I Got an Early Look at Amazon's New Echo Devices. Here's What to Know.

If you reach for your phone the second your alarm goes off, the new Echo Time might convince you to break that habit. Amazon's first smart alarm clock built for Alexa+ features a 3.2-inch touchscreen that displays your alarms, weather, and music, plus hundreds of customizable clock faces. It also has a sunrise-style wake-up light that gradually brightens in the morning, along with optional sleep-sensing technology that can wake you during lighter sleep.At $199.99, it's a solid option for anyone looking to improve their sleep routine without adding another distracting screen to their nightstand. It comes in Graphite, Glacier White, and Coral Pink, with a separate kids' version available, too.Digital photo frames are nothing new, but Amazon's Alexa Photo Frame takes it further with built-in Alexa+ features. Its 10-inch HD touchscreen has an anti-glare, semi-matte finish that makes pictures look more like actual framed photographs, while light-sensing technology automatically adjusts the brightness throughout the day.The coolest part is how you interact with your photos. You can ask Alexa to pull up pictures from a specific trip or memory, add voice notes to individual photos, and even have family members contribute new pictures remotely. Starting at $199.99, it's a thoughtful gift for parents or grandparents who want to keep up with family memories without scrolling through their phones.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAmazon's newest Echo Dot packs several upgrades into its compact design. Along with fuller sound and 50 percent more bass than the previous generation, it now includes a built-in smart home hub, letting you connect and control compatible lights, locks, thermostats, and other devices without buying a separate hub. It also includes a built-in eero Wi-Fi extender that can expand coverage if you already have a compatible eero network.Starting at $99.99, it's a great entry point for anyone who wants to make their home smarter without investing in a larger display. Families should also check out the Amazon Kids Echo Dot, which starts at $109.99 and comes in adorable Octopus and Penguin designs, plus a year of Amazon Kids+ with kid-friendly audiobooks, music, and podcasts.If you want something that does a little bit of everything, the new Echo Show 16 is probably the most versatile device in Amazon's latest lineup. The redesigned 16-inch full HD display can function as a family calendar, smart home dashboard, digital photo frame, or even a TV, thanks to built-in Fire TV. You can use it to keep track of appointments, manage compatible smart devices, follow recipes in the kitchen, or stream your favorite shows.It's especially useful for families who want one central place to manage what's happening around the house. The standard display starts at $499.99, while the $569.99 Nanomatte version offers an upgraded anti-glare screen. Both are available for preorder, with shipping expected later this year.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAmazon's new Echo Studio with Home Camera takes its premium smart speaker a step further by adding a built-in camera that lets Alexa+ actually see what's happening around it. That means you can hold up a board game and ask Alexa to explain the rules, or use the Alexa app to check on your pets while you're away. On the audio side, it still delivers powerful bass and immersive Dolby Atmos sound, with technology that automatically adjusts the audio to your room's acoustics.At $249.99, it's a great option for anyone who wants high-quality sound with some pretty impressive smart home features. It comes in Graphite, and if you're not sold on having a camera in your speaker, Amazon still offers the standard Echo Studio for $219.99.Josiah Soto is a commerce editor and writer at Hearst Magazines, where he covers skincare, grooming, beauty, and style for Men’s Health, Prevention, and BestProducts.com. With a particular passion for skincare and the ingredients behind his favorite products, he keeps readers up to date on the latest beauty launches, grooming essentials, and fashion trends worth knowing about. He also contributes to Runner’s World and Popular Mechanics, covering everything from emerging style trends to running gear and lifestyle products. In another life, Josiah was an editor at ThePioneerWoman.com.