Review of the Amazon Echo Spot, Amazon’s smart alarm clock

Amazon has launched the Echo Spot smart alarm clock, the “bedside version” of its Echo speakers, which allows you to set different alarms and wake-up routines, as well as use the Alexa voice assistant.

In this video we summarize its main features and below you can read a detailed review of the Amazon Echo Spot.

Amazon Echo Spot Review

The new Echo Spot, just launched by Amazon, can be considered the successor to the Echo Dot with clock, which is no longer on the market. It is a smart alarm clock that incorporates most of the functionalities of the Echo Show smart speakers.

It costs 94.95 euros, which may seem a bit high for the functionality it has. However, you have to consider its elegant design and the features that allow you to use the Alexa voice assistant in all its splendor. It also has a small screen – with different designs that you can select – where you will see the time and temperature at all times, as well as other functions, such as the album cover when you are listening to music on applications such as Spotify or Amazon Music.

What is missing for this price is perhaps a camera with which to make video calls or use the device as a home camera. Let’s take a closer look at its features and specifications.

Design and size

The design of the Amazon Echo Spot is very attractive, shaped like a half egg, and comes in several very elegant colors: white, black, and blue.

It has a screen size of 2.8 inches, with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, which does not offer much quality. It is touch-sensitive and automatically adapts to the ambient light, so the letters are clear. At night, it automatically lowers the brightness so as not to interfere with sleep.

It features a semi-circular speaker grille at the bottom of the front panel. At the base, it has a rubber sole that allows the device to remain stable on the nightstand.

On the back, the Amazon Echo Spot has the connector port for the 15 W plug, while on the top it has two buttons to raise and lower the volume, as well as one to completely silence the device.

Connectivity and configuration

The Amazon Echo Spot features dual Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as Amazon Sidewalk networking, to connect to Alexa devices, Ring cameras, and other Amazon devices.

It is configured through the Alexa app, available for Android and iOS. The procedure is very simple: once the device is connected, a QR code appears that must be scanned on the mobile phone. Once this is done, simply follow the steps to configure the device.

Principal functions

To interact with the Alexa assistant, simply say “Alexa,” “Amazon,” “Computer,” “Echo,” “Ziggy,” and the command or question you want to ask. You can also change the name of the Alexa assistant to use whatever you want.

When it comes to listening to music, it can be used with Amazon Music and Audible, Amazon’s audiobook platform, as well as other music services such as Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, SiriusXM, Spotify, and Tidal. All you need to do is connect the streaming service in the Alexa app to use it without any problems.

The service allows you to make voice calls – even to direct numbers in the US and UK via Skype – but since it doesn’t have a video camera, it doesn’t allow you to make video calls or use services like Zoom, something that is very common on other smart speakers with screens.

What you can do is connect any Alexa-compatible smart device you have in your home, such as smart light bulbs, smart plugs, thermostats, etc.

All these functions are easily performed with the device and the experience is satisfactory.

Sound quality

You may have reached this section because one of the key factors for you, when purchasing this device or not, is the quality of the sound it offers. You should keep in mind that it is not a smart speaker as such, and that its size is small.

Like most speakers in its range, it doesn’t offer excessively high-quality bass reproduction, but the overall sound is more than acceptable considering that it should be used in small rooms, such as the bedroom.

If you turn up the volume, the sound reproduction is not distorted and generally offers a listening experience that is appropriate for the size of the device. However, if you are looking for higher quality, you would have to opt for another device.

Conclusion

It is true that this is not the most affordable small speaker on the market, and that is its main handicap. You can find interesting offers on Amazon on Prime Day – on the last one, up to 40% off – which make it more affordable and certainly recommendable.

For what it costs, it might be worth paying a little more to get a bigger screen with the Echo Show 5, or to get a better audio experience with the standard Echo speaker, without the screen. But if it’s the design and icons on the screen that you’re after, this Echo Spot is definitely your best option.

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