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Astro, the latest Alexa-powered device from Amazon, is turning heads. When Amazon revealed the cute little robotic assistant in early October, many tech reviewers noted that it looks like an Echo Show on wheels. The company insists it is far more than that.
So, what is Astro? What can it do, and when can you get one?
Amazon Astro is essentially a smart speaker that can follow you around. There are some obvious benefits to this. Firstly, imagine how much easier it will be to keep up a video call with someone when your camera and screen follow you around the house. You could talk to family while you’re doing laundry, get help with a complicated issue by showing someone on the other end the problem, or even just take a conversation from one room to another to get comfortable.
The little robotic buddy will come with an app that allows you to issue commands. It will also be able to recognize various people in your house. There are even storage compartments in the main body of the device so can ask Astro to deliver a bottle of water, snacks, or other small items to someone in another room!
Another major benefit to having a camera and microphone on wheels in your home is keeping tabs on your place while you’re away. For instance, if older family members live with you, Astro can check on them right from the app.
The device could also be used for keeping an eye on kids or pets while you’re away. If something goes wrong or if someone has a question, they can even use the Astro device to talk to you through the app.
The new device doesn’t have a hard release date as of the time of this writing. Amazon has announced that it will be released at some point before the end of the year, so many analysts expect to see it for sale before the holiday season.
As for pricing, the advanced robotic device will be initially offered to select users for $1,000. After the “preview” period, however, the Astro will go up to its normal retail price of $1,500. If history is any indication, Amazon’s newest Alexa-powered device is likely to be a huge hit, just like the Echo line of smart speakers before it.
