The newest Amazon Echo has a new shape and new features, as well as many similarities to the previous Echo. Amazon’s successful smart home speakers allow users to control a speaker through the virtual assistant Alexa at the command of their voice. Amazon’s fourth-generation Echo adds some new features to the smart speaker, but does that mean it is time to upgrade?
Amazon’s third-generation Echo allowed users to connect their music accounts from Amazon Music, SiriusXM, Spotify, and Apple Music to the Echo to allow it to play music through voice command. In addition to connecting to smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, as well as connect and command any Phillips Hue Bulbs. It also has a mute button, allowing the Echo’s microphones to be turned off for added privacy, and volume buttons. Users can also enable new Skills on their Echo for things like trivia games, horoscopes, choose your own adventure games, and more. The new Echo fourth-generation also has all of these capabilities.
Amazon's new fourth-generation Echo has a new shape, leaving the cylindrical shape of previous Echo speakers behind for a spherical shape. This new shape additionally allows for the Echo to have a speaker that can face upward. In comparison to the third-generation Echo which has the control panel on top and speakers on the sides. Both generations of Echo are able to provide high-quality sound and have the ability to use Alexa as an intercom to make announcements through other devices on the same network. The fourth-generation Echo can also be paired with Fire TV to provide theater audio while watching.
New Features, Same Price
The new Echo also has a built-in Zigbee Smart Home Hub allowing it to connect with compatible Zigbee products including locks, electrical plugs, and other compatible smart home devices. The new Echo will also work with Amazon’s upcoming Ring Smart Lighting Products. The Echo third-generation doesn't have a Zigbee Smart Home Hub, but it is still compatible with many smart home devices. The fourth-generation Echo is available for purchase on Oct. 22 from Amazon for $99 and that's the same price as the previous generation Echo. The new Echo is also Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly, and was made with recycled fabric, recycled aluminum, and some recycled plastics. It also has a new Low Power Mode allowing the device to be more energy efficient. Amazon is additionally creating new solar and wind farms to produce clean energy equal to the electricity expended by this device.
If you've been meaning to purchase a new Echo or a new smart home device, the fourth-generation Echo is likely worth the wait, especially considering it's the same price as the third-generation model. The newest Echo will also come with a free Phillips Hue Bulb, unlike the third-generation. However, there are relatively few changes to the functionality of the device, so if you already own an Echo, it's probably not worth upgrading to Amazon's newest smart speaker.
Source: Amazon