Amazon finally did the damn hardware right
Amazon's newest Echo speakers look gorgeous. Thin bezels, bright, responsive touchscreens, 3D knit fabric-wrapped speakers with controls front and center, and most importantly, powerful hardware to help make the smart home sing. It's almost everything I've ever asked for from my smart speakers and displays.
A lack of premium hardware - or any clear strategy around smart home devices - has long been an issue for Amazon. While practically giving Echo devices away has resulted in an impressive penetration for its Alexa voice assistant, they're not devices people treasure. They don't get much respect. These new Echo speakers look set to flip th …