Amazon has launched its latest Echo home device, putting a camera and microphone in your bedroom.

The camera on the US$129 Echo Spot, which doubles as a smart alarm, is meant to face the user’s bed. The device has such sophisticated* microphones that it can hear people talking from across the room, even if background music is playing. As usual, it is powered by virtual assistant Alexa.

The device is smaller than most other smart hubs and is the first to include a circular screen as the company battles to take control of the home smart speaker market.

Amazon launched its first screen-carrying home assistant Echo at the end of last year, with the device able to display video news briefings as well as make video calls and show song lyrics.

The Echo Spot has similar functionality and has a series of clock face options available, hinting at the device’s premier function, as an Alexa powered alarm clock for your bedside table or elsewhere in the home.

The Spot can also be used to make video calls and as an intercom* system with other Echo devices in the home. It has second-generation far-field technology with four microphones and enhanced noise cancellation. This means it can hear users from across the room, even in loud environment.(SD-Agencies)