While in the past it might take Alexa a second or two to process our requests, the latest Echo responds in half the time thanks to the new AZ1 neural processor that will work in tandem with a revised speech model to process commands. (Image credit: Future) Smart assistant (Alexa) That will drastically change how the new Amazon Echo sounds compared to the previous model, but we’ll cover that in more detail later on in the review.
That’s slightly different from the 360-degree audio array that we got on the last-generation Amazon Echo and very different from the six-tweeter-equipped HomePod. Under the hood of the new Echo, you’ll find a 3-inch bass driver that points slightly upward, and dual 0.8-inch tweeters that are angled to deliver a fairly wide cone of sound. To select which way you want it to work, head to the Alexa App > Devices > Select your Echo device > go to Settings (gear icon) > AUX Audio (where you can select Line-in or Line-out). Spin the Amazon Echo around and you’ll find a power connector and a 3.5mm aux line in/out jack that can be used to either send the audio signal to an external speaker or connect the Echo to a separate source like your phone or tablet. All of these buttons can be replaced by voice commands, with the exception of microphone off, which always requires you to physically go over to the speaker and turn it off. On the top of the sphere is where you’ll find four control buttons – volume up, volume down, microphone off/on and a button that summons Alexa. You’ll also notice a plastic translucent ring along the bottom, which serves as the LED indicator light, telling you when Alexa is listening (blue), when the microphone is muted (red) or when the speaker has lost its internet connection (yellow).
The spherical chassis of the Echo is divided into two parts: there’s a layer of hard mesh and a plastic back piece with rubber feet on the bottom so that it doesn’t scratch your table. While Amazon sent us the Charcoal color sample to review, the Echo is also available in two other colors – Glacier White and Twilight Blue. It’s an obvious place to start, and we feel obligated to begin with the design of the latest Echo – it’s a massive difference that contrasts with what we’re used to seeing from Amazon, and it looks downright 'space age'.
Well, whichever smart home ecosystem you’re tied into, there’s a wireless speaker in that price range for you.
In terms of the competition, the Amazon Echo is the same price as the Apple HomePod Mini and the Google Nest Audio, which were both launched around the same time. The Amazon Echo (2020) has been available to buy since Octofor $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149 – the same price as the previous Echo was when it launched in 2019. Amazon Echo (4th gen) (Blue) at Amazon for $99.99 (opens in new tab).
0 kommentar(er)
