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Amazon has launched a bevvy of new products, expanding their smart hardware set up considerably. It appears Amazon maybe throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks because 2 of the products are a little left field.
While they are not the first company to get into the smart appliance game it appears to be an unusual move to launch a smart microwave, what more this isn’t some high-end device, but an AmazonBasics Microwave which looks about as boring as you can get. On the bright side, it is cheap, the new microwave will be shipping later this year, and you can pre-order it now in the US for $60. No word on UK availability.
In terms of functionality, it kinda does what you would expect it to. At its event, senior vice president of Amazon Devices Dave Limp said “Alexa, one potato” to the microwave, and it set a timer and turned on. He then said “Alexa, add 30 seconds to the microwave,” and the assistant updated the countdown. He also told Alexa to stop the microwave. The nice thing about telling Alexa to cook your food is you won’t have to agonize over how long to heat different things. The new microwave will come with “dozens of quick-cook voice presets,” much like traditional microwaves already offer, except you won’t have to lift a finger.
Next up is a clock. Not a fancy clock with an LCD display. Just an analogue clock that can also be used with Alexa. The Echo Wall Clock doesn’t have Alexa built into the device itself but it will take data from other devices you use. It connects to nearby Echo devices via Bluetooth to track timers, reminders and alarms, and keep your home in the correct timezone. Amazon sees this thing getting the most use in the kitchen, considering all the time-tracking that goes on during meal prep.
It’ll cost $30 when it starts shipping later this year. It seems like a pointless product, but at $30 I could probably be suckered into buying it. No word on UK availability.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
