Amazon Echo-2019 Review!

Amazon Echo-2019

Amazon might at present be a little Echo mad, determining from the size it announced last month of Alexa powered devices. But clearly the company did not forget the device which started everything: the Echo smart speaker. It was proven that voice commands were not only a joke, but only connected devices with a lot of microphones were needed to work properly. Driven by new audio hardware lifted from $150 Echo Plus in its third generation, the $99 Echo sounds better than ever. The Echo simply sound so good it basically doesn't matter to her more costly sister.

Amazon Echo-2019

You could find it difficult to distinguish the new Echo from the 2017 model. The dimensions are similar and the shape is cylindrical. But on both sides the new one is slightly curved, while the former is flat. The new 3-inch woofer and 0.8-inch tweeter by the Echo were probably necessary for an improved breathing area. Up above, you will find buttons for volume controls, muting, voice commands and manuals (so when you're near you don't need to scream Alexa). There is also a 3.5 mm port that can either play music from the device and pip the sound of the Echo to an amplifier. The Echo sound is also available.

In general, due to the broad woofer, the bass efficiency of the Echo is significantly improved. I really could feel the percussion of the "kiss" of Prince, while the previous model sounded virtually soulless. The disgusting, lower-end rumble in the "holy terrain" of FKA twigs succeeded in shaking up my countertop a little in high volumes, without much distorsion. Even recordings and digital radio programs sounded great— not only do voices match distinctly, but the musical ability of Echo has been helpful in shows like WNYC's New Sounds.

Amazon Echo-2019

Amazon has come a long way from the original Echo's hit-or-miss voice detection. Honestly however, voice commands were very convincing, even that device. To be able to shout demands or to answer basic questions on music or radio stations, brings us closer to the Star Trek's omnipresent machine. And, of course, if your hands are full, your voice is the best input tool for smart speakers and displaying these ideal kitchen companions.

I didn't miss it very much while the Echo loses the smart core of the Pro model. The biggest benefit of the costlier version before was better audio quality, but the pro is even harder to recommend now that it looks the same. When I tested the model 2017, I didn't find his smart home features very helpful, and Amazon didn't make it any better. The Zigbee specification also remains in place, prohibiting it from operating for Z-Wave phones. You can even attach a great deal of smart hardware to any Alexa-known Echo phone, which makes the mobile hub of the pro even more worthless— that is how I monitor my Hue Lightbulbs.

Amazon Echo-2019

After reports that employees heard recordings, Amazon also increases his privacy efforts with the aim of improving the voice worker. You can now completely opt out of this review process. It was not an entirely noble decision on the part of Amazon, particularly as Google and Apple were also criticized for similar programs, but the company at least does not completely ignore the issues of privacy. Every intelligent speaker poses a potential safety risk— they are basically a bunch of cloud connected microphones— so considering their downsides is useful before bringing you home. (It's also why smart speakers don't give great donations, you never know how many people really do).

Single Bluetooth speakers and wireless systems such as Sonos make more sense for private security. (If you are just reading this review, however, I bet you accepted that the convenience of voice commands outweigh potential privacy concerns. (Just be sure to avoid the model with baked-in microphones and voice helpers.)

Amazon Echo-2019

There are also many other ways of Alexa to start up, for example the Echo Dot ($60), the Echo Glow night light ($30), and the small Echo Flex ($25). All these devices can spread Echo throughout your home, but any can easily act as an entrance to Amazon's voice assistant. If you want something which can also play music, the Echo speaker is most useful. Echo Studio ($200) or Sonos One ($199) might well fit better if you are looking for better sound quality. The Echo Show ($90) is also affordable, which is a good option if you choose to see and not to hear details.

If you're a strong Android user or fully enclosed within the Google ecosystem, it might make more sense for one of its clever home devices. The Google Home is still there and technically the direct competitor of the Echo but in four years it is also not updated. Then, Google drives the intelligent screen of the Nest Hub ($99, originally Home Hub). It's worth thinking back over which community you should be part of if you've still not invested in such smart devices. If you don't use many Google services, and if you want the most support for third-party devices and services, Alexa makes more sense.

Amazon Echo-2019

As an entrance into Alexa's world, the third generation of Echo is difficult to find failure. It is quite cheap, sounds fantastic and handles voice commands like charm. This took some years, but Amazon finally succeeded in producing a $100 Echo that gives everything you need. Nevertheless, the popularity of Amazon, unfortunately, still means that there are many other alternative alternatives.