Key Takeaways:
– Amazon releases new Echo Spot, its first update in seven years.
– The new version comes with a larger face and better sounding speaker.
– The built-in camera has been removed in the latest model.
– The discounted price for Prime members is significantly cheaper than the original release.
– The new Echo Spot serves more as a custom bedside clock.
Amazon has launched a revamped version of its Echo Spot, with notable changes and enhancements from its original variant. This product release marks the first update to the Echo Spot since it debuted seven years ago, in 2017.
Spotting the Differences
The latest Echo Spot features a significant face lift, now with a 4.5-inch diameter face compared to the 3.75-inch diameter of its predecessor. The once circular screen of 2.5-inch diameter has been replaced by a more rectangular display of 2.25 inches by 1.75 inches.
The redesigned Echo Spot also offers a better listening experience, with a front-facing speaker clothed in fabric. It notably emits richer music quality, boasting more bass, far superior to the previous model’s tinny audio output.
Moreover, the new device comes with the capability to customize the color of the graphics to match the room’s ambiance. Primarily functioning as a clock face, the new Echo Spot offers optional graphics to display weather reports, the day, date, and month.
Seamless Integration
Just like the original model, the new Echo Spot easily integrates into existing setups, using saved settings in the Amazon account for effortless wireless connectivity. The yellow notification of package arrivals remains a feature in this new model, keeping users updated at all times.
Less is More?
While the updated design brings some enhancements, it also removes some features. The screen no longer displays the revolving headlines and alerts, effectively giving it a more static display. The only time the screen presents changes is when the weather or time updates.
A more significant omission is the built-in camera. This might make prospective users more comfortable placing it next to their beds. However, the new model still supports audio features, allowing users to make calls, intercom announcements, or communicate through a smart doorbell via audio with Alexa’s aid.
While these changes lean toward simplifying user experience, some may miss the few removed features. The lack of forecast display showing temperature changes and the absence of an analog clock face may leave some users unhappy.
Perfect for the Nightstand
The tailored updates make the new Echo Spot ideal as a bedside clock, with the clock display getting more prominence. It eliminates the functions that didn’t fit the nightstand environment and simplifies the overall experience.
After a hiccup with the aborted Halo Rise project, the new Echo Spot reincarnates Amazon’s aspirations to conquer the nightstand. This redesign helps the Echo Spot focus on accomplishing with excellence what it can do best.
Attractive Pricing
One of the most exciting aspects of this device’s launch is the pricing. The original Echo Spot came with a tag of $130, whereas Amazon offers the new version at a highly discounted rate of $45 for Prime members, making it an irresistible deal.
In conclusion, with all these updates, the new Echo Spot might just find its way to many nightstands after all. Despite some feature trims, its enhanced design, improved audio quality, and soothing price point offer a compelling case for this Alexa powered device.
