Amazon Unveils Spherical Echo Speakers, Flying Indoor Security Camera, and Cloud Gaming Service
Sep 24 2020
Amazon unveiled a new lineup of spherical Echo devices, an autonomous flying indoor Ring security camera, a new cloud gaming service, and new features to help Alexa converse and interact more naturally with users.
The flurry of news came Thursday morning during the company's annual Devices & Services event, a virtual version of a fall tradition in which the company typically shows its newest Echo speakers and other Alexa-enabled devices.
<p>Luna, the cloud gaming service, <a href="https://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/introducing-luna-amazons-new-cloud-gaming-service-where-its-easy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">will cost $5.99/month during an early access period</a>. It will be available on Fire TV, Mac, Windows PCs, iOS and later Android, going head-to-head with similar offerings from Microsoft and Google. Amazon will offer a dedicated game controller for the service, available for $49.99, which connects directly to the cloud to let gamers switch quickly between devices. Games can also be played with a keyboard and mouse or a Bluetooth game controller. Luna integrates with the Amazon-owned Twitch streaming service.</p><p>The new spherical Echo <a href="https://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/introducing-all-new-echo-family-reimagined-inside-and-out" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">offers upgraded sound and a built-in smart home hub</a>, something that was previously available on higher-end Echo devices. It will sell for $99.99, and a spherical Echo Dot will sell for $49.99. A version of the Echo Dot with a visible clock will sell for $59.99.</p><p>The company also showed new Alexa features including the ability to learn different modes for reading or vacation unique to each user. With a new "natural turn-taking" feature, users will also be able to ask Alexa to join a conversation taking place in the kitchen, for example, chiming in as two people order a pizza and pick a movie for the evening.</p><p>The company says Alexa uses "multi-sensory artificial intelligence," including audio and visual cues to determine whether the request or comment is directed at Alexa or another person in the room.</p><p>Dave Limp, Amazon's senior vice president of Devices & Services, said the company is moving toward a more "ambient home," with fewer explicit verbal interactions with Alexa. "That's not to say you won't speak to your home, but it's going to understand you more. It's going to anticipate your needs and be more contextual," he said.</p><p>"This is our long term vision. But trust me there is a lot of work to be done to make this a reality," he said.</p><p>New security features will include the ability to ask Alexa to "delete everything I've said," to remove all saved voice recordings associated with the customer's Amazon account. Amazon says customers will also be able to opt out of voice recordings.</p><p>Limp also outlined <a href="https://www.datocms-assets.com/32436/1600902718-updated-againscarlett-sustainability-blog-post.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">new environmental sustainability initiatives</a>, including a new energy dashboard, a rollout of low power mode for Echo devices, and carbon offsets.</p><p>The company's Ring subsidiary, which was hit with <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2020/ring-customers-cameras-breached-hackers-sue-amazon-proposed-class-action-lawsuit/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a series of security issues last year</a>, announced new end-to-end encryption for video, as well as <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2020/amazon-owned-ring-unveils-new-security-devices-car-including-tesla-integration/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a new Ring Car Alarm and Car Cam for auto security</a>, along with an API dubbed Ring Car Connect for implementation by auto manufacturers, starting with Tesla.</p><p>But the biggest surprise was the Ring "Always Home Cam," <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2020/drone-home-amazons-new-ring-indoor-security-camera-gives-flight-new-privacy-concerns/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">an indoor camera that can fly autonomously around the home</a> for checking in remotely.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://dot.la/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQzNzczOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MjQ0NTQzMH0.S0lmaSznYS6iGtitLUVhsHE3_O86JZo-UKKUHac45_k/image.jpg?width=980" id="35dee" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="29b2d8c81ee4c15637538bdb1cde06ce" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="630" data-height="355" />
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Ring's "Always Home Cam."</small></p><p>"This autonomous indoor security camera flies your chosen, personalized paths so that you can easily check in on your home for peace of mind—like whether someone left a window open or forgot to turn the stove off," says Jamie Siminoff, the Ring founder, <a href="https://blog.ring.com/2020/09/24/introducing-ring-always-home-cam-an-innovative-new-approach-to-always-being-home/" target="_blank">in a blog post about the new product</a>. It will cost $249.<br/></p><p>Amazon's new Echo Show 10, priced at $249.99, will come with a built-in shutter cover for privacy, with support for Netflix streaming, and Zoom and Amazon Chime video calls. It's currently <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082X1HRV5/" target="_blank">listed as "coming soon"</a> on Amazon's site.A</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://dot.la/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQzNzc0Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2ODQ3MTg4N30.8gyQLXntVqxPLRpGU9njbeLkrZNqQzAPoC9-em_VkMA/image.jpg?width=980" id="41952" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e2fc6b9216f29795cbc8c00c8677ebb6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="630" data-height="489" />
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Amazon's Echo Show 10</small></p><p><br/></p><p>Alexa-enabled devices <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2019/live-updates-amazon-unveils-new-alexa-powered-devices-media-event-seattle/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">introduced at this event last year</a> included a smart ring, eyeglasses and wireless earbuds.</p><p>In advance of the event, an FCC filing surfaced for the Amazon game controller, <a href="https://twitter.com/davezatz/status/1309133102573326341" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">as spotted by Dave Zatz</a>, fueling speculation that the company was preparing to unveil a rumored cloud gaming service at the event, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/24/21454354/amazon-wireless-game-controller-fcc-filings-project-tempo-hardware-event" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">as reported by The Verge</a>. The company shielded its identity by using the fake name "Zippy Hippie Twister Limited Liability Company," but a logo on one the labels in the filing revealed that it was Amazon's controller.</p><div id="8913d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e31d96fe48d8d6ceb89669ae67c2f813"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1309133102573326341" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">New gaming controller just cleared the FCC.
Current tally:
* 4 new devices hit today (so far, it's early!)
* 2 e… https://t.co/0LnqIhlhEy</div> — Dave Zatz (@Dave Zatz)<a href="https://twitter.com/davezatz/statuses/1309133102573326341">1600956628.0</a></blockquote></div><p>But the Amazon Sidewalk neighborhood wireless network may be a better indication of the company's broader ambitions for its Devices & Services business. Sidewalk, introduced at the same event last year, is an intermediate-range shared network that leverages low-bandwidth, wireless spectrum to provide connectivity to small Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart lights, weather stations, trackers and sensors in places such as mailboxes and gardens.<br/></p><p>"There are a lot of things where Bluetooth is way too short-range, WiFi is way too high-power, and so to have something that's still low-power, but that has much longer range is really a gap in the marketplace," Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said in off-the-cuff remarks to reporters <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2019/amazon-ceo-jeff-bezos-sees-new-opportunity-yard-sidewalk-beyond/" target="_blank">after the event last year</a>. "People don't even realize yet how important that intermediate range is going to be."</p><p>Sidewalk is slated to launch later this year. Amazon announced Tile as <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2020/amazon-adds-tile-sidewalk-wireless-network-says-echo-devices-can-serve-bridges-explains-bandwidth-sharing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the first third-party Sidewalk device earlier this week</a>, along with new technical details about the network.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://dot.la/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQzNzc0My9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMzk3NjE1M30.gj9xmeNzHnXhemN8VTkLQcd942wIyNIoFYGYZDBraT4/image.png?width=980" id="3624e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="458462c0ef020c136f92f180b555766c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="470" data-height="457" />
</p><p>Amazon has been able to maintain a sizeable lead over Google and other companies in the smart speaker market, with about 70% market share, <a href="https://www.emarketer.com/content/amazon-maintains-convincing-lead-in-us-smart-speaker-market" target="_blank">according to research released in February by eMarketer.</a><br/></p><p>"Over time, we'll see slowing growth in the number of smart speakers as people turn to voice assistants built into other things within homes, vehicles and on-the-go," said Victoria Petrock, a principal analyst at eMarketer, in a statement at the time. "Amazon's next challenge will be to maintain its dominance in these other environments as well."</p><p><em>This story <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2020/amazon-looks-expand-reach-alexa-echo-annual-device-unveiling/?mc_cid=9c92a81d97&mc_eid=900038ece8" target="_blank">originally appeared on GeekWire</a>.</em></p>
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Federal lawmakers are asking Amazon to provide details on Ring's partnerships with local police dating back to 2013. The U.S. House subcommittee on economic and consumer policy sent Amazon a letter with a series of questions about its dealings with law enforcement Wednesday.
<p>Ring has been navigating scrutiny from the government and privacy advocates over its law enforcement program for months. The company develops smart doorbells and security cameras under the Amazon umbrella.</p><p>Raja Krishnamoorthi, chair of the subcommittee, asked Amazon to send records of all Ring agreements with local law enforcement agencies for the past seven years. The subcommittee also wants to know which of those agencies use Amazon's facial recognition software. Additional details on Ring's privacy safeguards, marketing, and other business practices were also requested.</p><p>"The subcommittee is examining traditional constitutional protections against surveilling Americans and the balancing of civil liberties and security interests, " Krishnamoorthi said in the letter.</p><p>The representative asked Amazon to respond by March 4.</p><p>This story originally <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2020/house-lawmakers-question-ring-partnerships-police/" target="_blank">appeared on GeekWire</a>.</p>
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Ring unveiled new security steps for customers when logging into their doorbell camera accounts, making two-factor authentication mandatory as the Santa Monica-based company battles criticism about privacy and unauthorized access to its technology.
The Amazon-owned company said in a blog post on Tuesday that the change is now rolling out to customers, and adds authentication to help "prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to your Ring account, even if they have your username and password." Users receive a one-time, six-digit code via SMS or email, and must enter that in before they can access the Ring account.
<p>The beefed-up security measures come in response to a <a href="https://twitter.com/fox5dc/status/1206579530112077824?s=20" target="_blank">slew of reports of hacks</a>, including one where a hacker was able to watch and communicate with an 8 year-old girl. The Amazon.com, Inc.-owned company unveiled its new privacy dashboard at the start of 2020 that allows people to see who has access to their device, but did not make two-factor authentication mandatory at the time.</p><p>"Our account safety and security is our priority," said Leila Rouhi, Ring's president. "We will stay vigilant and continue to give you more transparency and control over your devices and personal information, and help keep your home and Ring account secure and protected."</p><p>The authentication change also comes as a new federal lawsuit looms about privacy concerns. Amazon.com and Ring were sued in federal court in Los Angeles on Dec. 26, by a man who said his kids were playing basketball when a voice came on their Ring device's two-way speaker system commenting on their play and encouraging them to get closer to the camera. The plaintiff, John Baker Orange of Jefferson County, Alabama, then changed his password and enabled two-factor authentication. His password was previously "medium-strong" the lawsuit states.</p><p>The lawsuit filed as a class action states that the company has "attempted to distance itself from liability by blaming customers for failing to create strong security passwords" when their devices are hacked. But "it is Ring who failed to provide sufficiently robust security measures such as two-factor authentication and other protocols necessary to maintain the integrity and inviolability of its cameras.</p><p>"As a result of Ring's defective design, and its failure to imbue its WiFi cameras with sufficient security protocols, its customers' most basic privacy rights were violated along with the security and sanctity of their homes."</p><p>More recently, <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/01/ring-doorbell-app-packed-third-party-trackers" target="_blank">the company has been hit with criticisms</a> about its sharing of user data with third-party service providers. Rouhi noted that the company will immediately put a temporary pause on the use of "most" third-party analytics services in the Ring apps and websites, while it works on giving users abilities to opt out of sharing their data with third-parties. Those additional options will be available in early Spring, Rouhi wrote.</p><p>Beginning this week, users will be able to opt out of sharing their information with third-party service providers for personalized ads.</p>
<p>"You might think you built this amount of trust with Ring because there's this app that protects the home. But in reality they're sending that data to third parties, they're partnering with law enforcement across the country without their customer knowledge, they've been the subject of hacks that have revealed user passwords, and then they blame the customer for it," said William Budington, a senior staff technologist for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit digital rights advocacy group, in a recent interview with dot.LA.</p><p>__<br/></p><p><em>Do you have a story that needs to be told? My DMs are open on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/latams" target="_blank">@latams</a>. You can also <a href="mailto:mailto:tami@dot.la" target="_self">email me</a>, or ask for my Signal.</em></p>
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://dot.la/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjc3NTgxMi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3NDgzOTQ5Mn0.R3wU6-6sRFibcv6IBuwTvendNo2auNhZe8JduANGz4k/image.png?width=980" id="d1b0b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5d7cc51d235eefaf08cb66ef2eeed0fc" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="5559" data-height="4218" />
Image courtesy of Ring
An image of the new required two-factor authentication that will greet users when they go to login to the Ring app. They will receive a unique six-number code via text or email to enter into their phone.
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