Amazon Is Reportedly Building a High-End Echo Speaker

Amazon is reportedly planning to release a new version of its Echo smart speaker that includes a screen and improved audio quality, according to Bloomberg. The new Echo could debut in the first quarter of 2017 and is said to have a 7-inch touch screen, the report says. That would make the screen slightly smaller than an iPad mini but larger than that of smartphones like the Google Pixel and iPhone 7 Plus. The screen could make it easier to view information like news and weather forecasts, according to the report. The new device would be capable of responding to voice commands like Amazon's other Echo speakers, which the company will continue to sell after it releases the new more expensive model.