Amazon announced on Wednesday (Sept. 14) that Alexa, Echo and the all-new Echo Dot are now available in the U.K. and Germany.
In a press release, Amazon said the devices, which are voice-controlled speakers designed entirely around a human’s voice, will start shipping in the U.K. in the coming weeks. In Germany, the Echo and Echo Dot are available by invitation for customers who want to play a role in shaping Alexa as she evolves. The devices will start shipping in October.
“Millions of customers love Alexa, and we’re thrilled to introduce her to the U.K. and Germany,” said Dave Limp, SVP of Amazon devices and services, said in the press release. “We’re also excited to expand the Alexa Skills Kit and the Alexa Voice Service, so developers and hardware makers around the world can create Alexa experiences for U.K. and German customers.”
According to a report, the Amazon Echo in the U.K. will sell for £149.99. For a couple of days, Prime members in the U.K. can pick up an Echo for £50 less, according to a report. The Echo Dot is priced at £49.99.
In recent weeks, speculation has been swirling as to when the Echo would make it to the U.K. and Germany, with many betting it would happen on Wednesday. The media correctly guessed today would be the day after Amazon, earlier in the month, sent out invites to the media, alerting them to an event taking place in London on Sept. 14. While Amazon wouldn’t say what it was for, the immediate speculation was that it would launch Echo in the U.K., something many people have been anxiously awaiting. According to reports, it makes sense – since Echo first launched in the U.S. in the beginning of last year, so it’s about time for the Echo to come to the U.K.