Amazon is looking to release a smaller version of its Echo speaker. The new speaker, currently codenamed "Fox," will be wireless and cheaper than the Amazon Echo.

Amazon's Echo speaker can perform a variety of functions, like playing music, turning on lights and answering questions. It currently sells for $180, and it must be plugged in to function.

According to CNet, a smaller and cheaper version, which would also eliminate the power cord, could be coming soon. The new wireless device could be taken out of the home for use on the go.

The "Fox" speaker could be released in a few weeks, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited anonymous sources for the release date.

The Echo speaker has been around since late 2014. It is a unique product that offers a personal digital voice assistant to get tasks done and obtain information. Although there are voice assistants from Apple (Siri), Google (Google Now) and Microsoft (Cortana), the Echo speaker is a product that has almost no competition.

The speaker is able to understand users' commands to play a specific song, turn on a smart lamp, or even order products directly from Amazon. The device can stay on at all times.

The "Fox" speaker would be a portable version offering the same services. As a user goes through the day, she could ask the device questions that arise or command the device to play music to accompany daily activities.

Meanwhile, the digitally connected home continues to get even smarter. Lights and thermostats can be controlled from smartphones, and security systems can also be monitored from mobile devices.

As the "Fox" speaker becomes portable, users can turn their lights on as they approach home, or even prepare their stereo to play their favorite song right when they enter the house.

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