 Pro chips, which the company says include an AI accelerator for running models on-device. The Echo Dot Max, priced at $99.99, uses the AZ3 and includes two drivers and a larger woofer compared with earlier Dot models. The Echo Studio, $219.99, uses the AZ3 Pro, adds spatial audio and Dolby Atmos support and is physically smaller than the previous Studio while incorporating a high-excursion woofer. The Echo Show 8 ($179.99) and Echo Show 11 ($219.99) add larger screens, a 13-megapixel camera with autoframing and front-facing stereo speakers. Preorders opened immediately; the Dot Max and Studio ship October 29 and the Show 8...