• The new $199 Echo Studio speaker. [credit: Amazon ]


At an event in Seattle today, Amazon announced a slew of new Echo devices that build on the company's existing smart speakers. Of note is the new Echo Studio, a $199 smart speaker that supports 3D audio and Dolby Atmos sound.
Previous rumors indicated that Amazon, which recently started supporting lossless audio on its music streaming service, would release a speaker that could better play such music. The Echo Studio is that device—it looks like a beefier version of the original Echo and is strikingly similar to Apple's Homepod. It will fill a room with sound using its left, right, and top mid-range speakers, directional tweeter, and 5.25-inch bass driver and accompanying bass port. It will also adjust to its space by calibrating with its built-in microphones.
At $199, the Echo Studio could be an alternative to the Sonos One speaker. It's also not a coincidence that the Studio costs $100 less than both Apple's Homepod and the Google Home Max—Amazon is attempting to position the Studio as a more affordable option.

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