Amazon Echo
Unsurprisingly, Amazon was one of the first companies to release a voice assistant that had significant success in the market. The first voice assistant that was released was ‘Alexa‘ in 2014. Since then, Amazon has continuously improved their Alexa devices and the most recent Amazon Echo from 2020 is the 4th Generation. We all have heard of Amazon’s voice assistant and they are well-known, however, how good is the voice assistant really? This blog will give a detailed review of the Amazon Echo (4th Generation) considering, design, sound quality, smart home integration and overall performance of the voice assistant.
The table highlights some of the product’s technical features.
Features | Echo (4th Generation, |
Release Date | September 2020 |
Launch Price | $99.99 |
Display | – |
Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.0 is supported |
Dimensions | 132mm tall 145mm wide |
Weight | 970g |
Microphone Switch | Yes |
Speakers | 75mm woofer and dual 20mm tweeters |
Design and Aesthetics
Firstly,the most obvious change of the Amazon Echo 2020 (4th Generation) to its predecessors is the design of the voice assistant. The previous Amazon Echo had the shape of a cylindrical tower, whilst the 4th Generation has a spherical design. This gives it a modern and stylish look and it saves space, making the device less visible in a room. Despite the smaller shape, the audio output has improved too.
The device is available in three colours: Charcoal, Glacier White, and Twilight Blue. Therefore, you can choose the one that best matches your home decor. Additionally, the LED lights have been moved to the bottom of the smart speaker.
Sound Quality
The Echo 2020 comes with a 77mm neodymium woofer and dual 20mm tweeters, delivering crisp vocals and dynamic bass throughout the room. In total, the sound performance of the Amazon Echo (4th Generation) is truly better than the 3rd Generation. The device has spatial acoustics ensuring optimal sound no matter where it’s placed. The dual tweeters and upward-firing woofer result in a rich and detailed sound atmosphere. Echo delivers clear highs, dynamic mids and deep bass for rich, detailed sound. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or making calls, the Echo 2020 offers an immersive audio experience.
Nonetheless, Amazon has an even better sounding smart speaker than the Amazon Echo. The Amazon Echo Studio is Amazon’s best sounding smart speaker but it is more expensive.
Amazon Echo: Voice Assistant
At the heart of the Echo 2020 is Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant. The Amazon AZ1 Neural Edge processor makes Alexa more responsive than ever. This processor uses machine learning to improve speech recognition and response times, making Alexa efficient and user-friendly. The microphones also perform well and recognise your voice when music is played at high volumes.
Alexa can answer questions, play music, read the news, and even tell jokes. Alexa’s capabilities are continually expanding, especially in the category ‘smart home integration’.
Smart Home Integration
The Amazon Echo 2020 is more than just a speaker; it’s the hub of your smart home. With built-in Zigbee, it can connect and manage compatible smart home devices over long distances. To name a few, Amazon Music, Amazon shopping, Apple music, Spotify, Deezer, Philips Hue, Ring, Audible and radio stations are compatible with Echo. Your voice command can control lights, adjust the thermostat or lock your door. Pairing the Echo with the FireTV will add to the experience by creating a feeling of a home cinema. There are detailed guides on how to integrate the Amazon Echo into your smart home.
Similarly, it is possible to synchronise different Echo devices, which allows music to be played in different rooms. This makes it possible to listen to music with others in the household and to pass on notifications across the devices. For example, Amazon Echo can be used to inform others that ‘Dinner is ready’, instead of having to scream across the whole house. Additionally, the Amazon Echo (4th Generation, 2020) can also be paired with the Amazon Echo Dot (4th and 5th Generation), which is a smaller version of the Amazon Echo (4th Generation).
Privacy
Amazon has taken steps to address privacy concerns with the Echo 2020. The device allows you to electronically disconnect the microphones with the press of a button. In addition, Amazon also provides transparency and control over your Alexa recordings, allowing you to view, hear, and delete them at any time.
Is the Amazon Echo worth it?
To conclcude, the Amazon Echo 2020 (4th Generation) is a powerful and versatile smart speaker that offers excellent value for its price (£99).
It is a testament to Amazon’s commitment to continuously innovate and improve their products. This device is not just a smart speaker; it’s a comprehensive home assistant that brings a new level of convenience and functionality to your everyday life. The superior sound quality, smart home capabilities, and ever-improving Alexa make it a standout choice for anyone looking to enhance their home with smart technology. Additionally, there are plenty of table stands or battery bases that make your Echo portable. Whether you’re new to smart home devices or looking to upgrade, the Echo 2020 is undoubtedly worth considering. Lastly, to see the Amazon Echo’s performance against competitors, we have a full comparison article for that.
