At its annual hardware event in September 2019, Amazon announced a new initiative, in which it'd preview new beta products and allow some people to test them on an invitation-only basis, before fully launching the devices for everyone to buy and use.
Called Day One Editions, Amazon described this initiative as a "new way for us to get new products out in limited volume, to customers, and to get real feedback - and if customers love them, we'll double down and build a lot more".
Amazon's Day One Editions program has been running for a while now, but since it's an experimental area for Amazon it can get quite confusing. So, here's everything you need to know about Day One Editions including how it relates to the Build It initiative.
What is Amazon Day One Edition?
It's an initiative that allows Amazon to soft-launch "Day One Edition" devices in beta so that it can test them with consumers before deciding whether to fully launch them for everyone. It also allows the company to better understand which kinds of products consumers might want. Amazon uses the feedback from these trials to build even more products for its customers to buy.
How many Day One Edition products are there?
There are currently three devices in the Day One Edition lineup:
Amazon Glow
The Amazon Glow is a video conferencing device and projector in one, designed for kids to interact and play with remote loved ones. The device allows kids to read books, play games and make art by interacting with the tabletop that is being projected on. The Glow promises access to thousands of books and dozens of games from companies such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Barbie and Sesame Street with a $2.99 per month subscription.
Amazon Astro
The Amazon Astro is an Alexa compatible home monitoring robot with a tablet for a face. Its got a telescoping camera on top for height-adjustable monitoring and video conferencing and, possibly the most important feature of all, it has cup holders for robot beer delivery. Unfortunately, the beverages will have to be placed onto Astro by a human assistant, for now.
Ring Always Home Cam
The Ring Always Home Cam is essentially a smart security camera attached to a little drone that can fly around your house. Want to check on something that's not visible on existing security cameras? No problem, just send in the camera drone. The Always Home Cam comes with a docking station and the drone tucks neatly out of sight when not in use. Initially, we thought this one was ridiculous but on further reflection, it could be the handiest of the bunch.
The initial launch contained two products:Â
The Echo Loop was an Alexa enabled smart ring that essentially let you ask Alexa things on the go.
The Echo Frames were glasses, available with prescription lenses, that allowed you to do the same thing.
Both devices had built-in speakers to hear Alexa's responses. The Echo Loop appears to have been somewhat swept under the rug, but the Echo Frames got a second generation in late 2021.
How can you try Day One Edition products?
Echo Loop and Frames
The Echo Loop appears to be completely discontinued but the Echo Frames have been given a second generation. They are now available to the general public at a price of $249.99
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Amazon Glow
The Amazon Glow is available for $249.99 - but only in limited quantities in the US, and it'll require an invite to buy and try.
Amazon Astro
The Amazon Astro is available for $999.99 - but only in limited quantities in the US, and it'll require an invite to buy and try.
Ring Always Home Cam
The Ring Always Home Cam is available for $249.99 - but only in limited quantities in the US, and it'll require an invite to buy and try.
How do Day One Editions relate to Amazon Build It?
Amazon's Build It program effectively works like Kickstarter or Indiegogo but for concept products that Amazon wants to launch. If enough people place a pre-order within a certain timeframe, then Amazon will produce it.Â
Once funded, Build It products become Day One Editions but unlike the original Day One Edition products, they don't require an invite, anyone can pre-order the limited edition products. For more on Amazon's Build It program, check out our guide here.
Are more Day One Edition products coming?
It seems likely that Amazon will continue to launch more Day One Edition products, either through the invite-only method or via its newer Build It initiative. Unfortunately, it's hard to predict exactly when these products will launch.
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