Amazon’s devices team have had a busy evening, launching updates across pretty much their entire product lineup with all-new Echo devices for Alexa smart home integration, a staggering six new Ring devices, an expansion to their Blink security camera range and an entry level Fire TV stick.
Frankly, Amazon could have announced new Echo devices and it would be cause to rejoice, it’s been seemingly so long since there’s been any push forward with that range – across the industry if we’re frank. But instead, they’ve lifted the covers on what could be the most impressive ecosystem of smart home devices from one brand.
There are four new Echo devices – the Echo Dot Max (The round speaker but with better Bass), Echo Studio (Even bigger), Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 the speakers with screens on them.
A new “Omnisense” feature allows for more personalised and proactive Alexa experiences including Alexa+ capabilities for AI interactions which are coming to Australia.
Echo Dot Max has three times the bass of the 5th Gen Echo Dot, given we all know music is the number one use of these smart speakers that makes a lot of sense. It’s priced at $199.
The updated Echo Studio is 40% smaller than the original, but has improved sound including support for Spatial and Dolby Atmos, it will cost you $429.
What’s fascinating is the ability to connect multiple Studio or Max devices in a single room to create a home theatre sound experience. Alexa tunes the speakers to suit their placement in the room – will be interesting to try that out.
And for those that love a screen, for quick at a glance information or for monitoring security camera feeds, the two new Echo Show devices are a slick new look, more based on the spherical Echo style with the speaker on the front.
What really matters for these speakers – all of them – is what’s under the hood.
New custom silicon with AI capabilities allow for better “alexa” wake-word detection, and a better ability to talk from any part of the room.
Then there’s this “Omnisense” which uses sensors and signals to make the whole Alexa experience more proactive and helpful – sounds both interesting and concerning all at the same time.
The all-new Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio will be available on October 29, and the new Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 will be available on November 12.
New product pricing:
Using a technology they are calling “Ring Retinal 4K Vision”, Ring cameras are now more powerful and advanced and the lineup is extensive to give a whole home security ecosystem offering.
There’s a new Wired Video Doorbell Pro, Spotlight Camera Pro, Floodlight Camera Pro and Outdoor Camera Pro.
Retinal Vision is about using AI tuning to create sharper video and unlock a “new level of intelligence” on the platform.
“At Ring, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in home security, and today’s launch, including our first-ever 4K lineup, represents a significant milestone for our customers,” said Mark Fletcher, APAC Managing Director, Ring and Blink.
“With Retinal Vision technology, we’re not just improving resolution—we’re fundamentally changing how our cameras capture and process images to deliver unprecedented clarity and intelligence. Our team is excited to bring these innovations to Aussie and Kiwi households, where customers have always been early adopters of smart home technology. This new lineup reinforces our commitment to the region and our mission to make neighbourhoods safer through accessible, cutting-edge security solutions.”
Coming soon for Ring will be AI features we’ve seen across other brands like Arlo and Swann – Event Descriptions. This will allow your notifications to be more meaningful and descriptive rather than “motion detected” – it is, no doubt – a gamechanger.
New Ring product pricing:
Amazon’s secondary security brand Blink will offer a new 2K camera as well as a dual-camera solution to create a seamless 180 degree panoramic view of your home.
The Blink Mini 2K+ is a small plug-in device for a high quality view both indoors and out. It can be used outdoors when paired with a weather resistant power adaptor.
But the standout here is the new Blink Arc. It’s essentially two Blink Mini 2K+ cameras in a single feed – together covering a wider angle of view.
“At Blink, our mission is simple—deliver more value without the premium price tag. These new products aren’t just technical improvements; they’re meaningful solutions for everyday challenges faced by Aussie and Kiwi households,” said Mark Fletcher, APAC Managing Director, Ring and Blink.
“The Blink Arc is a perfect example of how we’ve listened to our customers. When they told us they needed to see more of their space without switching between cameras, we created an elegant solution that provides a complete 180-degree view—ideal for monitoring larger properties or beach homes. This is innovation the Blink way: smart, simple, and purposeful, designed specifically with our local customers’ needs in mind. By making these advanced security features more accessible, we’re helping more customers create safer homes and communities.”
Amazon might just be perfectly placed to snap up a good chunk of Smart TV business with their new Fire TV Stick 4K Select here in Australia because at $89 it’s easily the most affordable way to add streaming Apps to an older TV after Google moved out of the “dongle” game dropping their Chromecast with Google TV in favour of a set-top “Streamer”.
The new Fire TV Stick 4K Select has 4K and HDR10+ so it’s not lacking the quality you want to bring to your TV experience.
It’s powered by a new operating system which speeds up the navigation and app launching.
“The Fire TV Stick 4K Select represents our vision of what entertainment should be: accessible, beautiful, and content-rich,” said Jacqui Corbett, Amazon Devices Country Manager, ANZ. “We’re proud to offer Aussie customers an affordable pathway to 4K streaming, while simplifying access to a world of entertainment across multiple streaming platforms.”
Trev is a Technology Commentator, Dad, Speaker and Rev Head.
He produces and hosts two popular podcasts, EFTM and Two Blokes Talking Tech. He also appears on over 50 radio stations across Australia weekly, and is the resident Tech Expert on Channel 9’s Today Show each day and appears regularly on A Current Affair.
Father of three, he is often found down in his Man Cave.
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