Each September Amazon holds a gadgets occasion the place it proclaims new {hardware}. That could possibly be a brand new Echo speaker or good show, a Fireplace TV streaming gadget, Kindle e-reader, a brand new Fireplace pill or Fireplace TV (an precise tv).
Perhaps it’ll launch an up to date home-helper robotic because it did with the Astro again in 2021 or possibly – and that is the one I’m hoping for – a correct launch of Ring’s All the time Residence cam: the mad-but-brilliant flying safety digital camera that patrols your property.
One way or the other, Amazon at all times manages to maintain the lid tightly sealed on these new gadgets and also you nearly by no means hear about any leaks forward of the launch.
It’s the identical in 2023: there’s completely nothing to say what Amazon will – or received’t – announce in a few days.
When is Amazon’s 2023 {hardware} launch?
All we all know is that there’s not lengthy to attend to seek out out. The occasion is being held on 20 September at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia. That’s a departure from the standard Seattle headquarters.
It additionally means it’s an hour earlier: 11am ET.
watch the Amazon 2023 Units & Companies occasion launch dwell
You’ll be able to’t. As ordinary, there is no such thing as a public livestream not like Microsoft, Apple and Google launch occasions. Which means you’ll need to test your favorite tech information writer (Tech Advisor, naturally) to seek out out what goodies Amazon has in retailer.
What to anticipate
{Hardware}
Though that is hypothesis, historical past teaches us that Amazon is certain to unveil round a dozen new gadgets – if no more – in a really brief keynote.
As talked about, the corporate makes extra gadgets than you may realise. It’s not simply Echo and Fireplace TV. It might replace the 2019 Kindle Oasis, and may even launch some new earbuds for the reason that Echo Buds 2 at the moment are over two years outdated.
Foundry
There’s certain to be a new Fireplace TV Stick of some description. My cash’s on a alternative for the unique Fireplace TV Stick 4K, reviewed. This was launched in 2019 and though there’s now the Fireplace TV Stick 4K Max, that got here out in 2021.
Arguably there are too many Fireplace TV Stick fashions, and Amazon may skinny the lineup and have only one (new) price range HD mannequin, and maybe a less expensive 4K Firestick that sits beneath the 4K Max.
I doubt there can be an 8K model for a very good few years but.
Foundry
The opposite prediction is that we’ll see an Echo 5. In 2022, Amazon launched the Echo Dot 5, however left the common Echo with no replace, saying it was completely good because it was. Perhaps that’s nonetheless the case: we’ll simply have to attend and see.
TV producers deliver out new ranges yearly, and there’s an opportunity Amazon may begin doing the identical. The spectacular Omni QLED was unveiled in September 2022, so we might see a brand new model or doubtlessly one other new TV.
Jim Martin / Foundry
Software program
The opposite half of Amazon’s occasion is companies. Or software program, as you may name it. Alexa’s certain to study some new methods, a few of which could possibly be tied into new {hardware}.
One of many large limitations (as anybody with flaky broadband will know) is that Alexa can’t do a lot with out an web connection. A extra highly effective processor in, let’s say, an Echo 5 might enable Alexa to course of speech domestically. This is able to be restricted to a choice of the preferred instructions akin to “Alexa set a timer for quarter-hour”.
To be truthful, Alexa can already let you know the time and activate lights and good plugs with out an web connection, however it is advisable to allow that (Native Voice Management) within the Alexa app first. My hope is that this may be expanded to incorporate new issues like setting reminders, timers and different primary options.
Not many individuals use Alexa for rather more than doing the fundamentals, however the motive – I feel – is as a result of the assistant is simply too dumb and irritating to make use of for a lot of the time. What everybody needs is ‘correct’ synthetic intelligence – an actual assistant that truly helps you out and makes your life simpler.
Let’s hope that Amazon has made strides on this division in 2023.