Amazon Alexa: Users Can Now Vote on New Devices with Pre-Orders

Amazon's Innovative Approach to Hardware Development

Amazon’s Day 1 Edition initiative offers a glimpse into the company’s internal hardware creation processes. The inaugural selection included the Echo Frames, a pair of smart glasses, and the Loop, a smart ring. Following initial feedback from users, Amazon decided to proceed with manufacturing only the smart glasses.

A Crowdfunding-Inspired System

This program functions similarly to an internal, crowdfunded pre-order system. Amazon showcases several concepts, and potential customers demonstrate their interest through pre-orders. Successful projects, meeting their pre-order targets, will be brought to market. Those that fall short will be discontinued.

This approach isn’t entirely unlike Sony Japan’s “First Flight” program, launched approximately five years ago.

Empowering Hardware Innovation

Amazon possesses ample resources for product launches. However, this system allows the hardware development team to explore more unconventional ideas. While exceptions exist, such as the Alexa-enabled Big Mouth Billy Bass, large companies typically avoid bringing highly unusual hardware concepts to full production.

The Initial Product Lineup

The first wave of products encompasses a range of designs, from practical to eccentric. A unifying element – at least for this initial round – is integration with Alexa. Amazon’s willingness to reveal details, however, has defined boundaries.

Smart Stick Note Printer

A more straightforward offering is the Smart Stick Note printer. Users can dictate information to Alexa/Echo, which is then thermally printed onto a compatible adhesive note. This eliminates the need for ink replacement.

The intended use is for voice-activated printing of grocery lists and reminders, and it’s available for pre-order at $90. (Pricing may increase upon general market release, mirroring Kickstarter/Indiegogo models).

Smart Scale with Nutritional Information

The $35 Smart Scale is designed for use with an Echo Show. Users can ask Alexa to provide nutritional data for weighed items, such as “Alexa, ask Smart Scale how much sugar is in these blueberries.”

The Echo Show will then display the nutritional information for the specified quantity.

The Novel Smart Cuckoo Clock

Perhaps the most unique product is the Smart Cuckoo Clock. Building upon the existing Echo Wall Clock, this model incorporates a traditional mechanical cuckoo. It also features a detachable pendulum for versatile mounting options.

Pre-orders for the Smart Cuckoo Clock are priced at $80.

Pre-Order Goals and Project Status

Amazon is not disclosing specific pre-order targets. However, each project’s progress will be indicated by a percentage completion metric, without displaying exact numbers.

If a project fails to meet its goal, pre-orders will be canceled, and Amazon will shift its focus to subsequent projects.