Amazon is reportedly planning a software update for Echo devices, enabling them to be used as a multiroom audio network.
According to German tech site Cashy’s Blog (via CNET), Echo users may soon be able to group several speakers together for seamless musical playback.
If true, an Alexa command to play music could be appended to ensure it can be heard from all Echo devices in range.
Given Amazon wants users to have multiple Echo devices in the home, this would appear to make perfect sense.
Related: Amazon Echo vs Apple HomePod
Amazon is also selling the smaller Echo Dot speakers at a perennial discount, meaning acquiring several is relatively inexpensive.
Amazon’s biggest rival, Google Home, can already be paired with Chromecast Audio devices. Perhaps anchored by HomePod, Apple’s AirPlay 2 also includes Wi-Fi-based multiroom audio.
Sonos-killer?
If Amazon is intent on pushing out this update, it could give market leader Sonos food for thought.
The quality of Sonos speakers far outweighs anything offered by the Echo range (especially the Dot). However, recent speculation has suggested Amazon will release an Echo 2 with much improved sound.
According to sources speaking to Engadget, the next smart speaker will add in ‘several’ tweeters, rather than the single tweeter and woofer combo featured in the current model.
Amazon has not responded to requests for comment.
Would you be happy with multiple Amazon Echo devices providing whole home audio? Or do you demand higher quality sound than the range can currently supply? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
