Hands on with Amazon's new AI-enhanced Echo smart speakers and displays

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. The Echo Studio is back, along with the revamped Echo Dot Max and two gorgeous Echo Show displays. Yes, round is still in when it comes to Amazon's refreshed Echo smart speakers, with the high-end Echo Studio and the smaller Echo Dot both getting big Alexa+ makeovers at Amazon's big fall hardware event in New York City. Also on tap were new versions of Amazon's Echo Show 8 and 11 displays, which chopped the chunky design of previous-generation Echo Shows in favor of slimmed-down screens mounted in front of oval-shaped rear speaker components. Available for pre-order now, the new Echo devices pack Amazon's new AZ3 and AZ3 Pro chips allowing for "on the edge" Alexa+ processing, ideal for getting speedier replies while enabling advanced sensors that allow the new Alexa to sense what's going on in the immediate area.