“Thanks, Alexa”
“No worries”
Even though she hasn’t officially launched on our shores, by now you’d be familiar with Amazon Echo – the nifty little smart home gadget that can play your favourite music, settle arguments over which actor was in that movie you’re thinking of, set timers for your cooking, and basically ensure you never touch a light switch again – just by asking her.
While there are ways to get her in the country, what we’ve really been waiting for is Amazon to release the Echo range in Australia – officially. Well, folks – do I have some news for you. You can pre-order from today.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2018/01/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-aussie-amazon-echo/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/kuvlb6tikmgken3foccu.jpg” title=”Everything You Need To Know About The Aussie Amazon Echo” excerpt=”The day we’ve been waiting for is finally here – we can finally pre-order the Amazon Echo, welcoming her into our homes in early February.
But what exactly will the Aussie Alexa, with her new ‘strayn accent, be able to do?”]
The Amazon Echo itself will cost $149 – that’s Australian dollars, folks, we are finally official! The soft fabric exterior of the device will launch here in sandstone, heather grey, and charcoal.
The range will also include the $79 Echo Dot, which can connect to an external speaker, or be used as a standalone device.
Then there’s the Echo Plus – it comes with a built-in smart home hub, so pretty much all of your smart home devices can be connected via Alexa (if they are Zigbee-enabled, at least) – it will retail in Australia for $229.
If you order online through Amazon, there’s limited-time introductory pricing – $119 for the Echo, $49 for the Echo Dot, and $199 for the Echo Plus.
Shipping February 1 if you order online, you can also pick up Amazon Echo devices from JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, Telstra, and Myer – finally.
“Tens of millions of customers are already using Alexa, and today we’re excited to bring her to Australia with a localised experience designed for our Australian customers,” said Dave Limp, Senior Vice President, Amazon Devices and Services.
“The combination of Alexa and Echo provides customers with hands-free access to music, weather, news, information, and more — just ask.”
Amazon customers will also score a Philips Hue smart lightbulb with every purchase of an Echo Plus – while supplies last.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2018/01/why-youll-probably-end-up-playing-a-lot-of-music-on-your-amazon-echo/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Echo-Plus-Black-Living-Room-410×231.jpg” title=”Why You’ll Probably End Up Playing A Lot Of Music On Your Amazon Echo” excerpt=”Until recently, “Alexa, play 90’s alternative radio on Pandora” was probably the most common phrase uttered in my home. And while that’s now impossible for a couple of reasons (RIP Pandora), there’s a good reason the Echo became the go-to music hub of my home.
With the Australian Launch of Echo in a few weeks time, here’s what the plans are for Aussie listeners.”]