Amazon Echo Studio and Echo Dot Max hands-on: More bass, round shapes

Amazon has unveiled two new Echo speakers: the Echo Dot Max and the next-generation Echo Studio. The Echo Dot Max is a higher-end version of the Echo Dot, with nearly three times the bass response and a redesigned interior with a woofer and a custom tweeter. The Echo Studio has also been redesigned with a spherical shape, 40% smaller than the previous model, and features three full-range drivers and a woofer, along with support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio. Both speakers are available for pre-order starting today, with shipping to begin on October 29. The Echo Dot Max costs $100, while the Echo Studio is priced at $220. The new Alexa Home Theater mode allows up to five Echo Studios or Echo Dot Maxes to be set up as a surround sound system for a TV. The author's initial impressions suggest that both speakers offer improved sound quality compared to their predecessors, with the Echo Studio providing a wider soundstage and more impactful bass.