Echo Studio: Amazon Adds 13MP Camera to Smart Speaker

Amazon released the Echo Studio with Home Camera on Tuesday, October 28.

The company first launched the standard Echo Studio in 2019. That initial design focused on audio quality for users who wanted better sound from an Alexa-based device. The new model shifts that focus by adding a visual component. It keeps the core audio hardware largely the same.

The standard and camera models share one 3.75-inch high-excursion woofer and three full-range drivers. Both units support Dolby Atmos. They also use an Amazon-developed algorithm that creates a surround-sound effect from stereo audio. The product pages list lossless HD audio, Advanced Room Adaptation, and noise distortion reduction for both versions. Amazon announced Advanced Room Adaptation on the same day as the speaker launch. The feature continuously tunes sound to the room's acoustics.

Internally, both speakers use a four-microphone array and the AZ3 Pro processor. Amazon introduced that chip a year ago. It includes an AI accelerator that runs Alexa+. The new model houses a 13MP camera despite having the same dimensions as the standard unit.

Amazon says the camera detects where a listener is in the room. It adjusts the volume so music or audiobooks maintain consistent levels as people move. The company also markets the device as a home security camera. Users can check on rooms remotely to see if pets are okay or if lights are off.

Alexa+ can interpret what the camera sees. The system identifies objects in front of the lens and responds in real time. Amazon provided examples of a user pulling out a board game box to ask for rule explanations. It also cited holding up a cereal box to have Alexa recognize the item and help reorder more flavors.