Amazon’s Echo Dot is a compact smart speaker that easily fits on your countertop, bookshelf, nightstand, or desk. It supports the usual functions like alarms, weather forecasts, voice commands, music, and routines, but this version of the Dot also includes some improvements and new features. Compared to previous models of the speaker, the latest Dot features better-sounding speakers with clearer vocal sound and lower frequency response, and two additional sensors that detect motion and temperature.
An all-in-one smart speaker with a variety of uses
The latest Echo Dot features a 1.73-inch front-firing speaker that delivers clearer sound than previous models, making it ideal for playlists, talk radio, podcasts, or listening to books before bed. This version also supports lossless HD playback from Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify. Additionally, Bluetooth compatibility lets you connect your smartphone or other devices easily and play your own media through the speaker.
This version of the Dot contains both a temperature sensor and a motion sensor. These sensors allow you to create routines that automate tasks based on those variables. For example, you could create a routine that turns on lights when a person enters a particular room or turns on fans when the temperature rises above a user-defined threshold. Because this is a smaller speaker than some of Amazon’s other models, it is easier to install it in areas where these types of automation provide the most benefit. You can also use tap controls to accomplish tasks quickly, which is especially useful if the device is installed near a bed and you need to silence an alarm without accessing your phone.
In addition to controlling individual speakers via Bluetooth pairing, you can group Echo products for multi-room music and pair with Fire TV for a fully integrated television experience. Eero Built-in networking is included with this product, which allows the Dot to extend coverage by up to 1,000 square feet and support speeds up to 100 Mb/s. Setup is easy and can be done through the Alexa application on your phone. Plus, a notable privacy feature is how easily you can disable the microphone, using the physical button on the device, and review and delete voice recordings in the Alexa application.
Included with the device is the speaker, a 15-watt power supply, and a Quick Start Guide. At its reduced price of $40 vs. $50, the Echo Dot offers great performance as a speaker for music, voice commands, routines, and smart home functionality in locations where you don’t want to take up too much space.