Amazon Echo gets price cut prior to unveiling of next-gen model

Amid rumors that the second-generation Amazon Echo (code named Knight) will include a screen, the original generation smart speaker is getting a $30 hair cut to $149.99 starting today. The 17% sale runs through next Saturday, May 13th, which is the day before Mother's Day. So if you're looking for a nice gift for your Mom, why not take advantage of this deal? If your Mother isn't tech savvy, you can probably set it up for her in less than five minutes. 

The smart speaker category is gaining new manufacturers. Besides Amazon and Google Home, later this year we will see the Harman Karmon Invoke. This model will combine a premium Harman Kardon speaker, with Microsoft's personal assistant Cortana. And there is speculation that Apple will be joining the club by introducing its own Echo challenger, which will probably include a Beats speaker and Siri. Based on comments made by Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller, Apple's version of the product will also feature a screen. We could also see a camera built into Apple's device.

While the $30 price cut on the Amazon Echo seems timed for Mother's Day, it also could help Amazon reduce inventories at the retail level prior to the introduction of its second-gen model. Regardless of Amazon's motivation, if you want to get in good with your Mom and make your siblings look bad, click on the sourcelink.

source: Amazon via CNET