Amazon announces 3rd generation Echo smart speaker
Updated: Sep 30, 2019
Amazon is introducing a new version of its main Echo smart speaker today. The third-generation Echo has upgraded sound quality thanks to neodymium drivers — taken from the existing Echo Plus — and a three-inch woofer. Amazon claims “the bass is stronger” and mids and highs are clearer. The fabric-covered design is familiar, but now comes in a new “twilight blue” color. The 2019 Echo costs the same $99.99 as before, and preorders begin today.
Amazon hardware VP Dave Limp positioned the new Echo as a great way for listening to Amazon Music HD, the new lossless-quality streaming tier of the company’s subscription music service. But the regular Echo came alongside the announcement of a new, premium Echo Studio speaker with the best speaker performance that Amazon has ever offered.

The last major refresh of the Echo occurred in October 2017 when Amazon unveiled the cloth-covered second-generation device.