This content originally appeared on Mashable for US audiences and has been tailored for UK audiences.
like a constant new flow Kindle model, the list of Amazon Echo devices to choose from seems to keep growing. We have the Echo Dot, the Echo Show, and most recently the Echo Buds. Some have numbers in their names, and all have multiple generations. It’s a real whirlwind. So we’re here to pull you out of that echo chamber (get it?) and help you find the best Amazon Echo device (or devices) for you and your home.
What is an Amazon Echo Device?
Before we dive into all the different options, let’s define what Amazon Echo devices are, what they used to be, and what they’ve become. , the Echo was a tall cylinder that was basically a speaker that responded to voice commands thanks to Alexa’s artificial intelligence. This is the core of today’s Amazon Echo devices, some offering only audio, others offering both auditory and visual content. Today’s Echo devices also come in many shapes and sizes, greatly expanding Alexa’s capabilities.
Are Alexa and Echo the same thing?
Many people tend to use the terms “echo” and “Alexa” interchangeably, but although their functions are deeply intertwined, they are actually very different things. It’s an artificial intelligence system that responds and acts on voice commands (and everything else that Alexa can do — but we’ll get to that in a moment). Conversely, the Echo device is just a pipe to provide that service. That’s why Echo devices come in all shapes and sizes, from spherical speakers to video screens to on-the-go earbuds.
What is Alexa?
Regardless of which Echo device you choose, Alexa’s built-in access to artificial intelligence lets you do all of the following hands-free simply by asking Alexa a question or uttering a command:
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Control your smart home technology from one central hub
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Access your calendar and set reminders
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Get answers to every question you can think of
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Make Phone Calls (and Video Calls with Echo Show)
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Get the latest weather and news
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follow the recipe
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shopping on amazon
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Stream music (and video on Echo Show)
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play a game
But honestly, it just scratches the surface. There are over 100,000 Alexa skills available through Echo devices, and Amazon is adding more skills all the time.
Also note that modern Alexa and Echo devices are built with multiple layers of privacy protection. If you don’t want Alexa to hear you, you can turn off your microphone. You can also view and delete voice recordings. If your Echo device has a camera, the latest models also include a shutter that covers the camera when not in use.
What you can do with Echo
All Echo devices are designed to take advantage of Amazon Alexa’s AI superpowers. It’s a matter of how the Echo is shaped. Depending on the device you choose, your Echo may simply play audio, such as music, phone calls, calendar reminders, news alerts, and more. These devices are simply called Echo or Echo Dot. Amazon Echo Show devices, on the other hand, can perform all the audio functions mentioned above, but with colorful displays of different sizes, so you can visually manage your day, make video calls, and enjoy entertainment. can also be streamed.
Most Echo devices are designed to act as smart hubs in your home, but some Echo devices can be used on the go. These types of Echo devices include the Echo Buds (Amazon’s foray into wireless earbuds) and the Echo Auto, which brings hands-free Alexa functionality to your car.
What smart home devices are compatible with Echo?
Amazon says there are over 30,000 smart home devices with the “Works with Alexa” badge, and anything that works with Alexa also works with Echo. There are many smart home items that you can connect to your Echo device. light bulbswitch, lock, thermostat, fan, smart plug Almost any electronic device can be turned into a “smart home” device.
Amazon’s own brands (such as Blink and eero) make a ton of smart home devices that link seamlessly, but Echo devices, especially those with built-in Zigbee smart home hubs, are the best choice for any brand of smart home device. should also be able to connect to Pretty easy with the command “Alexa, discover my devices”. However, Zigbee is not required for connectivity. This is a global wireless communication standard that makes communication between devices a little more seamless, even if they come from different manufacturers.
As you can imagine, Echo devices work very well with each other. You can link as many as you need and even play the same music at the same time for a whole house audio experience. Or, perhaps more practically, you can use the phrases “Alexa, announce” or “Alexa, tell everyone” to make announcements throughout the house. This allows any connected Echo device to act as an intercom so you can let your kids know, for example, that dinner is ready even if they are in different rooms of the house. increase.
Are there monthly charges for Echo devices?
Perhaps one of the biggest perks of buying an Amazon Echo device is no monthly fees. This is your gateway to Alexa’s amazing AI, and aside from the purchase price of the Echo device itself, Alexa and its ever-growing list of skills are completely free to use. The only reason a paywall occurs while using an Echo device is if you ask Alexa to access another service, such as a streaming music service. Yes, this includes Amazon Music. If you try to access songs that are not free, you may be asked to start a Music Unlimited subscription.
When is the best time to buy an Echo device?
Echo devices are part of Amazon’s Keystone offering, so expect prices to drop accordingly during the Amazon Prime Day event and other big shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Echo devices may be sold throughout the year, especially during Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and back-to-school season.
What is the best echo device?
We’ve created the perfect Echo device for every home to suit you and your lifestyle. Just pick your favourite.
These are the best Echo devices in 2023.
