Amazon has introduced a small robot that is supposed to offer Alexa in a mobile version. What can the presented Amazon Astro?
Robots are gradually making their way into the everyday lives of gamers. For example, Sony had presented a patent for a robot so that you won’t have to play alone on your PS5 in the future.
Now Amazon has introduced the Astro, a robot with the functions of Alexa. And the robot looks really cute and could convince many users right away.
However, you should not trust it more than necessary, as behind its cute face lies a watchdog.
The robot looks totally cute but is a nasty watchdog without teeth
The first impression is quite adorable, as its appearance is very friendly. Its winking face and funny beeping sounds make it a sympathetic everyday companion.
What can the robot actually do? The Astro offers you all the functions you might know from the Amazon Echo tablet. You can:
- set reminders,
- play music
- or make calls
If you already own a device with Alexa, the functionality of Astro shouldn’t surprise you much. Except that Alexa can now roll around your home.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Echo Show 8 (2. Generation, 2021) | HD-Smart Display mit Alexa und 13-MP-Kamera | Anthrazit* | Zu Amazon |
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Additionally, it functions as a kind of guard robot. It watches the house when you are not there and reports activities. It can also connect with your security cameras.
With the new subscription “Alexa Together”, it should also be possible to support family members in need of care from a distance. “Alexa Together” works like the previous Care Hub and is expected to cost $19.99 per month.
Astro observes all your actions
The robot uses a visual ID that allows it to distinguish all members of your household and responds, according to Amazon, to unauthorized actions.
That’s why you shouldn’t trust the robot: If Alexa felt untrustworthy to you before, then a robot with Alexa that constantly follows you might be even less convincing.
Imagine you just want to grab a beer from the fridge and you get ambushed by the robot because you violated the drinking ban or because you wanted to get your favorite snack for gaming.
Additionally, it is likely that all data is synchronized with Amazon servers, and we do not yet know which data will ultimately be transmitted. Even if the robot looks so cute, you should consider how much privacy you really want to share with the device. Otherwise, Amazon’s privacy policy in Europe still applies, which you can access directly at Amazon (via amazon.de)
Moreover, Astro can continuously track you everywhere and flood you with calls, messages, or reminders – even when you might want some peace and want to leave your electronic “companion” outside the door.
Just recently, a rampaging janitor robot, shredder or chopper in Destiny 2 was causing havoc and unsettling many users who just wanted to play.
The robot is only available in the USA at the beginning
How much does Amazon Astro cost? The price starts at $999. After a “launch phase,” the price is expected to rise to $1,450.
Anyone who wants to get the robot must be strong, as the robot is currently only available in the USA. Amazon states on the official product page: “Please note that this product can only be shipped to addresses in the 50 US states.”
When the robot will come to Germany is still unknown. However, all Alexa devices have previously arrived in Europe with a slight delay.
