Amazon Opens Pre-orders for Echo Smart Home Device

amazon echoAmazon has made its voice-controller connected home device Echo available for pre-order in the US.

The device is selling for $179.99, and will start shipping on 14 July.

Powered by Alexa, a cloud-based AI, the Echo is integrated with Belkin WeMo and Philips Hue products for smart home controls and the likes of Pandora, Audible and Amazons own Prime Music for entertainment. Last month, Amazon added an ability to directly order Prime-eligible products, similar to its Dash button but using voice controls.

“The customer response to Amazon Echo has been incredibly positive, and we’ve been working hard to build more as quickly as possible,” said Greg Hart, VP of Amazon Echo. “We are grateful to our early customers for their incredible engagement and for providing us with invaluable feedback to help shape Echo as it evolves.”