What's New with Amazon Alexa at CES 2019
CES is officially a wrap for 2019. More than 100 Alexa products were announced at the four-day event, where new voice experiences spanned a variety of categories, including smart home devices, TVs, tablets, and even cars with Alexa built-in. Tens of thousands of attendees visited Amazon’s four public exhibits, where they interacted with technologies that show how Alexa makes life easier when you’re at home, work, and on-the-go. Hundreds of devices were on display at our booth from companies like LG, Lenovo, Audi, Bosch, North, Razer, and many more.
Leading into the show, Dave Limp, SVP of Amazon Devices, revealed that more than 100 million devices with Alexa have been sold. As witnessed at CES 2019, Amazon is already busy supporting the next generation of voice experiences, enabling companies from around the world to add Alexa into their products.
Amazon Alexa debuted many solutions designed to help developers and device makers create products with Alexa.
Two new Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) were announced: SGW Global’s Mono wireless home telephone with Alexa built-in, and Sirena Vood, the world’s smallest portable speaker with Alexa built-in.
Three new Systems Integrators (SIs) also debuted. C-Chip provides device makers with customized hardware and software solutions for creating products with Alexa. Sagemcom provides audio/video solutions for service providers. StreamUnlimited’sStreamSDK is a high-level, multi-dimensional software solution featuring AVS and qualified by Amazon.
Updates to two development kits were also announced: Microsemi’s AcuEdge, with multiple mic-array configurations, and Synaptics’ AudioSmart, which is now able to support development of far-field devices with only two microphones.
In Alexa’s public exhibit in the Venetian, developers spoke with Solutions Architects from Amazon. The area, called the Speakeasy, was focused on solutions that make it easy for developers and device makers building with Alexa. There, hundreds received technical guidance and were educated on integrating Alexa into their products.
Device makers introduced many new products with Alexa -- ranging from pianos to bikes to bed frames to routers to vehicle navigation systems. Some new products are listed below.
Alexa Built-in Devices: Lenovo kicked off CES by announcing Smart Tabs, which cleverly function 2-in-1 tablets with Alexa built-in and Show-Mode visuals when docked as a smart screen. LG announced the roll-up OLED TV with Alexa built-in. Razer announced that it will be integrating Alexa into its gaming platform via Razer Synapse 3 to let users control aspects of the gaming experience by voice. Kohler revealed several new products for the smart home, including bathroom devices and lighting arrangements. Vuzix Blade AR headset is the first pair of Alexa-compatible smart glasses. First Alert unveiled the Onelink Bell, a new smart doorbell with Alexa built-in. ASUS Networking announced Asus Lyra Voice, a mesh Wi-Fi router with Alexa built-in. Jabra announced the Elite 85h headphones with hands-free access to Alexa. JBL LIVE Series headphones includes four models with Alexa. Haltfords announced the Cybic Legend bike, the first smart bike with Alexa built-in for voice-based GPS, intelligent cycling performance data, and more. Archos announced its Mate smart display. Petcube announced two new smart pet cameras and a treat-flinging mechanism. Legrand/Bticino announced a far-field wall mounted switch with Alexa built-in. Sony announced its over-ear-noise-canceling wireless headphones. Roland Corporation announced the GO:PIANO with Alexa built-in – the first instrument with Alexa functionality. Robotemi announced they are bringing Alexa to their Temi robot, which includes a screen and can control lights, make video calls, and more. Dux announced they’re working with Stelle to create a new bed frame with Alexa built-in. Cleer announced its Mirage Smart Display Speaker. Acuity Brands featured the Juno AI smart home downlight, the first in-ceiling lighting retrofit kit with Alexa built-in. Leviton announced the development of the new Decora Voice Dimmer light switch with Alexa built-in. HiMirror announced mirrors with an entertainment center and Alexa built-in.
Smart Home Devices with Alexa: LG announced their connected TWINWash washing machines and dryers will work with Alexa. Ikea announced new Kadrilj and Fyrtur smart roller blinds, both can be controlled through Alexa. Hamilton Beach announced a new smart coffee maker with Alexa. EZVIZ announced a new video doorbell and camera kit, both of which are compatible with Alexa. Nanoleaf announced light panels that can be controlled by Alexa. Somfy introduced its Tahoma gateway hub, which has a Zigbee 3.0 radio built-in to customize and automate motorized shades. Panasonic introduced the GZ2000, a custom-made Professional Edition 4K OLED panel TV that works with Alexa. C by GE was also announced which is a family of smart wall switches, full-color lights, and accessories that are compatible with Alexa. Moen announced upgrades to its Alexa voice control. Samsung announced its expanded vision of connected living with improvements in smart technology and international expansion. Hisense announced it would add Alexa into its smart TVs. Lutron is adding fan control to its Caseta smart lighting system. Gourmia announced a deluxe multicooker that works with Alexa. ShadeCraft Bloom added Alexa voice controls to parasols. Daikin introduced the Daikin One smart thermostat. Trifo unveiled its first home robot, a smart vacuum with Alexa. Robotics announced a new line of cleaning robots including an AI-powered floor cleaning robot and its smart autonomous air purifying robot, both work with Alexa. iHome debuted two new portable, battery powered Alexa AMA smart speakers. Tuya Smart announced a new home security system that uses facial recognition technology to identify each member of a family using just a photograph. Klipsch unveiled five new soundbars. Altro showcased a new smart lock that will enable users to control their deadbolts through Alexa.
Alexa Auto: Byton announced its new electric SUV will incorporate Alexa for voice control. iOttie announced the Easy One Touch Connect car phone mount with Alexa built-in. Luxoft announced Alexa will be integrated into vehicle dashboards, infotainment, and navigation systems. Telenav announced Alexa will be integrated into its automotive navigation system. BOSS Audio Systems demonstrated the LXA5, a Double Din head unit with Alexa built-in. Qualcomm showcased in-vehicle experiences for next generation vehicles using Alexa. HERE Technologies will integrate Alexa with their navigation and location services; Alexa will come pre-integrated within HERE Navigation On-Demand. Pioneer announced plans to add Alexa to its multimedia receivers. Abalta Technologies announced plans to integrate Alexa into its WebLink connected car platform, enabling drivers to access Alexa on WebLink-enabled in-vehicle infotainment systems. Nextbase showcased two models of dashcams with Alexa built-in. Elektrobit is demoing its Android-based cockpit software platform integration with Alexa. P3 announced a new software integrator for Alexa Auto. ICS announced that it has created three Automotive Grade Linux demo applications for Alexa in collaboration with The Qt Company. MOLEX announced it’s working with Accenture and AWS to bring edge computing and voice service to the Molex Automotive Ethernet Network Platform.
Start building today to reimagine your customer experience for voice and reach customers where they are. Hundreds of thousands of device makers and developers are constructing devices with Alexa using the Alexa Voice Service or teaching Alexa new capabilities with the Alexa Skills Kit. Get started by creating your developer account.