The hottest Amazon Alexa smart home tech of 2021: Ring doorbell, Fire TV and more
If you're a fan of one-stop holiday shopping, you've probably done your fair share of gift grabbing on Amazon. We've compiled a list of some of the best Amazon gifts to give this year. Toss a Ring video doorbell in your shopping cart for your parents, Echo Frames for your siblings, an Echo Dot Kids for the little ones and an Amazon Fire TV for yourself.
The super-fast, free shipping you get with your Amazon Prime membership also makes holiday shopping a breeze. Most Amazon orders are delivered in two days or less (given the items are in stock), with one-day and same-day delivery available in some areas.
With this gift guide, you and your family can take Alexa with you anywhere — from the kitchen to the car to the office and even on a run. This list will also come in handy if you receive an Amazon gift card in your stocking. Save these Amazon Alexa gadgets to your wish list and pick them up on December 26.
Alexa, let's get this party started.
Ring Video Doorbell Wired
The 2021 Ring Video Doorbell Wired features two-way talk, motion detection, night vision and optional 60-day video cloud storage. These video doorbells connect to your phone and Amazon devices, like the Echo Show 8 and the Fire TV Omni Series, so you can always keep a close eye on the goings on at your door.
There's also a battery-powered version available for $100.
Ring video doorbell (wired), $60
Ring video doorbell (battery-powered), $100
Fire TV Cube
The Fire TV Cube is Amazon's top-shelf streaming device. The Cube has a super-fast Hexa-core processor, an Ethernet port and hands-free control of compatible TVs and cable receivers.
If you're looking for something smaller that doesn't take up space on your TV stand, but doesn't compromise on picture quality, either, Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max may be a good choice.
Fire HD10 Tablet productivity bundle with Alexa
Alexa can make you more efficient at work with the new Fire HD10 tablet productivity bundle. This 1080p Full HD tablet — available in 32 or 64 gigabytes of storage — comes with an all-new Bluetooth keyboard and detachable case. On the software side of things, the tablet comes with an onboard Alexa assistant and a free 12-month subscription to Microsoft 365 for up to five compatible devices. This bundle is available only for shoppers in the United States.
For a limited time, while promotions last, you can get the 32GB bundle for $220 and the 64GB bundle for $260 — $50 off the list price.
Fire HD10 tablet with productivity bundle, $220 and up
Echo Show 8 (2021 edition)
The second-generation Echo Show 8 is the latest incarnation of the popular, multi-functioning gadget. Outfitted with a large, 8-inch HD touchscreen, it makes video calls, provides entertainment (via Netfilx, YouTube and more), streams music and even provides another screen to check in on your Ring video doorbell cams.
Echo Show 8 (2021 edition), $130
Echo Dot Kids (fourth generation)
The adorable Echo Dot Kids, available in panda and tiger designs, offers kid-friendly features: Young ones can ask Alexa questions, play music and educational games, set alarms, hear bedtime stories and more, all under the guidance of parental controls.
Each purchase comes with a year's subscription to Amazon Kids+, offering access to interactive games, family-friendly Audible books and educational programming. While promotions last, you can get the Echo Dot Kids for $40 — that's $20 off the list price.
The Echo Dot for grownups is currently priced at $35.
Echo Dot (fourth generation), $35
Echo Auto
Your house may already be outfitted with Alexa, but is your car? Echo Auto connects to the Alexa app on your phone and plays through car speakers via Bluetooth or auxiliary input. Use it for hands-free music streaming, navigation or to hear the weather forecast. It's easy to install too: It securely mounts on dashboard air vents, with no extra equipment needed.
Echo Frames
Can't get enough Alexa, but your family already has an Echo in every room? Look no further than the Echo Frames. That's right, you can wear Alexa on your face while protecting your eyes from the sun. The Echo Frames sunglasses are available with black or blue polarized lenses. Amazon also offers prescription-ready frames in four colors.
Amazon Astro robot
Meet Astro — Alexa, but on wheels.
Amazon's new robot would certainly be an impressive gift to give — if you can get an invitation, that is. The first run of this rolling home helper is available by invitation only. But what does Astro do? The robot can alert you if it detects certain sounds or an unrecognized person in your home. And because this little guy can wheel around your home, it also allows you to check on different rooms, from anywhere, with just one device. Full disclosure: Astro can't climb stairs.
Soon, Astro robots will come with a subscription to a new program called Alexa Together, which allows you to care for aging relatives while allowing them to live independently. With Alexa Together, you will soon be able to set up reminders, manage shopping lists, receive activity alerts and more.
Fire TV Omni Series
Amazon's new Amazon Fire TV line features a ton of connectivity between the televisions and the rest of Amazon's device universe. For example, the Omni Series model gives you the ability to picture-in-picture your favorite shows and the live video from your Ring camera.
Additionally, with this model, you won't have to talk into your remote: The Omni comes equipped with a far-field microphone for hands-free requests ala "Alexa, play TikTok."
For the privacy hawks out there, the Omni also has a manual switch under the screen that allows you to turn off the microphone.
Amazon Fire TV Omni Series, starting at $410
Related content from CBS Essentials:
- Surprise! Amazon is having an 'epic' pre-Black Friday sale right now
- Amazon is making Amazon Fire TVs now, and you can order yours today
- These are the hottest toys of the 2021 holiday season, according to Amazon
- Pre-Black Friday deals you can shop right now at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Nordstrom and more
- Holiday shopping in October: Why supply chain experts say you need to shop now, not later
