After making an early entry into voice-assisted computing, US retailer Amazon is all set to launch its smart and wireless speaker Echo in India.
The product will be launched along with Alexa, the artificial intelligence powered virtual assistant in India this Diwali, reported Factor Daily.
According to company’s source, they were planning to launch the product in December but now they have decided to launch it sooner. Since Diwali festival season coming in October, Echo might be launched during this period.
Amazon has already tested two variants, Echo and Echo Dot, with its existing employees, added source. The wait for other variants of Echo like, for instance, the touch screen version, will be longer. However, When Entrackr contacted Amazon India they said they cannot reveal the exact date.
In US, Echo is priced at $179 and the Echo Dot $50. Looking at Indian market, the devices are likely to be priced around Rs 11,000-12000 and Rs 5000-6000 respectively.
Besides English, Amazon’s language scientists are working on Hindi and Tamil support as well. “Echo may not support most Indian languages at launch but those will be rolled out as updates,” said the source.
Entrackr had earlier reported about Echo and launch of its Chinese competitor, who too is looking towards a large pool of Indian consumer market.
The utility of Echo is many, it can help you book cabs, talk you through kitchen works and control the lighting in the house. Amazon plans to localise the product helping it identify popular laungauges in the country.
Amazon, has committed $5 billion to invest in India, has been lately focusing on launching its global services in the country. In 2013, the Kindle and its variants were introduced in India. In April this year, video streaming device Amazon Fire Stick was launched here.
Recently, Alibaba entered the growing field of voice-controlled speakers for the home with the launch of Tmall Genie X1, taking on early leaders Amazon and Google.
