Amazon's Big Event: Should You Wait to Buy?

Amazon has sent out invitations to media outlets for a big event happening in New York City on Feb. 26. This event is likely to unveil new devices, so it's a good idea to hold off on buying any Amazon gadgets until after this date. Amazon hasn't shared what's on the agenda, but there are some hints. The invites themselves are a clue, as they spell out "alexa" when put together. Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa, is expected to be the main attraction. There's a good chance that Amazon will finally release the AI-powered version of Alexa that it teased last year. This new Alexa is supposed to understand conversations better, read body language, and give more personalized answers. However, there are concerns about how well it will work, especially since the team has had trouble with simple tasks like setting timers or closing blinds. If there are any issues, it might be a good reason to wait a bit longer before buying any Amazon devices.

There's a strong possibility that new hardware will also be unveiled. Amazon's hardware chief, Panos Panay, will be at the event, so new gadgets are likely. New Echo smart speakers could be in the works, designed to work better with the AI-powered Alexa. These could include special chips or cameras to help with body language reading. Amazon's Fire TVs and other smart displays might also get upgrades to work better with Alexa. Amazon's Kindle devices might not be getting any updates. If you're a fan of Kindle, you might not see anything new at this event.

Actions