Amazon releases two new cheaper and smaller Echos
Well, the rumors of Amazon releasing a new, cheaper and smaller version of their popular Virtual-Assistant enabled speaker called Echo has been proved true, as they have recently announced two new speakers that are smaller and cheaper than the original Echo. The first one is called the Echo Dot, which is basically the top portion of the first Echo, just the speaker portion has been removed. And the second one is called the Amazon Tap, which is a small Bluetooth and WiFi speaker that supports Echo's voice commands.
First up, the Echo Dot. To describe the design of the Dot as simple as possible, it looks like a hockey puck. The reason, however, is to why it is that small is because some Amazon users wanted to connect their Echo into another speaker. To appease those consumers, Amazon removed the speakers from the Echo and added a 3.5mm audio connection to add it to different speakers. There are still speakers inside for voice feedback and alarm functions, however. The seven-microphone array, volume ring, mute and action buttons are still on the Dot, as well.
And second, we have the Amazon Tap. As mentioned above, the Tap is a Bluetooth enabled WiFi speaker that supports Amazon's signature Alexa voice commands. However, you'll have to press the mic button to initiate the speech recognition. And because it comes with Alexa's voice commands, it can stream Spotify through your home network without having to use your smartphone. The Tap features two speakers for Omni-directional Dolby-processed sound. It is also made to be transported from place to place, as it has a nine hour of playback time rating as well as a three-week standby on a single charge. The Tap also sits on a slim charging dock that has the control buttons for volume and skipping forward/backward through songs.
If you are interested in the new speakers, they are available for pre-order now, and they will be shipping later this month. The Tap will be priced at $129.99USD, while the Dot is priced at $89.99USD. There is only one downside to ordering the Dot. You must have either Amazon's first Echo or Amazon's Fire TV to buy it. Amazon is reporting that there is a limited supply of the Dot. That could be why the restriction is in place. There is no word on when the Dot will be able for everyone to purchase.
Via: | Engadget |
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Source: | No source given |
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Image Credit: | BGR | Droid-Life | Engadget |
