Amazon launches voice-powered Echo speakers in Britain and Germany

By Peter Hobson LONDON (Reuters) - Online retailer Amazon brought Echo, its voice-activated smart home controls device to Britain and Germany on Wednesday, hoping the Star Trek-inspired gadget will replicate the success it has seen in the United States. The launch, the latest big marketing push in Britain by the retailer, is the first expansion of Echo outside the United States, where it says it has sold millions of the devices since its debut in 2014. Dave Limp, Amazon's head of devices, said i