amazon echo input

The device enables users to converse with Alexa using their existing speakers

A device that enables ordinary speakers to be used for voice shopping is among a number of new products just introduced by Amazon.

The Echo Input connects to existing speakers through a 3.5mm audio cable or Bluetooth and features four microphones. The device enables users to converse with Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, in the same way one of the company’s dedicated smart speakers would.

Read more: Smart speakers misunderstand up to half of shopping requests

At £34.99 the Input is £55 cheaper than an Amazon Echo smart speaker and £15 cheaper than the latest version of the smaller Echo Dot.

Morrisons and Ocado provide voice shopping services through Alexa while Tesco and Asda use Google for theirs.

The Echo Input allows users to talk the voice assistant “from across the room” according to Amazon.

It was launched alongside a new Amazon Smart Plug, enabling users to switch electrical appliances on and off by asking Alexa.