Amazon launches Echo, Echo Plus and Echo Dot in India

Amazon is launching its Echo, Echo Plus and Echo Dot - Alexa powered smart speakers to India and Japan, the company said on Wednesday. Amazon Echo (shortened and referred to as Echo) is a brand of smart speakers developed by Amazon.com. The Echo devices connect to the voice-controlled intelligent personal assistant service Alexa, which responds to the name "Alexa".

These speakers will become available in India as an invite-only service from October 4. The devices will start shipping in India later this month, and Alexa and Echo will be available in Japan later this year.

The Echo in India is priced at Rs. 9,999 (around $150), while the Echo Plus will cost you Rs. 14,999 (around $230). Lastly, the Echo Dot will be selling for Rs. 4,499 (just under $70). Amazon states that over 10,000 skills will be available for customers in India, including skills from TOI, NDTV, Saavn, ESPNcricinfo, Ola, Zomato, Goibibo Freshmenu, and more.

Currently, interaction and communication with Alexa is only available in English and German. It's unclear whether Alexa will understand Hindi and Japanese, or whether users will need to speak in English.

The Echo invitations could be requested at the Amazon India site.