Amazon event 2019: What to expect from today’s launch
Amazon’s annual hardware event is almost here – this is what you can expect
Amazon is hosting a swanky press event today in Seattle, Washington. This autumn event has become something of a tradition: last year, highlights included the third-gen Echo Dot and an Amazon Echo wall clock, and the year before, we were introduced to the Echo Spot and Echo Plus.
But what about this year? Rumours are swirling, particularly in light of Amazon’s jam-packed IFA conference, where the retail giant announced a new range of TV sets and the UK launch of the Fire TV Cube – a 4K streaming device with Alexa built in. Below, you’ll find our guide to this year’s Amazon hardware event, with a list of likely products and stream availability information (spoiler: it’s not good news).
How to watch the Amazon event 2019
Full disclosure: Amazon isn’t live-streaming its hardware event today. If you’re desperate to stay up to date, many US-based sites are attending, and some will be live-blogging the announcements as they happen.
The event takes place at 10am PT, which is 6pm GMT, in Seattle, Washington. We will cover the event in more detail after it has taken place, so stay tuned for an update.
What to expect from the Amazon event 2019
1. Amazon wireless earbuds
Perhaps the most interesting new product-to-be is a pair of Alexa-enabled headphones. Rumours suggest they’ll track fitness, as well as supporting all the usual Alexa commands; reportedly, Amazon is hoping to undercut Apple’s AirPods on price, with the new earbuds starting at around £80.
2. Premium Echo speaker
Bloomberg reports that Amazon is readying a premium version of its standard Echo smart speaker. This Apple HomePod rival will apparently be a bit wider than its sibling, to make room for a total of at least four tweeters.
3. Minor Echo upgrades
In addition to a brand-new Echo device, you can also expect to see a few small tweaks to current products. Given that Amazon recently launched its Music HD premium subscription service, it’s easy to see why hardware and software updates might be in the pipeline.
4. Amazon Alexa glasses
Not much is known about Amazon’s foray into the world of smart wearables, other than that the firm is working on a rival to the Microsoft HoloLens.
5. Amazon robot
Yes, you read that correctly. Amazon’s robotic assistant – currently known as “Vesta” – is shrouded in mystery, although current theories speculate that the Alexa-enabled assistant will accompany you to far-flung areas of your home. Presumably, stairs are an insurmountable obstacle.