Amazon.com is reportedly working on a scaled-down version of its Echo voice-controlled speaker.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the online retail giant plans to release a "beer can" size version of the device, similar to Apple's Beats Pill portable speaker, in "the coming weeks."
The Web-connected Echo responds to voice commands to answer questions, play music, give traffic and weather reports and even turn on lights in homes with home-automation technology. The smaller version will be charged on a docking station and will respond to voice command only by push-button to preserve battery life, the Journal reported.
The device is expected to be priced less than the $179 Echo, the Journal said.
Seattle-based Amazon declined to comment on the report.
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