Tech

The first photo of Amazon's Echo with a touchscreen may have just leaked

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On Friday, the first supposed image of Amazon's rumored Echo device with a touchscreen leaked via AFTVNews, which has been reliable in the past.

The device shown in the pixelated image looks somewhat clunky, and you could argue its design appears dated. Its sharp edges, corners, and overall look bears little resemblance to Amazon's sleek Echo devices with their rounded designs.

Here's a clearer picture posted on Twitter by gadgets leaker, Evan Blass:

Still, the picture supports a Bloomberg report from November that claimed the device will have a touchscreen that "tilts upwards." And as we still don't know exactly what the rumored device will be able to do, its capabilities could help critics overlook its seemingly dated design.

The new Echo device will reportedly feature a 7-inch touchscreen and better speakers than the current Echo. The leaked photo seems to suggest there could be a front-facing camera for video calls, which would make sense. We'd also expect it to come with Amazon's Alexa digital assistant inside.

An earlier report from The Wall Street Journal claimed the touchscreen would add a visual element to Alexa's services, which could be useful for displaying information, like calendar agendas, in a more digestible way.

Bloomberg claimed in its report that the device would cost more than the top-end Amazon Echo. AFTVNews reports it'll cost between $200 and $300, and that it'll be released some time in May. Of course, unless it comes directly from Amazon, any detail regarding new Amazon products should be considered unconfirmed.

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Antonio Villas-Boas was a consumer tech expert with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, and phone carriers.ExperienceAntonio joined the Business Insider team in 2015 as a tech reporter on the news desk and moved to the service journalism team in 2020. During his time as Business Insider’s senior tech reporter, Antonio developed industry-leading battery-life tests for smartphones and tablets, and covered and reviewed hundreds (if not thousands) of products from major brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, and OnePlus since as far back as Samsung’s Galaxy S6, the original Apple Watch, and the very first Google Pixel. This decade-plus of experience has given him tremendous insights into what consumer tech truly stands the test of time and what will be irrelevant in just a few years' time (RIP The Pebble).Antonio is also an experienced deal hunter, surfacing the best discounts on phones, laptops, and smartwatches for readers during sale events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Previously, Antonio was a consumer-electronics analyst at PCMag and ran his own blog. Why you can trust AntonioAntonio approaches all his reviews not only as a tech expert but as a consumer himself. He reads every word of fine print in the phone carrier plans he reviews, and is deeply skeptical of deals that promise you the latest iPhone model for free. (Spoiler: it might be “free,” but you could be stuck with it for three years.)He largely recommends less expensive and small-scale fixes to upgrade your existing tech before considering buying the latest and flashiest in new tech. Antonio believes his role as the go-to “tech guy” for his family and friends extends to his readers as well; he only recommends products that have stood up to the testing process.Scripps News, NewsNation, Fox 5 DC, NBC LX, and Rich DeMuro’s “Rich On Tech” radio show have requested his commentary and expertise. ExpertiseHis expertise includes:
  • Phones, including the iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models
  • Phone accessories, including charging cables, phone cases, and protection plans
  • Smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch
  • Mobile carrier plans, including major carriers and MVNOs
  • Tablets, including iPads and Galaxy Tabs
  • Laptops and computers, including MacBooks and Windows models
  • Computer accessories, including mice, keyboards, and monitors
EducationAntonio graduated from Colgate University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in history.Outside of workBesides testing tech products, Antonio is also a full time dad to two young kids. His ideal day would be spent on a lake in the Adirondacks.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.Learn more about how we test tech and electronics.