Amazon has unveiled a new lineup of Echo speakers and smart displays, marking its first major hardware refresh since Panos Panay, former Microsoft Surface chief, took charge of Amazon’s hardware division. The new devices include the Echo Dot Max, an updated Echo Studio, and two new smart displays—the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11. These releases come alongside a wave of new Ring doorbells, Blink security cameras, Fire TVs, and the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. At the heart of the new Echo devices is Amazon’s custom silicon: the AZ3 and AZ3 Pro chips. The AZ3 powers the Echo Dot Max, while the more advanced AZ3 Pro is used in the Echo Studio and the two new Echo Show models. Amazon says these chips are designed to run future AI edge models, improving Alexa’s ability to detect and respond to conversations more naturally and efficiently. The new hardware is built to support Alexa+, Amazon’s enhanced home assistant powered by a large language model similar to those behind ChatGPT. While Alexa+ will be standard on all new devices, Amazon hasn’t confirmed whether access will remain free or transition to a paid subscription in the future. Sound quality has been a focus in the updates. The Echo Dot Max features two drivers and delivers three times the bass of the fifth-generation Echo Dot. The Echo Studio, meanwhile, boasts three drivers, a custom woofer, spatial audio, and Dolby Atmos support. Despite the upgraded audio, the new Echo Studio is 40% smaller than its predecessor. Amazon also introduced “Alexa Home Theater,” a feature that allows users to connect up to five Echo speakers to create a full surround sound experience for movies and music. The Echo Dot Max is priced at $100 and will be available for preorder now, with shipping beginning October 29. The Echo Studio, at $220, is also available for preorder now, with the same release date. For users looking for a smart display, the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 offer upgraded hardware and new features. Both include the AZ3 Pro chip for improved on-device AI performance and a new 13-megapixel camera with “autoframing” technology that automatically adjusts the view during video calls. The Echo Show 8 is priced at $180, and the Echo Show 11 at $220. Preorders for the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 begin today, with both models shipping on November 12.