Amazon Alexa is rocking CES 2019. Amazon sold millions of Echo and Dot smart speakers during the 2018 holiday season, extending its reach in the U.S. and around the world. Google Assistant came to CES 2019 loaded for growth with three times more exhibit space than last year and Amazon followed suit, hitting the Vegas presentation stages, exhibition halls, and meeting areas.
During CES 2019, Amazon announced up-to-date figures for milestones reached by different Amazon devices. The company also introduced new products, features, and services that support Key by Amazon, (formerly Amazon Key), offered announcements from Amazon-owned Ring, and presented piles and piles of new products that are Alexa compatible and or have Alexa built in.
We’ve listed Amazon’s Devices Milestones, Key by Amazon, Ring, and Amazon Alexa announcements at CES 2019 below, arranged by category.
Amazon Device Milestones
FireTV
Amazon announced there are now more than 30 million active Fire TV users, including Fire TV streaming media remotes and Fire TV television sets.
Alexa device compatibility
There are now more than 4,500 brands and more than 28,000 devices that can be controlled by users giving voice commands to Alexa devices.
Alexa built-in
Users can speak directly to devices with Alexa built-in to control Alexa-compatible devices. There are more than 150 products with Alexa built-in, ranging from headphones and PC to cars and smart home devices that do not require an actual Alexa device such as an Echo, Dot, or Echo Spot within voice range.
Alexa skills
There are more than 70,000 certified Alexa skills.
Alexa endpoints
Worldwide there are more than 100 million Alexa-enabled endpoints, including Alexa devices and products with Alexa-built in.
Echo Auto
Following the September 2018 pre-launch introduction, almost one million people requested invitations to buy the Echo Auto dashboard device.
Key by Amazon
Key by Amazon is a growing set of services supported by device manufacturers that enable users to “experience the magic of keyless life,” as Amazon describes it. Originally conceived as a way to have Amazon purchases delivered inside homes, the broader application of the concept helps people control and monitor entry to their homes and garages. The Key by Amazon delivery service is not yet available in all areas in the U.S.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Schlage’s Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt is available for pre-order now for $250 or bundled with an Amazon Cloud Cam for $300, with shipping on March 5. The Encode lock is directly addressable via Wi-Fi, with no separate hub required.
Key for Garage
If you have a garage door opener that’s compatible with Chamberlain Group’s myQ-connected technology, you’ll be able to add a hub to connect your opener to your smart home network for delivery access in Key by Amazon-supported areas and for keyless entry with an Alexa Skill.
Ring
Starting in the first quarter of 2019, Ring customers will be able to control Key by Amazon-compatible smart locks using buttons in the Ring app, as well as view live video from Ring video doorbells and cameras.
Key for Business
Key for Business, available now, is an Amazon package-delivery service for commercial and residential properties with compatible building access systems. With Key for Business access via smart fobs, delivery drivers will be able to put packages in secure areas without requiring assistance for entry from building staff personnel.
Ring
Ring introduced new products and third-party compatibilities at CES 2019, all of which work with Amazon Alexa.
Ring Door View Cam
Ring announced the Ring Door View Cam at CES 2019. The company’s fifth video doorbell allows two-way talk and can stream live video to the Echo Show, Echo Spot, and Alexa-enabled Fire Tablets.
Ring Smart Lighting
A new line for the company, available in March, Ring Smart Lighting includes wired and wireless floodlights, spotlights, path lights, and step lights. The lights all have motion detection and can trigger other lights and Ring cameras, as well as send an alert to the owner’s mobile device.
Ring-compatible sensors, locks, and Alexa devices
Ring also announced more sensors for Ring Alarm including monitors for smoke, carbon monoxide, flooding, freezing temperatures, intruders, and more. Ring Alarm now allows Alexa voice commands for locking and unlocking and arming and disarming smart locks. New smart locks from Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale connect to the Ring Alarm Base Station.
Smart home
Alexa smart home capabilities seem to be limitless. If there’s an electric or electronic device involved, we can pretty much expect a related Alexa Skill to be available now or on its way. The following device makers added new devices to the Alexa-compatible and Alexa-enabled universes.
Arris
Gigabit Wi-Fi performance requires robust network hardware. Arris introduced the tri-band SURFboard mAX Pro Mesh Wi-Fi System. The Alexa-compatible ARRIS Wi-Fi 6 system will be available in the first half of 2019.
Currant
Alexa can control Currant’s new Smart Wall Outlet, available in residential and commercial versions, which uses A.I. to analyze power consumption.
Daikin
The new Daikin One smart thermostat joined the Alexa roster.
D-Link
Partnering with McAfee, D-Link introduced Exo routers with Alexa voice control support.
Dux
Dux and Stellé announced they would introduce Alexa-compatible beds.
GE Lighting
GE Lighting’s expanded C by GE smart lighting models all work with Alexa
Gourmia
Gourmia’s new smart small kitchen appliances let Alexa tell them what to do.
First Alert
Alexa can now control First Alert’s OneLink alarm and alert products.
Kohler
Select products from the Kohler Konnect platform of consumer-personalized products are Alexa compatible.
Legrand
Legrand’s new connected switch has Alexa integrated into the device.
Leviton Decora Voice Dimmer Switch
Leviton’s new Decora Voice Dimmer Wi-Fi lighting control device with Alexa built in adds 3-way light capability, dimming, and scheduling to smart home lighting.
Lutron
Lutron’s smart lighting system now includes a ceiling fan ready for Alexa voice commands.
LG
LG’s appliance ThinQ smart system will soon be able to order supplies like dish and laundry detergents via Amazon Dash Replenishment.
Moen
Moen wants you to let Alexa take charge with its new U by Moen shower.
Resideo Technologies- Honeywell Home
The new Honeywell Home T-Series Smart Thermostats will all work with Alexa Skills.
Sengled
Sengled has expanded its lineup of Alexa-compatible smart light bulbs
TP-Link – Kasa Smart
Kasa Smart’s Alexa-compatible platform now includes new indoor and outdoor security cameras, a video doorbell, and more.
Trifo Ironpie
During the first half of 2019, Trifo will launch the Ironpie smart robot vacuum with Alexa voice command compatibility, plus a camera mounted on the top that can livestream video in a surveillance role.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool is staking a claim in the smart appliance world with Alexa compatibility in select new smart products. Whirlpool’s new Smart Countertop Oven and Smart Front Load Laundry Pair will work with Alexa, and the Whirlpool app will integrate with Amazon’s Dash Replenishment program. Note that Whirlpool incubator WLabs created only 2,000 of the Smart Countertop Ovens, which are available now for pre-order.
Whirlpool also announced that in 2019 it would introduce simplified Alexa commands so users will no longer be required to specify brands or appliance names, but can just say, “Alexa, set the oven timer to five minutes.”
Home security
In addition to lock and alarm products mentioned in other categories, two new smart lock companies join team Alexa.
Altro
The new Altro Smart Lock’s deadbolt is Alexa command-compatible.
Schlage
Schlage’s Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt works with Key by Amazon, but even if you live in an area not yet serviced by Amazon’s secure package delivery service, the Schlage Encode lock is Alexa-compatible.
Smart displays/speakers/headphones
The following new devices allow Alexa to control what you see and what you hear.
Asus
The Asus Lyra Voice all-in-one home network includes an AiMesh 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) Wi-Fi router, Bluetooth Speakers, and Amazon Alexa built in.
Archos
The new 5-inch and 7-inch Archos Mate displays include Alexa inside.
Klipsch
Alexa can control the new Klipsch Bar 48W soundbar.
Jabra
Jabra launched the Elite 85h headphones with Alexa built-in.
JBL
JBL’s Live Series headphones will all be optimized for Alexa.
Home Entertainment
Home electronics companies love to entertain you, and some of the biggest names in the business are building in Alexa so you can talk to the devices directly.
Hisense
The new Hisense H8F series ULED TVs, scheduled to launch in May 2019, will be Alexa-compatible. Hisense will include Alexa compatibility in every 4K smart TV launched this year and intends to “position the television as the epicenter of the smart home able to control everything from compatible lights to thermostats, appliances, smart locks and more.”
LG
LG’s 2019 TV lineup includes Alexa built-in.
Optoma
The Optoma P1 Smart 4K UHD Laser Cinema also includes integrated Alexa.
Roland Corporation
Sit down to play the Roland Go: Piano and you’ll discover it works with Alexa.
Samsung
Samsung’s newest televisions will all work with Alexa.
Vizio
Vizio is going the extra mile. In addition to building Alexa support in Vizio SmartCast 3.0, users can also use Alexa devices to control their Vizio TVs and, later in 2019, launch apps.
Automotive
Alexa Auto will hit the road this year on dashboards and in infotainment and navigation systems.
Abalta Technologies
Abalta’s WebLink connected car platform will let drivers talk to Alexa on its in-vehicle infotainment systems.
Automotive Grade Linux
Alexa will soon be included in Automotive Grade Linux speech-recognition APIs.
Boss Audio Systems
The new Boss LXA5 12V aftermarket Double Din head unit for cars and trucks has a 6.2-inch capacitive touchscreen and Alexa built in. The LXA5 is a multitasking smart media platform, according to Boss. Users can interact with Alexa for cloud and local entertainment and use Boss’ own GUI with Bluetooth to make calls and more with smartphones.
Here Technologies
With support for Alexa in Here’s navigation and location services, Alexa will also be pre-integrated with Here Navigation On-Demand.
iOttie
The new iOttie Easy One Touch Connect smartphone car mount will have Amazon Alexa built-in.
Luxoft
Luxoft joined the Alexa movement with its announcement that the smart assistant will be integrated into vehicle dashboards and infotainment and navigation systems.
Qualcomm
Chipmaker Qualcomm demonstrated Amazon Alexa with in-vehicle experiences in next-generation vehicles.
Telenav
Telenav’s in-car navigation system uses the Alexa Auto SDK to allow conversational voice control.
Other
This catch-all category demonstrates how Alexa compatibility can help in new categories.
Cybic
Cybic’s new Legend smart bike uses Amazon Alexa for traffic information and lighting control.
Petcube
There’s no reason to ignore your pets when considering ways to use Alexa. Petcube announced two smart pet cameras with Alexa built in, plus an Alexa-compatible treat-flinging mechanism and laser toys.
Source: “Amazon Products” – Google News