Amazon could debut its new touchscreen Echo device as early as today, claims a report from the Wall Street Journal.

The follow-up to the well-received Amazon Echo voice-activated speakers, the new device is likely to have a 7-inch display, in-built camera, and speaker. It will function like the existing Echo, but with the new addition of extra touchscreen-based features.

The new Echo would be the fifth device in the series from Amazon. The original Echo, smaller Echo Dot and portable Tap are all speaker-based models, while the Echo Look is a combination of camera and speaker, which offers fashion tips.

The new touchscreen Echo is likely to cost more than $200, which would make it the most expensive product in the line, ahead of the recently-launched Look. There’s no word on when it might be available to customers.

New challengers

News of the new touchscreen Echo comes at a time when Apple is reportedly finalizing designs for its own marketplace competitor.

According to renowned Apple tipster Sonny Dickson, Apple’s rival device will be “marketed as an Siri/AirPlay device,” representing the next step in Siri’s evolution. It is also set to involve some form of Beats technology, and will run an operating system based on iOS. Other, earlier rumors have suggested that it may also include some facial recognition technology, designed to detect users’ emotional states.

While Apple has yet to speak publicly about launching its own version of the Echo, reports claim that it could debut as soon as next month’s WWDC. In other words, whatever Amazon announces today, it may be worth waiting a few more weeks to properly weigh up all the marketplace competition.

Source: WSJ