Amazon launched the Echo Input Portable, a new smart speaker that offers hands-free access to Alexa, in India earlier today. The Input Portable is designed similar to the current Echo lineup that is currently on sale in the country. The Portable delivers a 360-degree audio experience along with a wider radius for voice recognition.
The smart speaker features four microphones that enable voice commands from across the room. However, the key difference between the Eco Input Portable and every other product in the Echo lineup is the battery that Amazon claims offer up to 10 hours of uninterrupted music playback when fully charged.
Amazon Echo Input Portable Features
The Amazon Echo Input Portable features a massive 4,800 mAh battery and operates similarly to the other speakers in the lineup. Users can listen to the latest news and weather reports, play music, or set an alarm simply with the use of voice commands. The device features a speaker driver along with four microphones to offer a smart speaker experience.
Using the Amazon Echo Input Portable, users can control smart home devices such as plugs and lights using voice commands. The feature also works with popular music streaming applications such as Amazon Prime Music, Jio Saavn, Hungama Music, Gaana and Apple Music. Users can also use the Echo portable to access audiobooks from Amazon Kindle and Audible. Using Bluetooth connectivity, users can connect to portable speakers. However, Amazon is yet to enable pairing between multiple Input Portable devices. The feature exists in the Echo and the Echo Plus.
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The Echo Input Portable is designed using the same hardware structure found on the Echo Input. Amazon introduced the Echo Input globally back in September 2018 and brought it to India in January 2019. The Input Portable features a physical volume controller, a power button along with a mute button. The device also features four LED indicators but misses out on the iconic LED ring present on current Echo devices.
While the Echo Input Portable features a micro USB port for charging, it misses out on AUX connectivity. Users need to rely solely on Bluetooth while pairing with a home theater system or smartphone. Parag Gupta, the Head of Amazon Devices in India, in an interview with Gadgets 360 revealed, while the Input Portable is based on the Echo Input, the Portable features a few major changes based on feedback from Indian customers. The Amazon India team that designed the Portable, used customer insights to fine-tune the product for the local market.
Amazon Echo Input Portable Price and Availability
Amazon introduced the Echo Input Portable at a discounted price of Rs. 4,999 (~$70) in India. The device is originally priced at Rs. 5,999 (~$84). The Input Portable is available for pre-order on Amazon India, while shipping starts from Dec. 18. Customers that wish to purchase the Portable offline can do so at Amazon Experience kiosks set up in shopping malls across the country. The device is available in black fabric design and is an India exclusive. The device will reach global markets eventually, although, Mr. Gupta did not reveal a tentative launch date.
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