Essential launches Amazon-exclusive version of Phone PH-1 with Alexa

Essential has managed to sneak out an unexpected variant of its beautiful, but largely unloved, Phone PH-1. The new color variant joins three other new colors of the PH-1 that became available in limited quantities during the week. The color variant exclusive to Amazon is called Halo Gray and comes pre-installed with Amazon’s Alexa personal voice-assistant.

The new Halo Gray color is similar in appearance to the Stellar Gray model that Essential is selling itself, although the titanium out banding is a lighter color, although it retains the same matte black ceramic on the rear of the device. According to Essential, customers can uninstall Alexa if they choose to, but it generally considered the equal of Google Assistant by many while having the added advantage of allowing you to order goods directly through Amazon.

The Amazon version of the PH-1 is the result of a partnership between Amazon and Andy Rubin’s startup, which saw Amazon draw on its Alexa Fund to invest in the fledgling business. The Halo Gray model is up for pre-order now and is available for just US$449.99. This is actually US$150 cheaper than Essential is selling its new limited-edition color variants. A US$499.99 bundle will also nab you Essential’s 360-degree camera.

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