Amazon Astro — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Amazon |
|---|---|
| Model | Astro |
| Year | 2022 |
| Category | Companion |
| Autonomy | fully-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Price (USD) | $949–$1599 |
Key features
- 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen
- 5MP front-facing camera
- 1080p periscope camera
- Visual SLAM navigation
- 2-hour battery life
- Full recharge in 45 minutes
- Integrates with Alexa
- Connects with Ring security devices
What is it?
Amazon Astro is a home robot developed by Amazon, designed to assist with home monitoring, virtual assistance, and interaction. It features a rotating 10.1-inch touchscreen display, a periscope camera for high-angle views, and autonomous navigation capabilities. Astro integrates with Amazon's Alexa, allowing users to control smart home devices, set reminders, and make video calls. It can patrol the home, detect unrecognized individuals, and send alerts, enhancing home security. (tomsguide.com)
Who is it for?
Astro is intended for tech-savvy individuals seeking an interactive home assistant that combines virtual assistance with physical presence. It's suitable for homeowners interested in home security, remote monitoring, and those who appreciate integrating advanced technology into their daily lives. Astro's autonomous navigation and interaction capabilities make it appealing to users looking for a multifunctional home robot. (tomsguide.com)
Key specs
- Display: 10.1-inch touchscreen with 1280 × 800 resolution
- Cameras:
- 5MP bezel camera
- 1080p periscope camera with 132° diagonal field of view
- Speakers: 2× 55 mm front-firing speakers, 1× passive bass radiator
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Connectivity: USB-C; WiFi 802.11ac; Bluetooth
- Dimensions: 16.7 in. L × 9.8 in. W × 17.3 in. H (424 mm × 250 mm × 440 mm)
- Weight: 20.6 lbs (9.35 kg)
- Processor: 2× Qualcomm QCS605; 1× Qualcomm SDA660; 1× Amazon AZ1 Neural Edge
- Price: $999 for early invitees; $1,499 for general availability (tomsguide.com)
How it compares
Astro's primary competitors include:
- Ring Always Home Cam: A flying indoor security camera that autonomously patrols the home, providing a different form factor and mobility compared to Astro.
- ElliQ: An AI-driven companion robot designed to combat loneliness among older adults, offering conversational interaction and reminders.
- iRobot Roomba: While primarily a vacuum cleaner, newer models integrate with smart home systems, offering some overlapping functionalities with Astro.
Astro differentiates itself by combining home security features with interactive virtual assistance and autonomous mobility. Its rotating display and periscope camera provide unique interaction capabilities, setting it apart from other home robots. (tomsguide.com)
Limitations
- Indoor Use Only: Astro is designed exclusively for indoor environments and cannot navigate stairs or outdoor terrains.
- Privacy Concerns: Equipped with cameras and microphones, Astro raises potential privacy considerations, though users can disable these features. (axios.com)
- Limited Availability: Initially available by invitation only, Astro's availability may be restricted in certain regions.
- Price Point: At $1,499, Astro is a significant investment, which may be a barrier for some consumers.
- Battery Life: As with many autonomous devices, battery life may be limited, requiring regular charging.
These factors should be considered when evaluating Astro's suitability for individual needs.
FAQ
What is the price range of Amazon Astro?
Amazon Astro is priced between $949 and $1,599, depending on the model and available promotions.
How long does Amazon Astro's battery last?
Astro operates for approximately two hours on a single charge, with a full recharge taking about 45 minutes.
Can Amazon Astro recognize family members?
Yes, Astro utilizes person recognition technology to distinguish between family members and visitors, enhancing home security.
Does Amazon Astro integrate with other smart home devices?
Astro integrates with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant and connects with Ring security devices, allowing for voice commands and enhanced home surveillance.
What is the warranty period for Amazon Astro?
Amazon Astro comes with a one-year warranty, which is shorter compared to some premium competitors.