Amazon will launch AirPods-inspired products this month, according to reports.
According to CNBC, the company has been developing a wireless earbuds product featuring built-in Alexa, similar to Siri on the iPhone, alongside a number of health and fitness features such as a built-in accelerometer, capable of tracking things such as distance run, calories burned, and pace.
Such features would mean you’d need to wear your earbuds when you run or walk for accurate measurement.
Cheaper than AirPods
Amazon’s rival to the AirPods is expected to retail for less than $100, though they won’t feature cellular connectivity, which could make it tricky to pair an iPhone or Android device and access Alexa’s functionality.
Amazon is also expected to introduce a new Echo speaker with a built-in woofer, which would improve the sound quality when compared to the current range of Echo speakers and indeed Apple’s HomePod device.
The company hopes that the new Echo would serve as a “central speaker” in the smart home market, and by introducing Alexa-powered earbuds, Alexa would become the go-to assistant, locking users into Amazon.
“Both products would fit into Amazon’s strategy to place its Alexa voice-assistant everywhere — in home and beyond,” a source told CNBC.
“The new earbuds will give access to Alexa on the go, letting users talk to the voice assistant even in outdoor areas. The bulkier Echo, meanwhile, is designed to be the central speaker in Alexa’s core home market, as it comes with a woofer and a higher-quality speaker than the original Echo.”
Amazon is expected to announce its AirPods competitors on Wednesday. Keep it AppleMagazine for the latest.