The Amazon Echo is a fantastic product, but you no longer need to part with $180 to get a high-quality speaker that give you access to Alexa, Amazon’s fantastic virtual personal assistant. In fact, you don’t even need to spend $100 anymore, though the Amazon Tap is also a great option. The Second-Generation Amazon Echo Dot has now officially been released, giving you a fantastic new portable option to access Alexa. It’s shipping now, and it costs just $49.99.
Here are some key details:
- Echo Dot (2nd Generation) is a hands-free, voice-controlled device that uses Alexa to play music, control smart home devices, provide information, read the news, set alarms, and more
- Connects to speakers or headphones through Bluetooth or 3.5 mm stereo cable to play music from Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn
- Controls lights, fans, switches, thermostats, garage doors, sprinklers, and more with compatible connected devices from WeMo, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, Nest, ecobee, and others
- Hears you from across the room with 7 far-field microphones for hands-free control, even in noisy environments or while playing music
- Includes a built-in speaker so it can work on its own as a smart alarm clock in the bedroom, an assistant in the kitchen, or anywhere you might want a voice-controlled computer
- Always getting smarter and adding new features, plus thousands of skills like Uber, Domino’s, and more
- Amazon Echo is not required to use Echo Dot
