Introducing Amazon Echo

These days, “smart” is the new tech buzzword. Everything is becoming smarter, from the cars we drive and our kitchens to our garage doors, personal fitness regimes and – more strikingly – the way we listen to music. Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo are revolutionising how we access our favourite tracks and play them in our home.

Now, you can call up whatever music you desire through voice commands and play them anywhere in your home. But that’s not all you can do with Amazon Echo. This buyer’s guide explains the system’s capabilities and how to find the ideal package for you.

Amazon Echo: Listen to Music and Much More the Smart Way

Amazon Echo grew out of Amazon´s Alexa project – their digital assistant who responds to voice commands. The company saw that Alexa could be used for a huge variety of purposes, including controlling home entertainment systems.

In 2010, the company started developing what would become its Echo speaker. By 2015, it was ready to roll out, and technicians had added a huge array of features beyond the simple voice recognition function. The finished product can connect with multiple digital devices, play music, manage scheduled playlists, deliver alarms, provide information about traffic and weather, stream podcasts and audiobooks and act as the coordinator of an entire smart home.

First launched for Amazon Prime customers in the USA, the Amazon Echo finally came to British shores when the Echo was released in September 2016 and the Dot was launched in October. All of the versions are now available for purchase from major UK retailers.

It’s a powerful piece of kit by anyone’s standards, and is becoming more powerful as developers add new software and find ways for different devices to interact with the Echo speaker.

The Main Capabilities of Amazon Echo

Amazon Echo is a smart speaker, which means that it has voice recognition capabilities and can communicate with various other devices like smart watches, smartphones and laptops.

The fundamental role of Echo is to provide a wholly new way to play music from streaming services like Pandora, Spotify or iTunes in the home, and users can call up tracks or albums that they have access to simply by commanding Alexa to play them.

In theory, the voice recognition software functions even while music is playing and can be activated from a few metres away thanks to seven microphones and “beam forming technology”, totally avoiding the need for remote controls or manually playing music.

Additionally, the Amazon Echo can be asked to play other audio content, including news reports, weather and traffic updates, spoken word podcasts – anything that can be found at streaming services synched up with the Echo.

Another potentially handy function of the Echo is its ability to hook up to domestic smart networks. Echo owners with smart ovens or fridges can use their device to turn them on, modulate temperatures or set alarms. They can change thermostat settings, manage their air conditioning, set security settings, open windows, regulate lights like the Philips Hue and even unlock their car doors using the Echo speaker.

Echo also has a learning function. As more developers work with Amazon to enhance its compatibility, Echo adds more functionality all the time, downloading the right software to handle new devices and online services. So you won’t be buying just a speaker.

The whole appeal of Amazon Echo is the suite of ways that it can interact with other smart devices. In the future (Amazon believes), equipment like Echo speakers will be the nerve centre in smart homes, governing every aspect of everyday life. If that sounds convenient and appealing to you, they could quickly become a household essential.

All of these functions are contained within a compact cylinder shaped speaker unit that measures 23.5 x 8.35cm, the ideal size to place on your kitchen worktop or a living room cabinet.

Different Versions of the Amazon Echo

There are a number of different versions of the Amazon Echo speaker, so you need to find exactly the right one that meets your audio needs.

• The Basic Black/White Amazon Echo Speaker – As mentioned above, the basic black or white speaker is 23.5cm tall cylindrical speaker that connects to standard wi-fi networks, features Alexa’s voice recognition software and plays music, podcasts, news updates and more following simple voice commands.
• The Amazon Echo Tap – The Tap is very different to the basic model. Unveiled in 2016, Tap is designed to be much more mobile. Equipped with Bluetooth, it can store nine hours of charge, is just 18cm tall and weighs just under 500g. The “tap” in the name refers to the initial tap that users need to make to turn the device on, which is intended to save energy, but differs from the voice activated conventional Echo speaker.
• The Amazon Echo Dot – Much smaller than both the Tap and the Black/White Amazon Echo, the Dot resembles an ice hockey puck and offers less audio power at a lower price point. Amazon envisages that audiophiles will use the Bluetooth-enabled Dot to hook up with other Bluetooth speakers, turning them into smart, voice-activated devices. As with the Black or White version, the Dot is mains powered, unlike the much more portable Tap.

All versions of the Amazon Echo need to be synched up to the Amazon Echo App. The Alexa App is the operating system that allows users to make voice commands and control their systems.

Amazon Echo: Technical Specifications

The basic white and black versions of the Amazon Echo have the following technical specifications:

The Basic Amazon Echo

• Bluetooth enabled: yes
• Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) and AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile)
• Wi-fi channels used: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g
• Power sources: Mains AC, USB, battery
• Compatible controllers: Android, iOS, Mac, PC, Windows Phones
• Dimensions: 23.5 x 23.5 x 83.5cm
• Weight: 0.77kg
• Tweeters: 1
• Woofers: 1

Echo Dot Specifications

• Bluetooth enabled: yes
• Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) and HFP (Hands-Free Profile)‎
• Wi-fi channels used: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n
• Power sources: Mains AC, USB, battery
• Compatible controllers: Android, iOS, Mac, PC, Windows Phones
• Dimensions: 3.8 x 8.4cm
• Weight: 0.27kg
• Tweeters: 0
• Woofers: 0

Echo Tap specifications

• Bluetooth enabled: yes
• Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile)
• Wi-fi channels used: 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n
• Power sources: USB, battery
• Compatible controllers: Android, iOS, Mac, PC, Windows Phones, Buttons integrated into speaker
• Dimensions: 15.8 x 6.6cm
• Weight: 0.47kg
• Tweeters: 0
• Woofers: 0

What are the Pros and Cons of the Different Versions of the Amazon Echo?

Now you know about the three main versions of the Amazon Echo: Tap, Dot and the White/Black model. But which model should you go for (if any)?

If you intend to take your Echo outside the home to the beach, in your car or even to work, there’s only one candidate. The Amazon Echo Tap has 9 hours of charge and is designed to be taken on the road without risking damage, so it’s the clear winner.

For everyday audio playback, the standard Amazon Echo is superior. With its tweeter and woofer, it has more beef to deploy when compared to the slightly underpowered Tap and the mini Dot, and should provide enough volume to fill the largest household spaces.

The Echo is also handy for controlling any smart devices that you have in your home. Unlike the Tap, it doesn’t require physical contact to turn it on and you can access Alexa with a simple voice command.

The Dot can be used to create smart networks of speakers at a much lower cost than high-end alternatives like Sonos (although with some compromises in terms of quality, see below). If you just need a single Echo speaker and don’t mind too much about sound quality, but want to spend as little as possible, a Dot is definitely the way to go.

Things to Think About Before You Decide to Invest in an Amazon Echo

Before you make a tech purchase like an Amazon Echo, it's always worth thinking about your alternatives and the pros and cons of the device. No tech product is perfect, after all. Here are some issues that have been raised about the Amazon Echo that might weigh on your mind as you choose which smart speaker to buy.

1. Is Amazon Echo Fully Compatible with Sonos Devices?

If you are a genuine audiophile and you are into smart speakers, you’ll probably have invested, or seriously considered investing, in a set of Sonos speakers already. These advanced speakers offer adaptable, high-quality audio in multiple rooms. However, initially there were doubts about whether Amazon Echo would be fully compatible with the systems used by Sonos.

All this has changed now, as Amazon have updated their smart speakers to be fully synched up with Sonos products. This will allow Sonos owners to cue up streaming playlists without needing to go through the Sonos App and to use Alexa to control their speakers, so it’s a potentially very powerful addition to the Sonos owner’s toolkit.

2. What About the Sound Quality Produced by Amazon Echo?

Some people have faulted the sound quality generated by Amazon Echo speakers, and if you truly love music, this could still be a major consideration. Do you really need voice recognition capabilities and smart interactivity if the end result is less than perfect sound quality?

Experts have commented on how Amazon Echo is serviceable when playing streaming music, avoiding nasty hiss and delivering music with excellent clarity. But the system falls down a little where bass is concerned. If you are the kind of listener who needs to feel the room vibrating with genuine bass depth, you might want to think about alternatives like the Monitor Audio Airstream S150, which specialises in delivering an immersive bass experience.

3. Can Multiple Amazon Echo Speakers be Synched Up Around Your Home?

One of the strong suits of the Amazon Echo range is that Amazon have designed their systems so that multiple devices can be arranged around the home. Multiple Dots can be added in a couple of seconds with the Alexa App, allowing you to control your music everywhere in the home and never be far away from the tunes you love.

There have been some criticisms though. The “echo spatial perception” technology used to determine which speaker picks up the user’s voice can sometimes fail if you are in the overlap zone between two different Echos, making placement of your devices a little fiddly at times, but this can be easily overcome.

Another major problem for some people will be that you can’t set up multiple Echos to play the same content all over the home. Each Dot will be a standalone device, playing a single piece of content in conjunction with Alexa. Unless you invest in smart audio systems like Sonos, you won’t be able to hear the same track as you do chores or wander between the bathroom and your bedroom. The same criticism applies to alarms as well, which can only be tabled on single devices.

Are There Any Alternatives to Amazon Echo That You Should Consider?

Here’s the main question. Amazon isn’t the only game in town. While their Echo speakers are well designed, feature advanced voice recognition technology, and are constantly evolving to function more efficiently, Google are also developing smart speakers and companies like Sonos have years of experience.

Here are just a few of the competitors that might be worth thinking about before you take the plunge and install an Echo, Tap or Dot:

• iVee Voice – An intriguingly styled smart home device that is compatible with all major smartphone varieties and a vast array of apps, iVee’s Voice also has voice recognition capabilities, seamlessly hooks up to Spotify, and can even order you an Uber cab upon request. The trouble is, you’ll need extra speakers to make the most of it, or link it to other smart speaker brands like Sonos.
• Google Home – The major competition at the moment. Google Home comes in a very compact, attractive unit and uses Google Assistant instead of Alexa to achieve pretty much the same results. Advantages include the ability to access Google search data, which should help the Assistant answer your queries, connections to Chromecast and impressive audio performance. In the future, additional smart hoe features will be added via Google Home, making competition with Amazon Echo extremely fierce. Google Home is also currently cheaper than Echo, which may sway some buyers.
• Sonos Play:1 – Sonos has been making smart speakers for ten years, well before Amazon and Google got in the game. Their Play speakers are a great way to deliver streaming audio and offer excellent audio quality as well. The drawback is that a) they don’t have voice activation and b) they are just speakers, not smart controllers. At around the same price as Amazon Echo, they will appeal to audio lovers, but general purchasers might want something with more functionality.

What Kind of Accessories Can You Use with Amazon Echo Speakers?

Another thing to consider before buying an Amazon Echo, Tap or Dot is how they can be customised and enhanced with the addition of accessories.

One key addition for Echo is the Echo Remote. Although the system is designed to be purely voice activated, the remote allows you to control it if you encounter any problems with Alexa, and some people may simply find it more user friendly than constantly speaking. The remote itself includes an extra microphone, which extends Alexa’s range, another handy extra that makes it an essential for all Echo owners.

Protective cases are another handy accessory for your Amazon Echo. Products like the Fintie Case come in attractive leather styles and feature useful straps to make even the conventional Echo a portable device.

You may also want to purchase smart devices along with an Amazon Echo speaker. That way, you can start to turn your home into a real “smart home”, one appliance at a time. At the moment, the range of appliances is limited, but growing fast. Options include smart lightbulbs like the GE Link Wireless Smart LED Bulb that can be activated via Alexa. Wemo wi-fi enabled plug sockets are another great innovation, allowing you to turn on ordinary appliances like kettles via your Amazon Echo.

Many of these accessories are just being introduced to the UK market and may well be found in combo packages with Amazon Echo products, so look out for relevant deals on the HotUKDeals listings pages if you intend to start a smart home collection.

How and When to Purchase Your Amazon Echo Speakers

If you have made up your mind to purchase a set of Amazon Echo speakers, that’s great. However, where can you get the best deal on your speakers?

At the moment, smart speakers are an expensive investment, making it vital to ensure that you take advantage of the best prices around. A good place to start is by checking out Amazon´s own pages where you’ll find comprehensive information about all of the various Echo speakers, accessories and the Alexa App. Amazon also regularly offers discounts and promo codes, but they won’t list them on their main sales site. Instead, the best way to find out when Amazon Echo devices are on offer is by bookmarking and regularly checking the Amazon Echo HotUKDeals listings.

Amazon isn’t the only place to purchase Echo products. Most major UK high street electronics retailers stock the speakers, including Currys, Sainsbury´s, John Lewis and Argos, while you can also find them at online sellers like Very and GearBest. Shop around and make sure you find the right model at the right price, as discounts appear all the time.

Pick the right time to make your purchase as well. Electronics products like the Amazon Echo tend to be heavily discounted around Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November, as well as the post-Christmas sales which last into the January Sales. There may also be flash sales when new products are launched, so stay tuned and pick the right time to pounce.

Prices of devices like the Amazon Echo should start to fall dramatically as smart technology becomes mainstream, putting high-tech audio and home control systems within reach of everyone.

Find Great Amazon Echo Savings at HotUKDeals

These days, music lovers have a huge range of ways to enjoy their favourite tracks and albums, and none are more technologically impressive than the Amazon Echo speakers range. A set of Dots, Taps or standard Echo speakers could be your passport to a whole new listening experience and you will always find big reductions at the Amazon Echo HotUKDeals listings.