Amazon have made a subwoofer, and it could be available as early as next month.
The rumours appear to be true – Amazon look to be gearing up to release several Alexa-powered devices, including a wireless subwoofer, according to a convenient ‘leak’ ahead of a scheduled launch event.
Amazon is venturing into new territory and is clearly prioritising product output over high quality (Echo Buttons anyone?) and its rumoured 8-strong line-up of new products seems like it will almost definitely include an ‘Echo Sub’ wireless subwoofer (pictured above) and a ‘smart’ plug.
Both listings have since been taken down from Amazon.com, following the initial spot by Pocket-lint.
The TBC sub apparently will add 100W of bass to an Echo or Echo Plus setup of one or two speakers, with stereo pairing also thought to be to the horizon too.
With audio performance a long-standing criticism of Amazon’s Alexa range, this move certainly makes sense – but whether consumers will actually look to Amazon to boost their bass rather than a dedicated audio manufacturer remains to be seen…
The Amazon smart plug is a concept that’s already been brought to life by various 3rd part manufacturers, but essentially brings basic Alexa voice control to any device, eliminating the need for a home hub.
It’s thought that Amazon’s Echo Sub will be released in the US from 11 October, 2018 onwards, priced at around $99 (€85/£75). Its smart plug will be priced at a rather eye-watering $125 (€105/£95) – potentially a placeholder price – and reportedly available from the same date.
UPDATE: At Amazon's 'surprise' launch event the retailer introduced a new Echo Dot, a next-gen Echo Plus, a next-gen Echo Show, the Echo Link Amp stereo amplifier, the Echo Link stereo receiver, the Echo Input add-on audio device, the FireTV Recast, the AmazonBasics microwave, the Echo wall clock and the Ring stick up camera, in addition to the Echo Sub and a Smart Plug outlined above.