See what Alexa can do
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Pros:
1. Stylish appearance- With the new model, Amazon has changed the design of the echo dot from its distinctive shape to a spherical design, the result being that the new model is higher (approx 3.5 inches) than previous echo dots but the width has remained the same (approx 4 inches). The light strip which lets you know when Alexa is listening has been brought down to the base of the device rather than the top as in previous models, other than that it retains all 4 of the controls as on previous models (volume controls, speaker off, and action). The LED clock display is also present in this model which I purchased.
2. The rear of the Echo Dot 4 comes with a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting to a wired speaker (Bluetooth connectivity also possible) and a power port which allows you to connect the device to a power outlet using the approximately 60 inch-length power adaptor.
3. Easy to setup- super easy to setup. I had it pre-configured with my Amazon account (you can select this option while ordering the speaker on Amazon). If you also have an existing Alexa device connected to your home WiFi (like I did) then it’ll connect automatically and all you have to do is plug your new speaker in and it is up and running (amazing!), otherwise follow the setup process on your Alexa app to add the echo on your home WiFi network (also super easy to do).
4. You can link the device with a number of music services such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, Audible, Tuneln etc. There’s now free ad-supported music streaming for Alexa from Amazon Music.
5. Amazing features- a) The “tap to snooze” feature allows you tap the top of the speaker to snooze an alarm. Perfect if you want to get more sleep without speaking with Alexa.
b) This device also comes with Alexa, the intuitive digital assistant who helps keep me organised, from reading headlines, reminding me of events, setting alarms/reminders, tell jokes, etc.
c) Hands free empowerment - Device allows you to make calls to Alexa enabled devices (“drop-in”), call mobile and landline numbers in the UK (also allows calls to mobiles and landlines in U.S., Canada, and Mexico) at no additional cost, and send free Alexa-to-Alexa messages from the Alexa app. Very useful feature, elderly members of the family can use this to keep in touch or even call for help in an emergency without having to reach for the phone.
d) Alexa Guard- Amazing security feature that helps protect the home. Alexa notifies you if it detects any pre-configured (you configure what sorts of alerts you want to receive) noise such as breaking glass (in case of burglary), smoke alarm going off, etc.
Cons:
1. Limited colour range- the new echo dot 4 is currently only available in two colours - glacier white, and twilight blue compared to echo dot 3 which has much wider range of colours.
2. Sound quality- The audio quality is only slightly better than its predecessor, the echo dot 3. Both echo dots use the same speaker but the echo dot 4 speaker is front-firing which is supposed to improve the audio quality. However any improvement in audio quality is only marginal (I was expecting this to be a lot better given the increased size of the new echo dot 4), however given that this is a relatively small speaker, the sound quality is actually quite impressive (see attached video).
3. Price- currently priced at £10 more than the echo dot 3 (an additional £10 if you want to get the model with the clock), this is not exactly a cheap speaker. However if you’re a fan of the spherical design and the range of options/possibilities that come with the new echo dot 4, then it may be worth taking a look at this.
Verdict- if you have the echo dot 3 and considering upgrading to the new model, then i believe it ultimately comes down to whether you prefer the spherical design of the new echo dot 4 as the features are pretty much the same. However, if you’re shopping for a new speaker/clock/alarm, you might want to take a look at this new echo dot with all its amazing features.
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