Amazon Echo Dot Alexa Smart Speaker 5th Generation

Amazon Echo Dot Alexa Smart Speaker 5th Generation  -08060498353

The Amazon Echo Dot Alexa Smart Speaker 5th Generation  is a lot like every other generation of Dot and most , in that there’s really not much to it. This smart speaker meant to be your entry point into the  and all the virtual assistant can bring. As such, it’s a fairly sparse product in isolation. This generation features the same look as the fourth generation, with a mostly spherical shape (there’s a flat base so it doesn’t roll around) half covered in a mesh fabric.

As most of the special functionality of the Echo Dot comes from software, it features pretty limited hardware. There’s a single speaker on the front (it’s underneath the fabric), and a power port on the back for the included AC adapter. This is a stationary  without a battery, so it’s definitely meant to sit on a shelf or countertop and stay there forever.

There are four buttons on the top of the device, for volume control, prompting Alexa, or muting the microphone. However, it should be obvious that the primary way of controlling this is with your voice. Setting up the Echo Dot (5th Gen) requires installing the Amazon Alexa app (iOS/Android) and linking it to your account. After that, it’s a matter of setting up features in the app and asking Alexa to make it so. You can install plug-ins — called Skills in Alexa parlance — for whatever features you could want: Spotify integration, news headlines, trivia games, and more—heck, you can even install a Skill that tracks when you go to the bathroom (it’s called Poop Detective).

Now all these different skills can mean that your experience with the Echo Dot will probably vary quite a bit from mine, or anyone else you know with an Alexa speaker—so just know that if there’s something you want Alexa to be able to do, it may take a little digging in the mobile app to find.

The number one thing that’s nice about the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is probably the most important thing: Alexa is responsive and the voice-activated features work well. Once you get the skills you want loaded up, all it takes is uttering “Alexa…” followed by a song or playlist title on Spotify, or a search request on Google, or whatever random question pops into your head, and you’re off to the races. I have yet to run into a single instance of the speaker not picking up and me saying “Alexa.” It even notices when I whisper it while music is playing.

The virtual assistant can get a little tripped up if you start asking for more elaborately worded requests, but it’s still pretty permissive. If you get whatever canned phrase you’re supposed to say slightly wrong (each Skill you install in the app will have a list of commands you can say) it usually ends up working anyway.

The speaker also sounds pretty good at low-medium levels. It’s fairly directional, so you can’t just put it anywhere and expect to get good sound, but in most rooms, it doesn’t sound half bad. There’s definitely some added emphasis in the bass range, but not to the extent that you’d struggle with other kinds of sounds indoors—this isn’t an outdoor speaker, so no need for an outdoor frequency response. 

Amazon Echo Dot Alexa Smart Speaker 5th Generation Features:

Meet the all-new Echo Dot

Round out any room with Alexa. Our most popular smart speaker has a sleek, compact design that fits perfectly into small spaces. It delivers crisp vocals and balanced bass for full sound you can enjoy anywhere in your home.

More music in more rooms

Use your voice to play a song, artist, or genre through Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, and others. And with multi-room music, you can fill your whole home with music, radio stations, podcasts, and Audible using compatible Echo devices in different rooms.

Alexa is happy to help

Make your life easier at home. Set timers, ask questions, add items to lists, and create calendar events and reminders. Check the traffic and weather, or play the news. Access tens of thousands of Alexa skills, like Headspace or Sleep Sounds. And do it all with just your voice.

Voice control your home

Manage compatible smart home devices using your voice. Switch on the lamp before getting out of bed, dim the lights from the couch to watch a movie, or turn up the thermostat as you head out.

Alexa Guard can help you keep your home safe

Set up Guard for free in the Alexa app to get mobile alerts if your Echo device detects the sound of a smoke alarm or glass breaking while you’re away. And subscribe to Guard Plus for even more help protecting your home, like an Emergency Helpline you can call with just your voice and more.

Stay connected and in sync

Instantly drop in on other rooms in your home or make an announcement to every room that has a compatible Echo device. Let everyone know dinner is ready, or remind the kids that it’s bedtime. You can also stay in touch with friends and family with hands-free calling.

Alexa for kids

Make Alexa kid-friendly at no extra charge. Turn on parental controls with Amazon Kids (FreeTime), right in the Alexa app. Alexa will automatically give kid-friendly responses, filter explicit songs and block shopping. Parents can also enable communications features, set time limits, and review activity. Children’s privacy is important to us. .

Designed to protect your privacy

Alexa and Echo devices are built with multiple layers of privacy protection. Echo smart speakers have a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the microphones. You also have control over your voice recordings and can view, hear, or delete them at any time.

SLEEK DESIGN & FULL SOUND -
 Our most popular smart speaker fits perfectly into small spaces. The sleek, compact design delivers crisp vocals and balanced bass for full sound.

ALEXA IS READY TO HELP -

Alexa can set timers, check the weather, answer questions, let you know what time it is, add items to your shopping list, and more all hands-free.

ABOUT THE LIGHT RING -

Alexa doesn’t begin listening until your device hears you say “Alexa” and the light ring turns blue.

CONTROL MUSIC WITH A SIMPLE PHRASE -

Echo Dot allows you to stream songs via Bluetooth or from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, SiriusXM, and others.

DESIGNED TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY -

Built with multiple layers of privacy controls including a mic off button and in-app privacy controls.

GET STARTED WITH SMART HOME -

With compatible devices like a smart plug or light bulb you can use your voice to turn on/off lights, adjust thermostats, or turn on a fan.

SUSTAINABILITY DESIGNED -

We considered sustainability in the design of this device with 50% post-consumer recycled plastics, 100% post-consumer recycled fabric, and 100% recycled die-cast aluminum.

IN THE BOX:

Echo Dot,  Power adapter (15W), and Quick Start Guide.