Lexi Webster
Amazon's Alexa-powered Echo devices are now available in Australia and New Zealand. The company announced the arrival of its hands-free Echo device, activated by the smart voice assistant Alexa, in 2017, with the launch taking place in 2018. Amazon's Echo devices, including the Echo Dot and Echo Plus, were available for pre-order in Australia in January 2018, with shipping expected to begin in February of that year. The Echo devices joined Amazon's Fire TV Stick Basic Edition, which was already available in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Launch date | Early 2018 |
| Launch date confirmation | February 2018 |
| Amazon's launch in Australia | Soft launch on November 23, 2017 |
| Amazon Music Unlimited | AU$4.99 Echo Plan |
| Amazon Echo devices | Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus |
| Echo Dot price | AU$79 |
| Echo Plus price | AU$229 |
| Echo price | AU$119 |
| Amazon Echo's main competitor | Google Home |
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What You'll Learn
Amazon Echo's 2018 launch in Australia
Amazon Echos 2018 launch in Australia
In 2017, Amazon announced that its Alexa-powered Echo devices would be launching in Australia and New Zealand in "early 2018". This announcement came after Amazon's soft launch in Australia on November 23, 2017, which was not a full public release. Amazon's Echo devices are smart speakers that are activated by a smart voice assistant named Alexa. Similar to Apple's Siri or Google Assistant, Alexa can answer questions, play music, check the weather, set alarms, and control other smart home devices.
At the time of the announcement, Amazon had not yet officially launched its local website in Australia, and the exact timing of the Echo release and which models would be available were not confirmed. However, Amazon did confirm that it would open up its Alexa Skills Kit to local developers so they could add new local skills for Echo users in Australia and New Zealand. The list of companies providing Alexa skills at launch included international companies with a local presence, such as Uber, Spotify, Philips Hue, and LIFX.
In January 2018, Amazon made Echo devices available for pre-order in Australia, with shipping expected to begin in February. Amazon offered special introductory prices for the devices: AU$49 for the Dot, AU$119 for the Echo, and AU$199 for the Plus. Amazon Music Unlimited also had an introductory deal, with a free 90-day trial period.
The arrival of Alexa and Echo devices in Australia marked Amazon's continued expansion in the country and its competition with other smart home devices already available in the market, such as Google Home. With the launch of Echo, Amazon aimed to make its popular smart home technology accessible to Australian customers, building on the nearly 19 million units sold mostly in the US.
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Amazon Echo's features and capabilities
Amazon Echo is a brand of smart speakers developed by Amazon. Echo devices connect to the voice-controlled intelligent personal assistant service, Alexa. The device requires a one-time setup by pairing it with Amazon's Alexa app, which gives the user more control over its features. The Echo has multiple layers of privacy protection, including a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the microphones. Users can also control their voice recordings and can view, hear, or delete them at any time.
The Echo features voice interaction, audio program playback, and the ability to maintain to-do lists, alarms, and scheduling reminders. It can also provide weather, traffic, and other real-time information. The Echo can play music from the owner's Amazon Music accounts and has built-in support for other streaming music services like Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Pandora, and Sirius XM, among others. It can also play music from non-compatible music streaming services via Bluetooth.
The Echo can also be used as a home automation hub, controlling several smart devices. When hooked up to the same network as other smart home devices, users can control their whole home using their voice. The Echo Show, for example, can be used for streaming media and making video calls. The Echo Show 15 can be mounted on a wall and features a 15.6-inch 1080p LCD screen. The Echo Show 8 is slightly bigger than its predecessor and features a 13MP front-facing camera.
The Echo has been available in the United States since 2015 and was launched in Australia and New Zealand in 2018.
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Amazon Echo's pricing
Amazon Echo devices are currently available in Australia. The exact pricing of the devices is not publicly available. However, Amazon Australia's website categorises Echo & Alexa devices under the price brackets of "$25 to $50" and "$50 to $100".
The Echo Dot, a smaller-format smart speaker, was the top-selling product during a Black Friday sale. The device usually retails for $50. During the sale, customers could slash up to 55% off an Echo Dot and Echo Buds bundle.
The Echo Pop is a compact smart speaker with Alexa that is suitable for small spaces. The Echo Spot is a smart alarm clock with Alexa and big vibrant sound. The Echo Show 8 is another variation of the device.
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Amazon Echo's competitors
Amazon's Alexa-powered Echo devices were launched in Australia and New Zealand in 2018. Before their launch, Google Home was already available in Australia and New Zealand and was a direct competitor to the Echo.
The Echo acts as a central smart hub within the home, allowing users to ask questions, set timers, check calendars, and more. It also has a music feature and can be used as a central control for other smart home devices.
- Sonos One: This speaker is a perfect fit for buyers who prioritize sound quality and lets users choose between Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Google Nest Audio: This is a solid option for an all-around smart speaker if you prefer Google's ecosystem of products.
- Apple HomePod Mini: This is a good fit for Apple fans, but its voice assistant features are limited compared to the competition.
- Google Nest Mini: This is a budget-friendly smart speaker that offers Google Assistant in a small, inexpensive package.
- Sonos Era 100: This speaker is said to be better than the Amazon Echo Studio, as it can get louder and has better sound quality.
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Amazon's launch strategy in Australia
Prior to its official launch, Amazon had a soft launch on November 23, 2017, which sparked curiosity among Australians. The company's entry into the Australian market was expected to bring a "step change" in online shopping, with a shift towards domestic e-commerce sites. Amazon's presence in Australia also opened doors to the Asia-Pacific region, presenting strategic advantages for expansion.
Amazon's launch in Australia included introducing its Alexa-powered Echo devices, which act as a central smart hub within the home. This launch occurred in early 2018, following the official entry of Amazon into the market in late 2017. The Echo devices, similar to Google Home, allowed users to ask questions, set timers, check calendars, hear sports scores, and more.
The launch of Echo in Australia was accompanied by the introduction of Amazon Music Unlimited and Amazon Prime Video. The Alexa Skills Kit was also opened up to local developers, allowing them to add new local skills for Echo users in Australia.
In addition to the Echo devices, Amazon has continued to expand its offerings in Australia. The company has introduced devices such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Fire TV Stick 4K, and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, enhancing the overall Amazon experience for Australian customers.
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Frequently asked questions
Amazon Echo was made available in Australia in February 2018.
Amazon Echo is a smart speaker that is powered by Alexa, Amazon's virtual assistant.
Amazon Echo can answer questions, play music, check the weather, set alarms, and control compatible smart home devices.
The Echo Dot costs AU$79, while the Echo Plus costs AU$229. There is also an Echo Plan for AU$4.99 per month, which lets you stream Amazon Music Unlimited from a single Echo device.
