By will-buy
Amazon has introduced the Alexa-enabled Echo Buds earbuds to Brazil. The second-generation hearables arrival reflects the growth of Alexa devices in Brazil and also the success Amazon seeks using its smart earbuds.
Brazil Buds
The Echo Buds in Brazil are the newer form of the devices. They're smaller and include active noise cancellation and better audio hardware compared to first form of the Echo Buds. The active noise cancellation technology built by Amazon replaces the Bose active noise 'reduction' tech within the first Echo Buds. Amazon claims its creation can shut out double the sound level externally world. The Echo Buds also tie in to the larger Alexa ecosystem because the voice assistant with an Echo or even the mobile app will locate the Echo Buds when asked. The Echo Buds cost about $175 using the standard case and about $200 with a wireless charging case in Brazil. They cost $120 and $140, respectively, within the U.S., but the cost likely reflects the ongoing logistics issues and general upping of prices in Brazil.
“We are extremely pleased to announce the appearance of Echo Buds in Brazil. It has been part of our vision to build up devices and resources capable of making customers' lives simpler, funnier and smarter,” Amazon Brazil general manager for devices Jacques Benain said. “In these two many years of Alexa in Brazil, we have seen an essential evolution in the use of voice in this sense, and the Echo Buds come specifically give a complete experience to customers anytime of the day and anywhere.”
Hearing Success
There's plenty of reason to consider that the devices will be successful in Brazil as hearables become more popular. Voicebot's data from October of 2023 showed ownership of hearables rose 23% over two years among U.S. adults. Apple AirPods and Apple AirPods Pro have consistently been leading the sales. There are many earbuds linked to one for additional voice assistants like the Echo Buds. Google's Pixel Buds, Samsung's bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live, the Baidu XiaoduPods, Microsoft Surface Earbuds, and the sundry third-party creations by Bose or JBL are competing and iterating as soon as they are able to.
Still, The Echo Buds garnered a lot of fans in early stages based on the reviews and responses to the hearables. The growth in the variety and spread of smart hearables suggests that the trend is ongoing and international. Amazon has not shared more knowledge about how well Alexa does in Brazil because it debuted in 2023, however the choice to bring the Echo Buds to the country may be indicative. It would also complement how Brazil is so far the only real country to achieve the Alexa Accessibility Awards, a tournament for third-party Alexa developers focusing on making skills available for those with disabilities.
