Amazon will ship on Dec. 2 their shot at a Chromecast Audio like Alexa device with no built in speakers: Echo Input.
Pluses over Chromecast Audio: Alexa voice control functionality (with 5 mic array), Bluetooth (both source receive and audio transmit to speakers), access to Amazon streaming music services and interfacing with Alexa multi-room audio functionality.
Not so great is no digital output (3.5mm analog only), no current access to Tidal, Deezer or any HD audio services (and of course no Google/Youtube music) On the other hand, Amazon just made available the Alexa Audio Skill API which may allow for rapid deployment of new services (or not).
Price $35...which makes one wonder about any real advantages over a sale priced or Gen 1 Dot. However...the Echo Input page now shows bundles with 5 small self powered speakers from Bose, B&O and Marshall and others...where the bundle price gives you the Echo input basically free.
What do you think?
Interesting, but with no digital out I think I'll stick with the CCA which sounds great to my ears when the DAC capabilities are managed by a Modi 3.