Amazon Echo voice-recognition device showcasing Alexa technology - Global Banking & Finance Review — The image features the Amazon Echo device, a voice-recognition service that responds to commands via Alexa. This innovation enhances hands-free access to news and music, reflecting Amazon's advancements in technology.

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AMAZON INTRODUCES VOICE-RECOGNITION SERVICE

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on November 7, 2014

1 min read

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fintech Digital banking fintech technology

NEW YORK (AP) – Siri, meet Alexa.

Amazon Unveils New Echo Device

Amazon is introducing a voice-recognition service called Amazon Echo that comes with a speaker-like wireless device.

Wake Word Activation and Main Features

Responding to voice commands after the “wake word” Alexa, the device offers updates on news and weather and provides hands-free voice control for Amazon services such as Prime Music. It has an accompanying app for tablets and smartphones.

Pricing and Availability Details

It is available by email request only and costs $199, or $99 for Amazon Prime members.

Music Playback and Connectivity Options

The Wi-Fi only device is Bluetooth enabled and can play music from Amazon Prime Music or other music services like iTunes and Spotify. It stores information via Seattle-based Amazon.com Inc.’s in-house cloud service Amazon Web Services.

Additional Uses Beyond Music Control

It can also answer common questions like how to spell words, give weather reports and purchase digital music from Amazon Music.

Key Takeaways

Amazon introduced its voice‑recognition service “Echo” in November 2014, triggered by the wake word 'Alexa' and offering hands‑free responses.
The Echo device functions as a wireless speaker, providing news, weather, music (Prime Music, iTunes, Spotify via Bluetooth) and uses AWS for cloud processing.
Available by invitation only, pricing was set at $199 for general customers and $99 for Amazon Prime members for a limited time.
An accompanying app for smartphones and tablets allows control of alarms, shopping lists, music and more.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amazon Echo?

Amazon Echo is a voice‑recognition wireless speaker activated by saying 'Alexa' that provides news, weather, music, and voice‑controlled services using Amazon’s cloud (AWS).

How much did Amazon Echo cost at launch?

At launch, Echo cost $199 for non‑Prime members and was available for $99 for Amazon Prime members for a limited time. ([bostonglobe.com](https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/11/07/amazon-introduces-voice-recognition-service/bdxy7pmAxbFVsrMwpitFAJ/story.html?utm_source=openai))

How could customers purchase the Echo?

Initially, the Echo was available by invitation only—interested customers had to request access via email and wait for Amazon’s invitation to buy. ([bostonglobe.com](https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/11/07/amazon-introduces-voice-recognition-service/bdxy7pmAxbFVsrMwpitFAJ/story.html?utm_source=openai))

What features did Echo offer at launch?

Echo responded to voice commands after the wake word 'Alexa' to provide news, weather, spelling, alarms, music from Prime Music or streaming via Bluetooth, plus manage shopping lists and more. ([bostonglobe.com](https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/11/07/amazon-introduces-voice-recognition-service/bdxy7pmAxbFVsrMwpitFAJ/story.html?utm_source=openai))

AMAZON INTRODUCES VOICE-RECOGNITION SERVICE

Amazon Unveils New Echo Device

Wake Word Activation and Main Features

Pricing and Availability Details

Music Playback and Connectivity Options

Additional Uses Beyond Music Control

Key Takeaways

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Tags

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