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New Echo (2nd Generation)

List Price: USD 99.99
Price: USD 99.99 (As of October 26, 2017)
Exchangeable Outer Shells:  Walnut, Oak and Silver Finish, Charcoal, Gray, and Sandstone Fabric 

The Echo has become a mainstay in a lot of our homes including my own.  I purchased one of each of the Echo devices which the Echo, the Tap and Dot. The new Echo (2nd Generation) is pre-ordered and will arrive soon.  I purchased the new Echo because of its size and the new interchangeable shells. Instead of having to settle for the basic black, there are more color fabrics and finishes to choose from. I also wanted to replace my Dot with something larger, but not as large as the Echo Plus.  This new device is the right size for my needs.

The cost is economical and you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.  Its new fabric shells and finishes are much more attractive than the original Echo’s black (or white) perforated plastic housing.

If you’re thinking about what are the differences between the old and new Echo, it is not all that much.  It still performs the same tasks and requests as the first generation device, but as some put it, the Echo has become smarter. The seven beam-forming microphones make it easier for the device to hear your voice from farther away.  A recent update from Amazon allows Alexa to now recognize different voices where you can use your voice as the Alexa password.

The Echo will recognize your voice, and when you ask  for example, “Play my favorite playlist,” it will play your playlist and not your roommate’s. The same feature also works when making phone calls. If you tell your Echo to call your Mom, it will call your mother from your contact list instead of someone who may share your device.

You guessed it, the real product Amazon is selling is Alexa. You can still make calls to other Echo devices, as well as to those people with the Alexa app, perform voice calls to your family and friends’ mobile phones and landlines and set up multi-room listening.

Although, the new medium-sized Echo is a neat device, its audio quality is still so-so.  The speakers were updated with Dolby sound which included a 2.5-inch sub-woofer and 0.6-inch tweeter. They do perform well enough for you to enjoy your music and podcasts. However, if you are an audiophile, you may want to connect high end speakers to enhance your listening experience.

With Bluetooth and the newly added auxiliary jack, you can connect the new Echo to any speaker, unlike with the first generation Echo. This works the same as it does on the smaller Echo Dot, and makes it easy to add voice control to existing stereo equipment.
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Clik here to view.When looking at the device, the most obvious visual difference between the new Echo and its predecessor is the device’s size. Where the first Echo’s size and shape resembled a can of Pringles or tennis balls, the new model is more like a can of soda.

As one reviewer describes the device, “It’s short and stout, about two-thirds as tall as the first model, but with a slightly larger diameter. That should make it a little easier to tuck into a shelf or hide away in a corner of your living room or kitchen.”

You could say it is a rather simple design because the rotating volume ring is now plus and minus buttons, like those found on the Echo Dot. They work fine, but most users usually adjust the Echo’s volume with voice commands.

The other update includes the choice of interchangeable decorative shells which are designed to make the device blend in better with your home decor.  The first model’s black (and eventually, white) plastic finish was plain and may not have blended well inside your home.  In contrast, the new model comes with a fabric cover in a variety of grays (basically, dark, medium, or light gray) that’s aesthetically appealing to the eye and Amazon is hoping that the new look will fit in better with decorating style.

Of course, you get only once choice when you purchase. However, if you want additional shells to choose from, you will have to purchase them.  I purchased a black fabric shell because I like black it melds well with anything.  The other choices include a silvery gray, walnut, or oak finish. Keep in mind that the finishes are plastic and not actual wood or metal.

Amazon has added a number of new features to Alexa, the smart assistant inside of the Echo, including control of Fire TV set top boxes and improved smart home controls. Since Alexa runs entirely in the cloud, it doesn’t matter which Amazon Echo device you own, all of them are capable of performing the same functions.  You don’t need to buy a new Echo to get the latest Alexa features on your first-generation model. The recent updates have taken care of that.

Should You Purchase The New Echo?

If you think about it, the Amazon Echo is already the best smart speaker you can buy thanks to its ability to communicate with hundreds of connected devices, as well as Amazon’s own massive online store. In all honesty, Amazon really didn’t have to do much to the Echo to make it more appealing. It just had to make it less expensive, which is exactly what Amazon did. It’s already a top seller. The  low price, improved design, and slightly upgraded audio, makes the new Echo an attractive purchase.

If you already have a first-generation Echo, I wouldn’t rush to purchase this upgrade unless you are not happy with the old design or you feel that you really  need the auxiliary jack and the ability to change out the outer shell, then this would be a good purchase for you. If not, the first generation Echo will suffice.

Although, Amazon established the smart speaker market, it now has some tough competition from Google, Microsoft, and soon, Apple.  If you don’t like the Amazon infrastructure, then you have other smart devices to choose from. Each one does something different than the other. You have to be the judge regarding your personal needs and use for one of these devices.

What’s In The Box?

• Echo (2nd Generation) with chosen shell
• Power adapter
• Quick Start Guide

Note: The Alexa Voice Remote is optional and sold separately.

Consider These Echo Devices Also

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Don’t forget to checkout the other options, the Echo Plus which replaces the first generation Echo comes with an integrated Smart Hub that controls your compatible smart lights, thermostats, locks, garage doors, sprinklers, and more.  You can set up devices from Philips Hue, GE, Kwikset, and others without the need for a separate hub. 

The 2nd generation Echo Dot has a small built-in speaker, but like the first generation Dot, it can be connected to a home stereo system with a 3.5mm audio cable or Bluetooth speaker (wireless headphones work, also). The Amazon Echo can only play audio through its built-in speaker.  If you need the big sound, you should opt for new Echo or Echo Plus.  Inr

Cool Accessories For 2nd Generation Dot

The accessories for the 2nd generation Dot are really nice compared to what was offered for the old Dot.  Amazon is offering battery to make the Dot mobile, exchangeable cases: Charcoal, Indigo and Sandstone fabric, plus Merlot, Midnight and Sandle Tan leather. Users describe the cases as fabric or leather over hard plastic.  That gives you an idea what to expect if you purpose one for your new Dot.

Aluminum Stand Holder for 2nd generation Dot:  Special design that will protect and prevent your Echo Dot from being knocked over or damaged.  The Stands are durable and sturdy and are the perfect size to fit on a desk without taking up a lot of space.  The design allows for easy placement of the speaker and its cable inside the Stand holder and doesn’t block the sound from the speaker. Colors are silver, black, wood and light wood, like an oak color.

Battery Bases and Charges for 2nd Generation Dot: Amazon offers several battery bases for the the new Dot. They are designed to make the Dot portable. Otherwise it is necessary to keep it connected to an electric outlet.

• Bingogous Intelligent Battery Base for Echo dot 2nd Generation: 10000mAh high capacity external battery keeps the Echo Dot (2nd Generation) powered for about 10 hours, and 30 hours stand-by time. It has multiple uses and can charge other devices such a the iPhone, iPad, and Samsung while enjoying music from your Echo Dot at the same time.
• Wasserstein Intelligent Portable 7000mAh Capacity Battery Power Bank Charger for 2nd Gen Echo Dot: This battery charger comes in different colors instead of your basic black or white.  Allows for 5-8 hours of wireless usage (actual time will depend on volume intensity and working status), and standby time of is approximately 10-12 hours. Equipped with fast charging capacity, fully charge your power station in just 3-4 hours.
• Itian Portable Power Bank Charger 10000mAh K12 for 2nd Gen Echo Dot and Android Apple Devices: keeps the echo dot 2nd Generation powered for a maximum of up to 12 hours (depends on your 2nd echo dot working status).

Don’t forget, you can also add the Alexa remote for use with the 2nd generation Dot.
This Dottie – Plug-in Mount for Amazon Echo Dot 2nd Generation Echo Dot Plug-in improves microphones array sensitivity and audio playback. A sturdy, sleek, one-piece design that can be mounted in an Up or Down configuration in your home or office. This Dottie makes it possible to mount a Dot anywhere you have an electrical outlet; No tools required, no drilling, or no wall damage.  Don’t worry about the cable because it fits neatly in the bottom area of the base. The mount has its own built in cable and plug.  It holds the Dot firmly and securely, with no exposed wires or loose fitting pieces.

Introducing The Echo Plus with built-in Hub

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Clik here to view.The Echo Plus comes in three colors Black, White and Metallic Silver. If you own the first generation Echo, you should be familiar with how it functions. The biggest difference from the Echo is the addition of an integrated Hub for simple setup for compatible smart home devices.

In regards to sound, the Echo Plus uses the same speaker and Dolby processing as the Echo, but the Echo Plus has a taller design which means a larger cavity for the speaker to work. It’s tweeter is slightly larger at .8 inch versus the Echo’s .6 inch.  The Echo Plus also keeps the volume ring around the top, whereas the Echo doesn’t have it. The Echo Plus is also capable of omni-directional 360-degree audio that should produce a crisp, clear performance no matter where you are in the room.

The Echo Plus is also going to be more suited for those who plan to really take advantage of the smart home functionality. The Echo 2 can control your Hue bulbs and so on, the Plus can act as a smart-home hub and easily set everything up by just asking it.  If you purchase the Echo Plus, a free Hue bulb comes with the Plus, to provide a jump start to setting up your smart-home. Keep in mind, the other difference between the two devices is cost.  The Echo Plus cost $50 more than the new Echo.

 Product Features of Echo 2nd Generation

• All-new Echo (2nd Gen) has a new speaker, new design, and is available in six styles including fabrics and wood veneers. Echo connects to Alexa to play music, make calls, set alarms and timers, ask questions, control smart home devices, and more-instantly.
• Just ask for a song, artist, or genre from Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, and more. With multi-room music, you can play music on compatible Echo devices in different rooms. Echo can also play audiobooks, radio stations, news briefs, and more.
• Call or message anyone hands-free with your Echo device. Also, instantly connect to other Echo devices in your home using just your voice.
• New speaker, now with Dolby processing for crisp vocals and dynamic bass response. Echo can fill the room with 360° omnidirectional audio.
• With seven microphones, beamforming technology, and noise cancellation, Echo hears you from any direction-even while music is playing
• Just ask Alexa to check your calendar, weather, traffic, and sports scores, manage to-do and shopping lists, control your compatible smart lights, thermostats, garage doors, sprinklers, and more
• Alexa is always getting smarter and adding new features and skills. Just ask Alexa to control your TV, request an Uber, order a pizza, and more.

Product Description

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Amazon Echo is a hands-free speaker you control with your voice. Echo connects to the Alexa Voice Service to play music, ask questions, make calls, send and receive messages, provide information, news, sports scores, weather, and more—instantly. All you have to do is ask.

Echo is also an expertly tuned speaker that can fill any room with immersive sound. It has seven microphones and beam-forming technology so it can hear you from across the room — even while music is playing. When you want to use Echo, just say the wake word “Alexa” and Echo responds instantly.

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The 2nd generation Echo has a 2.5” downward-firing woofer and 0.6” tweeter to deliver crisp vocals and dynamic bass throughout the room. You can play music from Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and more. With Amazon Music, you can search by lyrics, time-period, or let Alexa pick the music for you. You can also listen to audiobooks from Audible, podcasts, radio stations, news briefs, and more.

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Want to play music on an Echo in another room? Now with multi-room music, you can tell Alexa to play across your compatible Echo devices. Tell Alexa to play jazz in the kitchen, top pop in the family room, or play the same song throughout your whole homeEcho Dot can also directly connect to speakers using a 3.5 mm stereo cable or using Bluetooth to add voice control to your home stereo system in the living room or den.

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Use Echo to switch on the lamp before getting out of bed, turn on the coffee maker on your way to the kitchen, or dim the lights from the couch to watch a movie—all without lifting a finger. Ask Alexa to turn on the TV, turn up the volume, change the channel, or play your favorite movie. Echo can control your Fire TV, and select devices from Sony, Dish, and Logitech.

Control multiple devices at scheduled times or with a single voice command, like locking the doors and turning off the lights when you go to bed. Echo works with lights, locks, switches, thermostats, and more from WeMo, Philips Hue, SmartThings, Insteon, Nest, ecobee, and Wink.

Hands-free calling and messaging

With Echo, you can instantly talk to anyone hands-free — no tapping or searching required. Your contacts will see your number when they receive the call so they know who is calling. Additionally, you can send messages via voice or text to anyone with a supported Echo device or the Alexa App

Let your household know when dinner is ready, ask someone for help with a chore, or remind the kids to go to sleep — without having to raise your voice. With the Drop In feature enabled for room-to-room calling, instantly connect with compatible Echo devices in your home.

Far-field voice recognition

Tucked under the light ring is an array of seven microphones that use beam-forming technology and enhanced noise cancellation. The 2nd generation Echo has improved wake-word performance to hear you ask a question from any direction—even in noisy environments or while playing music at loud volumes.

When you want to use Echo, simply say the wake word, “Alexa,” and Echo lights up and connects to the cloud, where the Alexa Voice Service recognizes and responds to your request instantly.

Alexa has skills

Echo uses tens of thousands of skills and counting. Skills add even more capabilities like ordering a pizza from Domino’s, requesting a ride from Uber, tracking your fitness with Fitbit, controlling your TV with Dish, and more. To enable new skills, just ask Alexa.

New skills are being added all the time. You can also see ratings and reviews to learn what other customers are saying about the thousands of skills available in the Alexa App.

Always getting smarter

Alexa is always getting smarter — the more you use Echo, the more Alexa adapts to your speech patterns, vocabulary, and personal preferences. And because Echo is always connected, updates are delivered automatically.

Just in the last few months we’ve added Alexa calling and messaging, multi-room music, and reminders, along with skills from third-party developers.

Suit your style

Customize your Echo for any room with the Echo Shells, available in a range of fabrics and finishes.

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