Amazon launches voice-recognition device, Echo

New York --Amazon has quietly launched another hardware device, a voice-recognition device called Echo that doubles as a high-tech music speaker. The 9-inch tall cylinder device sells for $199 but is available for $99 for a limited time to Prime members. It is designed around the user’s voice, which it can hear from across a room.



“It's always on—just ask for information, music, news, weather, and more,” Amazon stated on its web site.



The Internet giant introduced the device in a Tweet: “Introducing Amazon Echo. Always ready, connected, and fast. Just ask.”



Echo runs on Amazon's Web Services, so it's “brain” is always in the cloud, Amazon explained.



"The more you use Echo, the more it adapts to your speech patterns, vocabulary, and personal preferences," the company stated.



To get the device working user only has to say the “wake” word, "Alexa."



For the time being, Echo is available by invitation only. Customers who submit requests online will be notified via email if they're selected, with an invitation to purchase Echo in the coming weeks.



Amazon has unveiled several tech gadgets this year, Fire TV, Fire TV Stick and, the Amazon Fire Phone, which flopped with customers.