It was reported that Amazon will add to its Echo family a new Alexa-based speaker device soon. Bloomberg suggests that the new device will have a seven-inch touchscreen. In case it will happen, then it will be the first Alexa device to have a screen. Currently, Amazon has cylindrical devices such as Echo, Tap and Dot containing the company's digital assistant.
It was said that the touchscreen of the new Alexa-based speaker device can be tilted upward so it will be more visible when users sit on a table or a counter. Users will experience more convenience as they can access information like news, calendar events and weather reports using the screen. This information can be read out loud using a voice-commanding Alexa while the screen gives a visual component of the same.
Furthermore, Alexa will have new improved speakers that are better than the Echo, giving users better music playback. Users could also access the device like a tablet because they are allowed to interact with the screen.
According to Bloomberg, an optimized version of Fire OS will be running the device, which is the same operating system being used in other tablets of Amazon. The online retailer is also trying to test a feature that allows users to pin items to its screen just like a magnet with reminders placed on a refrigerator door.
According to Arshtechnica, the new Alexa-based speaker device will be released in early 2017 and it was believed that this will compete with other devices that were and will be released by big companies such as Google and Apple. Google also previously released its new Home device with a built in assistant. There are also speculations about Apple working on an Echo-like device that will be powered by Siri.
