Amazon on Thursday introduced two new gadgets similar to its voice-controlled Echo speaker, which can be used to check the weather, order a pizza, and more. The company announced Echo Dot and Amazon Tap.

Echo Dot is a hands-free, voice controlled device that uses the same far-field voice recognition as Echo. You can directly connect Echo Dot to speakers with an audio cable or via Bluetooth, and add voice-control to your home stereo system. Plus, with its small built-in speaker, you can place Echo Dot in the bedroom and use it as a smart alarm clock, or in any room as a voice assistant to control smart home devices and more. Echo Dot is available for $89.99 exclusively for Amazon.com's Prime members through Alexa Voice Shopping.

Amazon Tap is also an Alexa-enabled portable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speaker that offers full-range sound. Just tap the microphone button and ask for music, hear the news, search for information, order a pizza, and more with the Alexa Voice Service. Amazon Tap has dual stereo speakers with Dolby processing that provide 360° omni-directional audio. Amazon Tap is available for pre-order today for $129.99.

The gadgets are part of the company's efforts to position itself as a leader in smart homes, which allow consumers to control various connected appliances like refrigerators and lights from a central hub such as Echo or a mobile phone.

Last year Amazon opened up Alexa, the digital assistant that powers Echo, to third-party developers and added hundreds of new features like access to music streaming service Spotify and integration with smart lights made by Phillips.

Amazon also announced on Thursday a special interface to allow thermostat makers like Nest and Honeywell to connect their appliances with Echo.

Amazon Tap specifications

Echo Dot specifications