Rumor: Amazon is planning a wall-mounted Echo with a 15-inch display

Amazon is working on a number of new devices, including an Echo with a 15-inch wall-mounted display, a soundbar, new Echo Auto technology and wearable devices. According to a source, some of these could be available soon at the company's event on September 28.

The most attractive product will be a new Echo device with Alexa support and a display size of about 15 inches. Codenamed Hoya, the device will not only be able to be placed on a stand, like a conventional Echo device, but also mounted on the wall. It will serve as the center of a smart home to control lights, cameras, locks and other devices, as well as display the weather, timers, appointments, photos, and more. The device is specifically designed to be placed in the kitchen, displaying recipes and YouTube cooking videos while in use, as well as allowing you to watch Netflix and use other apps. 

The company may also announce its own soundbar, codenamed Harmony, to accompany Amazon's acclaimed line of TVs. Unlike Alexa-enabled third-party soundbars, it will have a front-facing camera and support video calls from TVs, similar to Facebook's Portal TV. 

Finally, the company is reportedly developing a new version of Echo Auto (codenamed Marion). Presumably, the updated version will have a new design and will allow devices to be charged using inductive technology. Amazon is currently partnering with Ford to install Alexa in 700,000 vehicles, but the company is apparently going to partner with other automakers as well.

Also in development are new Echo speakers for 2022 and wearable devices for children and seniors (the latter with fall detection). The company is also reportedly creating special processors to improve artificial intelligence, as well as new technologies to help Fire TV, Echo and other devices work better together.

Source: bloomberg

Illustration: cnet