## Amazon Supersizes Smart Displays with New Echo Show 21
Amazon has broadened its smart display lineup with the introduction of two new Echo Show devices, boasting impressive screen real estate. Leading the charge is the Echo Show 21, a substantial upgrade in size, alongside a refreshed Echo Show 15. These devices aim to solidify Amazon’s position in the increasingly competitive smart home hub market.
### Echo Show 21: A Giant Leap for Smart Displays
The Echo Show 21 dwarfs its predecessor, the Echo Show 15, offering nearly double the screen area according to Amazon. This expansive display unlocks a wealth of possibilities for users. From video conferencing and entertainment streaming to smart home management and digital photo displays, the Echo Show 21 aims to be the central hub of the connected home. Features include video calls, news updates, family calendar synchronization, and seamless control of compatible smart home devices.
### Connectivity and Control: The Power of Alexa
Leveraging the power of Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, the Echo Show 21 provides intuitive voice control for connected devices. Compatibility with Matter, along with direct connectivity to Wi-Fi, Thread, and Zigbee protocols, ensures broad interoperability with a wide range of smart home products.
### A Looming Challenger: Apple Enters the Smart Display Arena
Amazon’s dominance in the smart display market is about to face a significant challenge. Apple is poised to launch its own smart home command center in the coming year. While smaller than the Echo Show 21, with a planned six-inch square display, Apple’s offering is expected to integrate tightly with its ecosystem, featuring FaceTime, HomeKit, Matter support, and a suite of Apple apps like Calendar, Photos, and Apple Music. Siri voice control, personalized widgets, and integrated sensors for proximity detection are also anticipated features. Apple envisions this device as a versatile hub, offering both desktop and wall-mounting options, with the potential for multi-unit intercom functionality.
### Pricing and Availability
While Apple’s pricing strategy remains undisclosed, Amazon’s Echo Show lineup offers a range of price points. The Echo Show 15 is currently available for $300, while the Echo Show 21 retails for $400. More compact Echo Show models are available starting at $90, providing accessible entry points into the smart display ecosystem. The competitive landscape is heating up, promising exciting advancements for consumers seeking to enhance their connected homes.
