New Amazon Products: Alexa Can Shut the Garage Door, Make Popcorn & More
Shut the front door!
Ok, Alexa can’t do that just yet, but she can shut your garage door and more! Amazon just launched their new Echo Auto device which means no more fiddling with your phone or radio – just ask Alexa!
You can conveniently ask Alexa to play music, resume your Audible book, check your calendar, find nearby businesses, make calls, open or close the garage door, and more! Plus, you can even keep the whole car entertained on a road trip with games like Jeopardy!, 20 Questions, and more.
With eight microphones, the Echo Auto even hears you over your music, A/C, and road noise. Plus, it starts up in seconds, works through your car speakers, and uses your existing smartphone plan.
Interested?
The Echo Auto is currently available to pre-order for $24.99, by invitation only. To request an invitation, go here and click “Request an invitation” button on the product page. If invited, you will receive an email later this year to purchase the device at the discounted price.
If that wasn’t enough, Amazon is also releasing a new AmazonBasics Microwave that works with Alexa. With 10 power levels, a kitchen timer, a child lock, and a turntable, you can conveniently ask Alexa to reheat a cup of coffee, defrost peas, make popcorn, cook potatoes, and even reheat rice.
The AmazonBasics Microwave simplifies cooking by letting you microwave using your voice and an Echo device. To start cooking, simply use your voice or just press the Ask Alexa button and say your cook time. The button will instantly wake up your paired Echo, just like saying “Alexa” does.
Hate running out of popcorn for movie night? There’s even an Auto Popcorn Replenishment option that can automatically reorder select popcorn brands whenever you run low! 🍿
Need this microwave in your life?
This AmazonBasics Microwave is available to pre-order now for $59.99 and will be released on November 14th, 2018.
But wait! There’s more… 😱
Amazon announced even more new product releases, including a mix of brand-new and updated products. Many of the products are available for pre-order and most will be available in October.
- Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker (third generation)
- Release date: October 11th, 2018
- Cost: $49.99
- Amazon Echo Sub Subwoofer
- Release date: October 11th, 2018
- Cost: $129.99
- Amazon Echo Plus Bundle
- Release date: October 11th, 2018
- Cost: $149.99
- Pre-Order Bonus: Includes free Philips Hue smart light bulb
- Amazon Echo Show (second generation)
- Release date: October 11th, 2018
- Cost: $229.99
- Pre-Order Bonus: Includes free Philips Hue smart bulb
- Amazon Smart Plug
- Release date: October 11th, 2018
- Cost: $24.99
- Ring Stick Up Security Camera
- Release date: October 18th, 2018
- Cost: $179.99
- Amazon Fire TV Recast DVR Box
- Release date: November 14th, 2018
- Cost: Starting at $229.99
- Echo Wall Clock
- Release date: Sign up here to be notified when it’s available
- Cost: $29.99
- Amazon Echo Input
- Release Date: Sign up here to be notified when it’s available
- Cost: $34.99
- Amazon Echo Link Amp
- Release Date: Sign up here to be notified when it’s available
- Cost: $299.99
If it were April 1st, I would think this was a joke.
Ha! I was thinking the same thing, especially about the microwave.
These sure are unique products!
I really really hope I get an invite for the car Alexa!! I’m always saying I need her in the car! 😂
It sure sounds helpful! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
WOW I am afraid i will be to old to figure out how to operate these things some day
I’ve thought about that too, Denise! I guess my kids will be able to teach me! 😉
The microwave sounds like it will be helpful with people that may have vision impairment or a disability. These voice controlled devices can be more than a convenience but life changing for some.
SO true, Amanda! Thanks for the suggestion!
Alexa, go to work for me….
LOL! Too funny!
lol!
I want her to learn how to fold and put away laundry!!!! 🙂
Right!? Wouldn’t that be SO helpful! I could definitely use the help with laundry!
My husband laughed hard at your comment. He said that would be the best thing amazon could do, because he will then retire from folding clothes 😄
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Plot of new action thriller movie: was it the mafia, corrupt FBI, or the preteen next door that hacked Alexa and exploded the microwave?
Not far fetched
I think amazon is trying to take over the world. Enough!
I am an amazon prime member, but even that is changing and not for the better.
I totally agree. The fresh cut Christmas trees delivered and then this? Stop it Amazon…
Ok we def need a like button on this app.
It is worth it to point out, you need a device installed on your garage door or a whole new opener w/ wi-fi. Amazon does not make that part of the solution, only the Alexa implementation. Nothing to do with the Amazon Auto device.
just an FYI for anyone thinking your garage door is going to magically become smart.
Thanks for mentioning that, Adam! Good to know!
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True story. A few years ago my neighbor bought a new garage door opener. I bought a new ceiling fan and light with remote. Her garage door began opening and closing randomly while the ceiling fan light turned on seemingly by a poltergeist. Very entertaining for awhile at both our houses.
I just bought a Roav VIVA. Check into it, has Alexa already available for car.
I’m not sure about talking to my house. It’s kinda creepy. 100 years ago, you would’ve been committed for such insanity. I don’t want my appliances listening on my conversations (yes, people have complained about all these device doing just that).
Not interested, unless she can fold the laundry.
Ha ha! I was thinking the same thing! I’ll get one when she does the laundry, dishes, and cleans the kitchen mess for me lol
Does this kinda stuff not scare anyone else?? I mean, it’s like nobody has ever seen Eagle Eye or iRobot! 😂 I don’t trust it, lol, does that mean I am getting old? 🤣
You are not getting old. All of these IoT devices scare the cr*p out of me also – for good reason; there is little to none built in security. Any of these devices can be hacked, then your entire home network could be hacked. I’m working on a master’s degree in Cyber Security Policy & Compliance; one of my professor’s mottos is “Alexa is not your friend; Amazon is not your friend; do not trust any device in your house”.