Amazon does not convince with all new releases

Amazon has presented many new devices for the home, gadgets for on the go and useful things for everyday smart home use – at least that’s how you see it for yourself. The actual benefits are likely to be very different. A first impression of Felix Gräber.

Amazon is expanding its range and has introduced a number of new devices and gadgets. From the smartwatch to the smart home center to the security robot, everything is included and a lot more. But there are already doubts about its usefulness, especially with the supposed star piece of yesterday’s presentation: the robotic companion Astro.

Echo Show 15: Amazon presents the largest smart display to date

But first to one of the real highlights: Amazon is expanding its range of the smart display Echo Show to include the largest device to date. That Echo Show 15 comes with a 15.6-inch display with FHD +. It should become the control center in the smart home, compatible devices can be controlled directly. For example, family members can also save notes for home when they are out and about (source: Amazon).

The Echo Show 15 owns visual ID. If you save one of these with a picture, the device can automatically recognize when you are in front of it. Content is then displayed in a personalized manner. The photos used for this purpose are only saved locally on the device by the Echo Show; the new AZ2 processor for machine learning is responsible for recognition. The integrated 5 MP front camera can also be covered with an integrated slide if you want more privacy.

For example, family calendars can also be created using the Alexa widget, streaming is possible and the Echo Show can either be used with a suitable stand or mounted on the wall. It should come on the market this year and will cost 249.99 euros. If you want to strike quickly, you can register for a notification directly on Amazon. The Echo Show 15 is not necessarily a necessity, but it is sure to be a practical addition for many households and families.

You can see what the new Echo Show 15 can do in the Video:

Astro: Amazon’s robotic household helper isn’t that helpful

The home robot from Amazon goes by the name “Astro”. Sounds cute and somehow looks nice too. The mobile robot is equipped with a 10-inch touch display that can show a face. Its main function: it drives through the area and can thanks to the camera (which can be extended upwards) check that everything is OK.

According to Amazon, Astro should also be used for domestic help. However, developers see this critically: Many of those advertised by Amazon Functions are simply not ready and the release completely premature (source: Vice). The robot is also very fragile and it is almost certain that it will “throw itself down the next flight of stairs if it has the opportunity,” the US magazine quotes an unnamed person from the development team. The recognition of people is at best not reliable, the security functions “ridiculous”.

But Astro should still be Delivered to selected customers this year become (source: The Verge) – Costs around $ 1,000, with regular sales it even goes up to $ 1,500. If the impression of the developer does not improve significantly by the time it is launched, I see no reason to buy, the Astro is currently practically superfluous.

Halo View from Amazon: fitness tracker is reminiscent of Fitbit

With the Halo View, Amazon is launching a new range of fitness bracelets that are visually very reminiscent of the early Fitbit models. They come with a color AMOLED display, should fully charge in 90 minutes and with that hold out for up to seven days. Three color variants are planned in black, green and purple, further bracelets are also available (source: The Verge).

The range of functions includes sleep monitoring, pulse and blood oxygen measurement as well as an integrated thermometer. Customers also receive a Annual membership in Amazon’s Halo fitness program. However, this is also the shortcoming: After a year, buyers without a subscription can no longer use many applications such as fitness courses or nutritional advice.

The start in the USA is planned in time for the Christmas business, the Halo View will cost around 80 dollars there. Amazon’s new fitness trackers have potential, but only with a subscription. You could do so with similar functions to one cheaper alternative for everyone for whom the Apple Watch and Apple Fitness + are too expensive.

Video drone is supposed to provide more security

Amazon had already announced the Always Home Cam. In the meantime, we have taken a decisive step further: the first test customers can register for the indoor drone in the USA and should receive them this year. It is compatible with ring cameras and shows customers what happens at home, even when they are not there. Similar to Astro, stairs still cause problems. The drone is only designed for use on one floor (source: The Verge) and can therefore only be used to a limited extent.

Amazon also brings smart devices for children

Amazon is targeting children directly with two devices. Hey Disney is a voice assistant in cooperation with the mouse company and builds directly on Alexa. The Echo Glow, on the other hand, is a Display with integrated projector. It should enable children to make video calls and at the same time, for example, project educational games onto the table – a very practical application, for example for teaching at home. Amazon has not yet announced a specific release date for either device.