Amazon Echo Connect adds Alexa smarts to your landline

In addition to the three Echo speakers announced by Amazon today, the company introduced a different kind of Echo product.

The Amazon Echo Connect will let you use an Echo speaker to make hands-free voice calls with a landline. The device has two plugs, one for your landline and one for power, and once those are plugged in you use Amazon’s Alexa app to set it up with your landline or VoIP home phone number.

Once everything is set up, you can use your Echo speaker to make hands-free calls using your home phone. The device syncs with your contacts, so you can say something like “Alexa, call Mom’s mobile” or “Alexa, dial 206-555-0126,” and the people that you call will see your home phone number just as if you were using your home phone.

The Echo Connect is compatible with the Echo (1st Gen.), Echo (2nd Gen.), Echo Dot (1st Gen.), Echo Dot (2nd Gen.), Echo Show, Echo Spot, and Echo Plus.

Amazon is now taking pre-orders for the Echo Connect. Pricing is set at $34.99, and the device will launch on December 13.

With the spread of smartphones, a lot of people have completely ditched the home phone. Some people like to keep a landline, though, like if they’ve got poor cell service at home or if they would just rather use a home phone rather than using up their smartphone’s battery while at home. For those people, this Echo Connect looks like an interesting way to add a bit of technology to their home phone.

source: androidandme