New Amazon Echo – UK price, release date and what's new on Amazon's smart speaker

Amazon’s brilliant Echo smart speaker has just received a major update with new design, better sound and improved features.

The previous Echo was already regarded as one of the best technology products of the year and this latest device look set to boost its popularity even further.

Express.co.uk was at the launch of the new Amazon Echo in Seattle last night and here’s everything you need to know about this latest smart home device.

WHAT’S NEW WITH THE ECHO?

The new Amazon Echo has had a complete facelift with the smart speaker now smaller and more compact than before.

In fact, it’s almost half the size of the original Echo and it now features interchangeable skins which can be removed to alter the style of the speaker.

There’s currently six designs to choose from which include Charcoal Fabric, Sandstone Fabric, Heather Grey Fabric, Oak Finish, Walnut Finish and Silver Finish.

You can buy the Echo in any of these colours with new skins thought to cost around £19.

Along with this upgraded design, the new Echo has also been improved inside with it featuring much better sound.

Amazon says the new Echo combines an all-new speaker architecture, a dedicated tweeter, a 2.5-inch downward-firing woofer, and Dolby processing to deliver crisp vocals and dynamic bass.

There’s also the ability to link numerous Echos together to produce a multi-room experience with Amazon’s Alexa personal assistant is able to play music from individual speakers or altogether at once.

Finally, the volume ring around the top of the speaker has been replaced and now features two buttons which raise and lower the sound.

WHEN WILL THE NEW ECHO BE RELEASED?

Amazon has announced that its latest smart speaker will be available from October 31 although it can already be ordered via amazon.co.uk/echo.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The price of the Echo has been slashed with it now costing just £89.99.

This is almost half the price of the original device which is on sale for £149.99.

There’s also a deal which reduces the cost of the new Echo even further.

If you add three all-New Amazon Echo devices to your basket you can save £50 off your order with the code ECHO3PACK. 

Or add two Echos and save £25 off your order with code ECHO2PACK.

WHAT IS THE ECHO PLUS?

As well as the new Echo, Amazon has also unveiled another speaker called the Echo Plus.

This device looks more like the original Echo with a taller and less compact design.

However the Echo Plus now includes enhanced 360-degree omni-directional audio, with Dolby processing, to provide deeper bass and crisper high notes.

And with its built-in smart home hub, Echo Plus makes connecting to compatible smart home devices easy.

Just say, “Alexa, discover my devices,” and Echo Plus will automatically discover and set up compatible lights, plugs, and more without the need for additional hubs or apps.

Echo Plus is more expensive with a price of £139.99.

It is available for pre-order starting today at amazon.co.uk/echoplus and will start shipping later next month. 

To help get your smart home started, customers will receive a Philips Hue smart lightbulb with every purchase of an Echo Plus while supplies last.