Amazon released the Echo Studio with Home Camera, adding a 13MP integrated camera to its premium Alexa speaker. The device maintains the same audio specs as the standard Echo Studio, including a 3.75-inch woofer, three full-range drivers, Dolby Atmos support, and a four-microphone array powered by the AZ3 Pro processor.
The camera enables new features. Alexa can adjust audio volume based on your location in the room. The device also functions as a remote home monitor, letting users check on rooms or pets. Amazon says users can ask Alexa+ to explain board game rules by pointing the camera at a box or get product recommendations by showing it a cereal box.
Amazon plans to let users pair the device with Amazon Fire TV for video calls, though the company did not specify a launch date for that feature.
The Echo Studio with Home Camera costs $250, a $30 premium over the camera-free model. Amazon included privacy controls: a dedicated button disables microphones and camera, an LED indicator shows when video streams to the cloud, and users can disable the camera via the Alexa app while still using Alexa voice commands.
The move reflects Amazon's shift toward monetizing Alexa through generative AI capabilities. Standard Alexa has cost Amazon billions of dollars. The new device targets use cases tied to purchases on Amazon's platform or through partner integrations via Alexa+.