https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/27/16375116/amazon-echo-plus-speaker-alexa-annnounced-smart-home-hub

It’s a day of Echo speakers: Amazon just announced a new Echo Plus speaker, in addition to a second-generation Echo and Echo Connect speaker phone.

The new Echo Plus is set apart, though: its abilities double as a smart home hub, one that connects to various wireless protocols to set up and control connected home gadgets and appliances.