The newest smart home speakers allow s 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 s to connect their music s 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. s 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 In comparison to the third-generation Echo which has the control 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 compatibleAmazon 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