Amazon intros Echo Studio speaker and Echo Buds in-ear Bluetooth headphones with Bose NC tech

Amazon made a number of new hardware announcements at its 2019 hardware event. Among the announcements are two new audio products that will appeal to music lovers who also enjoy its Alexa voice-recognition technology. The new Amazon Echo Studio is targeted at the same segment as Apple’s HomePod and brings support for Dolby Atmos making them a good match for the company’s own 4K Fire TVs which can stream Dolby Atmos audio.

Support is also included for new 3D audio formats like Sony’s new 360 codec while the company has also worked with Universal Music Group and Warner Music to make 3D audio tracks available through its Amazon HD music service. The device is fitted with four speakers including a tweeter, three mid-range speakers and a large 5.25-inch bass driver paired with a bass port. It is retailing for US$200 which is the same price as a Sonos One or US$100 less than an Apple HomePod.

Amazon also introduced its first truly wireless in-ear buds it is calling Echo Buds. Interestingly, the new Buds feature Bose active noise cancelling technology used under license. The Buds feature dual balanced armature drivers which when coupled with the Bose NC tech should offer a pretty decent listening experience. Battery life is rated at up to 5 hours with the provided battery case offering up to 20 additional hours of audio. They also come with an IPX4 rating for water resistance and support Google Assistant and Siri in addition to Alexa. They are priced at US$130.