Customers have been anticipating the launch of new smart speakers from both buy a new smart speaker for the home, here are all the notable details of both the 4th Gen Echo and HomePod mini.
Both smart speakers share a list of features that make each of them great value from the start. For one, they can interact with the 's phone in order to play music, either from a storage drive or streaming service. Also due to the nature of playing audio, these smart speakers both can be used as custom stereo systems as well as an intercom for multiple rooms in the home. Lastly, both smart speakers come with their company's respective virtual assistants, so they can be used to control other smart home devices, answer questions, and carry out tasks. With both being launched at $99, consumers will have to make the decision based on something other than price.
With regard to appearance, the two smart speakers have their share of differences. The 4th Gen Echo is a spherical device that is 5.2 inches tall, which isn't all that different from 3rd Gen Echo's size, despite the latter's cylindrical appearance. The HomePod mini, on the other hand, is 3.3 inches tall, which is impressively compact considering it's capabilities. Color-wise, Amazon's new Echo speaker comes in a choice of three: Glacier White, Charcoal (black), and Twilight Blue. Apple's HomePod mini only comes in two: White and Space Gray (black). Both speakers also have lights on them. The HomePod mini features a surface on top where you can adjust controls, while the Echo's light is a ring around its bottom.
Making A Decision: HomePod Or Echo?
Considering both smart speakers can do many of the same tasks, the one thing that should determine which to buy for many customers is the brand. For home automation, the products a person owns must be compatible with their speaker in order to do things like locking a door with a Apple and Amazon-ed products, or they just intend on using the speaker itself for interactivity, their choice may simply come down to the cosmetics.
Both companies have gotten plenty of things right with their smart speakers in the past, and it does not seem like either will miss a beat this holiday season. Both the 4th Gen Echo and HomePod mini look as appealing as their features, but to consumers, the choice on which to buy is either very easy or not at all. Smart speakers are unique products in the sense that consumers can buy them for many different reasons. With lifestyle, brand loyalty, taste, compatibility, and other factors to consider, only the consumer can know for sure whether the Amazon or Apple speaker is the right choice.