Baptized as Astro, the first Amazon robot is a smart screen similar to the Echo Show devices, with access to the Alexa virtual assistant and capable of displaying relevant information for the user such as news, upcoming calendar appointments, traffic conditions or the time to do.
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The difference is that now the screen has wheels and moves around the house. You may be ordered to send messages to other family members or to go into a specific room with a small item or a soda can or two.
The robot moves at a speed of one meter per second and can recognize different people. It is also equipped with a 12 megapixel camera with a telescopic system that can be raised to hold video conferences, although the screen is always at ground level.
The robot will cost $ 999 (about 860 euros at current exchange rates) but will only be available to a limited extent in the US and the company does not yet know if the product will eventually become a commercial product. The first units will be delivered later this year.
Something similar happens with the Ring Always Home Cam, a product that Apple had already anticipated last year but now seems finally ready to hit the market.
It is a security drone designed to monitor the home. When not in use it rests on a charging cradle, but can be programmed to patrol hallways and rooms when no one is home.
This flying camera is somewhat cheaper than Astro, although it is also more limited (it is limited to showing the image, live, of what happens at home). Amazon will begin to sell it in limited quantities this month at a price of 250 dollars (about 215 euros) and like Astro, only in the US initially.
Another product that Amazon had already shown but that seems ready to finally hit the market is the Halo smart bracelet.
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The proposal shown last year was that of a bracelet without a screen but with a microphone and associated with a subscription service that offered users an overview of their daily activity index and health advice.
This year's version has changed somewhat in its approach, but in essence it is the same product only now it has a screen and Amazon has eliminated the microphone. In both cases, it is associated with an annual subscription service that includes nutrition advice, a complete overview of activity, not just performance data, and now virtual fitness classes.
Halo View will cost $ 80 (70 euros) and will be available later this year. Subscription to the service costs about 3 euros per month, approximately.
The other surprise of the event, which will also be available only in a limited way at first, is Echo Glow, a videoconferencing device designed for children and with an educational component.
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In addition to having a screen, Echo Glow has an interactive projector that can project different educational activities or stories onto the table. Children can interact with the projections with their hands as if they were a touch screen.
Amazon will create games, interactive stories and artistic applications for this new product, but will also allow third-party developers such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Mattel and Sesame Workshop, to program educational apps and games with their most well-known characters.
Glow will have an approximate price of 300 dollars (260 euros to change) when it goes on sale, although those who want to try it during the beta phase will pay only 249 dollars (about 215 euros).
The company, for example, has unveiled a new version of its 15-inch Echo Show screen. This display can be supported on any surface with a lectern, but can also be hung on the wall in portrait or landscape format, and includes a camera for video conferencing. You will be able to recognize who the person is looking at and display personalized information. The device will cost 250 euros in Europe and will arrive over the next few months.
Robots are a popular culture paradigm that goes back to antiquity, but became particularly successful in the 20th century. From C-3PO to Bender, from Johnny 5 to Wall-E: Robots promise help and sociability as well as the possibility of one day living in harmony with a machine. And as the examples show, a few digital googly eyes are enough to wrap even grown-ups around your finger. It is of secondary importance whether the rifles can really do more than play music or a watchdog. In any case, there is no question that there will be far more interested parties for Astro than Amazon initially delivers models.
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Nor is there out of the question that Astro will disappoint its buyers. In an interview with The Verge, those responsible admit that the functions are still severely limited, which is another reason why Astro is initially only available in limited numbers. Grasping arms, for example, could significantly increase the benefits, but many people might find that too scary at the moment, they say.
What surprises: Apparently Amazon doesn't find it scary when a small, cute device scans faces and the apartment all day and regularly exchanges data with Amazon.
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