Amazon is gearing up to launch a new lineup of Alexa-enabled devices this fall, according to CEO Andy Jassy. In an interview with Bloomberg, Jassy teased the upcoming hardware, describing it as "brand new" and "beautiful." Although he didn't provide further details, the announcement comes on the heels of the company's recent unveiling of Alexa Plus, a more conversational version of the smart assistant.

Alexa Plus, which was revealed on Wednesday, is capable of performing a wider range of tasks, such as ordering an Uber or finding concert tickets. The upgraded assistant will be available on almost every Alexa device, except for older Echo generations, and will come with a $19.99 monthly subscription or be included with a Prime membership.

The focus on displays is expected to play a significant role in Amazon's new hardware lineup. Panos Panay, Amazon's head of devices and services, has emphasized the importance of screens, stating, "I believe in screens. I think they matter in a massive way." This outlook has already influenced the company's product lineup, as seen in the launch of a new Echo Show with a larger 21-inch display after Panay joined in 2023.

The upcoming devices are likely to build upon this trend, potentially featuring larger or higher-resolution displays to enhance the user experience. With Alexa Plus, Amazon is positioning itself to compete more effectively in the smart home market, where rivals like Google and Apple are also investing heavily in AI-powered assistants and devices.

The launch of new Alexa hardware this fall is expected to have significant implications for the smart home industry. As Amazon continues to expand its ecosystem of devices and services, it may put pressure on competitors to innovate and keep pace. Furthermore, the integration of Alexa Plus with the new devices could lead to more seamless and intuitive user experiences, potentially driving adoption and further growth in the smart home market.

In conclusion, Amazon's announcement of new Alexa hardware and the AI-upgraded Alexa Plus marks a significant development in the company's efforts to dominate the smart home space. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Amazon's competitors respond to these moves and how the landscape of smart home technology continues to shift.