Echo Dot (3rd Generation) Review
The Echo Dot has to be one of the most impressive pieces of tech for its size and price. Although labeled as a smart speaker, the real merit of the device is the smart hub component. This is the cheapest device out of Amazons Echo range and the cheapest device with Alexa.
Amazon is now up to its third generation Echo Dot which has not failed to provide year on year improvements. The Echo Dot is the option for those who want Alexa for as cheap as possible and aren’t overly fussed about the sound quality of the device. It is super easy to connect the Dot to portable speakers over Bluetooth.
Also Read: Google Home Mini vs Echo Dot
- Echo Dot is a voice-controlled speaker that uses Alexa to play music, control smart home...
Echo Dot Design
All generations of the Echo Dot have remained broadly the same with a few differences over the years. The third generation Echo Dot is a little smoother looking than the previous model thanks to its rounded corners and outer edge fabric. The overall result is a look that boasts a little more class.
This Echo Dot is a little bit larger with dimensions of 3.9” x 3.9” x 1.7” inches and a weight of 300g. In the Echo series, it is the Dot which is the compact and most portable option out of the bunch. The three option of color includes a dark grey Charcoal, a lighter Heather Grey a whiteish Sandstone.
There are four buttons on the top face of the Echo Dot which include playback and action button. There is a 3.5mm cable for easy wired audio playback as well as the standard power supply.
Sound Quality
The Echo Dot was mostly intended to be the compact and cheap option for those wanting Alexa. Don’t expect to be wowed by the speaker element of this product as it is the compromising factor for the decrease in price.
The bigger size of this Echo Dot has given it a better and bigger 360-degree speaker. Whilst it is a certain upgrade from the old Echo Dot which had a quite frankly terrible speaker, it can’t be recommended enough to connect the Dot to another speaker. If you need a better speaker it is highly worth considering the Echo or Echo Plus.
Related Article: Best Smart Home Hubs
Ultimately this sort of a decision, of course, comes down to your own preferences and needs. The Echo Dot has many useful applications, such as being the best to take on holiday with you. If you are just getting it for the non-music related Alexa features then you don’t need a great speaker.
Smart Home Features
The Echo Dots smart home capabilities and control are identical to the Echo and Echo Plus, as they come from Alexa. The virtual assistant is cloud-based which enables this to be the case. Once you have set up your Echo Dot you will have Alexa up and ready to go.
This is when the possibilities become pretty endless as you may ask Alexa any question you like and she will most likely have an answer. Rather than spending too much time diving into these smart home features, we will provide you with some useful links that will help you understand, if you don’t know already!
- Read: Wink Hub 2 vs Samsung SmartThings
- Troubleshoot: Echo Dot Blue Ring of Death
