Amazon just completely overhauled the Echo Hub interface

If you’re tired of static smart home displays, Amazon is finally giving them a breath of fresh air. The company is starting to release a free software update for echo center customers that brings a completely redesigned interface.

Early smart home hubs often had rigid designs that required software adaptation, but Amazon finally wants to hand over the keys. You now have full control over exactly which devices, groups, and automations populate your home screen. That means you can organize your smart home dashboard in a way that reflects how you actually run your smart home (with weather and calendar information always nearby).

You can easily resize and customize interface sections with simple drag and drop actions. There’s also an option to resize individual device tiles, making the switches and cameras you use most often significantly larger.

Homeowners can also sort their panels by room or function, such as “Bedroom,” “Downstairs,” or “Climate,” for their team. Simply find your existing groups in the bottom bar and tap one to select it, then long-press to edit it. Here you can add or remove devices, drag them to reorder them, and control everything in that group with a single tap. If you want to create a new group from scratch, simply click the “Add Group” button in the bottom bar, choose a name, and add your devices. It will be available instantly via voice control and mobile app.

Improved device control is also greatly updated in this update. You can press the power button directly on any tile to turn it on or off instantly. For granular settings, tap the three dots on a connected device. You get precise dimming controls from 0 to 100% and full access to a color wheel for compatible smart bulbs. If you rely on macros, you can access your most frequently used routines directly from the home screen or automations tab and activate them with a single tap.

That said, unlocking deeper integrations is available with a Ring Al Pro subscription. Alexa Plus gives you smart summaries of detected camera events, like package deliveries or dog walkers, right on your home screen. It links directly to Ring video search so you can ask very specific questions like “Show me the wildlife in the backyard this week.” You can also easily set up routines using just your voice with Alexa+ and chat with the assistant to control multiple devices at the same time.

No need to search for this download. Current Echo Hub owners will see a notification at the top of their device saying “Update available” when the software is ready. A touch confirms it and the device goes directly to the new experience.