Now hang Alexa as your smart home hub

 A report from Bloomberg indicates that Amazon is developing an Alexa-powered Echo device that will act as a digital command center for smart homes, and can be mounted on a wall.

The device could feature either a 10-inch or 13-inch touchscreen which will be  capable of controlling smart home devices, like locks or lights, play music and videos, video chatting through a built-in camera, and will also show upcoming calendar events. This device will also feature Alexa voice-activated assistant integration.  As this device is meant to be installed on walls, so it would be much slimmer than current Echo gadgets.

Amazon has delivered various Echo devices over the years, but nothing entirely as ambitious as a wall-mounted Echo. The device would free up shelf space and offer a little more flexibility for where to put it (assuming there’s a plug nearby). It’s unclear if the device can be mounted in any orientation or if it features a kickstand to place on a nightstand or media console.

Amazon plans to debut the new device by the end of this year or next and could price it between $200 and $250, although Bloomberg notes that those plans could change or be canceled completely. If successfully launched, the device would put Amazon in competition with the makers of professional smart home control panels, a category that includes Apple.

Granted, that doesn't sound very different from what the Echo Show 10 and 8 can already do, but it's interesting to hear Amazon is exploring even more form factors for its extremely popular and versatile smart home products.  What are your thoughts on this smart device? Do you think it’s a useful design or a gimmick? Let us know your feedback in the comments.