The star of the Echo announcements is arguably the Echo Show 15. The large TV-like display does more than just provide a means to answer trivia questions, while a new partnership with Disney will add some fun features to Echo devices. Then there’s the new Echo Glow, a device that’s designed to keep kids entertained and engaged during video calls with loved ones.
Echo Show 15
The new Echo Show 15 has a 15.6-inch display and can be mounted on the wall or put on a shelf. Its screen has multiple items available to view, called Alexa Widgets, that include information like a shared family calendar, sticky notes, shopping or to-do lists, and so on. It also includes shortcuts to your smart home devices, like your Ring cameras in a Picture in Picture view. The Echo Show 15 doubles as a small TV, allowing you to stream movies and videos from the various services it supports, including Sling TV. It’ll be available later this year for $249.99. It doesn’t include a stand for the countertop or a mount for going underneath a shelf. The loved one on the other end doesn’t need to have an Echo Glow of their own. Instead, they’ll be able to use the Glow app on a tablet to interact.
“Hey Disney!”
Additionally, Disney is activating the experience on all of the Echo devices in Disney hotels so guests can hear from characters when they ask how early the park opens, or when the next tram will arrive at their hotel. “Hey, Disney!” is a paid Alexa Skill and will launch in early 2022. The Otterbox Den Series stand for the Echo Show 5 is available to pre-order right now for $24.99. There’s a built-in camera that will store video clips to your Ring account, which you can then view and monitor from your phone or tablet. You can also talk to Astro as you would any other Echo device to get weather updates, play games, watch shows or place video calls.
