Amazon plans a high-end Echo, ramps up work on an Alexa home robot

Amazon is developing a higher quality version of the Echo speaker and ramping up work on its home robot.The company plans to release the new Echo by next year, according to people familiar with the product. Prototypes of the cylindrical speaker are wider than the current Echo to squeeze in additional components, including at least four tweeters, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss an internal matter. The robot, previously reported by Bloomberg News, has wheels and can b