Amazon is out for the home, and eventually, the world

We finally reached the point that our homes are becoming smarter than us...hyperbole aside, this is the future that Amazon is aiming for. If you did not get a chance to see, this week Amazon released roughly 2000 new products in an hour (exaggeration again). In addition to refreshes on the Echos (including a new design for the Dot), Amazon (under AmazonBasics) released a slew of new devices that can talk and listen to Alexa; these devices included items such as clocks and microwaves.

Now, are these actual “smart appliances”? Of course not. However, they can listen and do exactly as Alexa instructs them. For example, with the new clock, you can set a timer on the Dot, Show, et cetera (“Hey Alexa, set a timer…”), and the timer will show up on the clock. If you want to cook popcorn, just pop in the microwave and tell Alexa “cook the popcorn”. Simple right?

There was time when Amazon’s goal was to make Alexa your go to assistant for inquiries, timers, everything. While that is still the underlying goal it would seem, Amazon has now reached a point where Alexa won’t only be your handy helper, but your household manager (think Jarvis). The future of Alexa run homes is within sight.

Will these appliances work as dumb appliances (without automation)? Of course they will...to an extent. You can have that clock on the wall tell you time all day long, but wouldn’t it be great to have a timer on there as well? You can do that...if Alexa sets the timer. It is not hard to spot Amazon’s plan. Yes, you can use the items simply, but to get the most out of them, you need Alexa and for that, you almost need an Echo. At that point, you are so locked in that you have an Alexa-run home. Not only is the marketing plan brilliant, but the low pricing of AmazonBasics makes this a slam dunk plan. Bravo Bezos!

Amazon’s plan has officially come to light: they no longer just want Alexa in every home, but they also want Alexa to be ingrained in every home. Coupled with AmazonGo stores, Bezos and company will run the world (a little more hyperbole needed)!