Amazon puts pretty deep discounts on the Echo every now and then, but it’s rare to see a discount go this deep and for this long: From now through September 4th, the Echo is on sale for $99.99 — down from its usual price of $179.99. The deal is technically part of Amazon’s “back to school” sale, but the company doesn’t actually seem to care whether you’re a student.

The Echo Dot is also on sale, but it’s only $5 off, at $44.99. And the Amazon Tap is down $30 to $99.99. Meanwhile, all Kindles are $20 off. The Echo deals run through September 4th; the Kindle deals end earlier, on August 26th.

Clearing stock?

This is pure speculation, but the deep and extended discount on the Echo makes me think that Amazon may be trying to clear out its stock in preparation for a new generation of its smart speaker.

The Echo has been on the market for three years without an update, and with Amazon now facing off against the Google Home and Apple’s HomePod, not to mention dozens of other copycats with Alexa built in, one has to imagine an updated version of the Echo is on the way. Engadget recently said to expect a much improved speaker later this year, and I get the feeling Amazon is starting to prepare for that here.