Last night Amazon surprised everyone and everyone with an impressive list of new products (which we will tell you about on the cover, don't worry). Among them are the new Echo, a well-known family of smart speakers that now expands horizons with the update of its most popular models, including the best seller Echo dot. At this point and taking into account that perhaps you have not had your small speaker at home for a long time, you may have a big question: Is it worth the change? We are going to try to answer it for you.
New family of Echos
Amazon's Echo have managed to carve out an important niche in our homes over time. When thinking about putting a smart home assistant, the Alexa option It is undoubtedly one of the first options that comes to mind, due to its good performance and solvency (which has led it to enjoy very good popularity).
That is why it is not surprising that Amazon pampers this category and nourishes it from time to time with new models and generations like the one we are now dealing with. The firm has launched nothing less than four new speakers to update some of its existing categories, so that you can enjoy new designs or functionalities that were not available until now.
About the new Echo Show 10 and Echo, you have everything explained in detail in our great article about Amazon's great family of Echo speakers - tap on the link and you will access it. Here we are going to focus on the most popular and affordable of all, the Echo Dot, which has also received an update without that (best of all) influencing its price.
echo dot 4th generation
Without a doubt the first thing that catches your attention about the new Echo dot is its design. This fourth generation leaves aside the "pancake" format and is committed to growing in height with a rounded, sphere-type shape factor, quite elegant and that still does not take up much space (important to be able to be placed in any corner of the house).
We still have a similar sound (in the comparison table below you can check it) and the possibility of using it as a control unit for our connected home, being able to manage other devices compatible with Alexa.
See offer on AmazonAll features that we knew are therefore maintained, including the Drop In function to "call" other rooms. There is also a version with integrated clock, with which you can visually check the time, alarms or timers thanks to the LED indicator.
What has changed compared to the previous generation?
As you have already been able to guess from our explanation, there are no major changes between one generation and another, and the most notable thing is the transformation at the design level. The third generation Echo dot for the moment remains in the Amazon catalog (with what seems like a permanent discount price 39,99 euros) while its edition with a clock has disappeared.
The new 4th generation Echo pick up the baton even on the label, costing 59,99 euros and 69,99 euros, depending on whether you prefer the normal version or with integrated LED clock.
| 3rd Gen Echo Dot | 4rd Gen Echo Dot | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 43 x 99 x 99 mm | 100 mm x 100 mm x 89 mm |
| Weight | 300 grams | 328 grams |
| Connectivity | Dual band Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n (2,4 and 5 GHz) Bluetooth-A2DP | Dual band Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2,4 and 5 GHz) Bluetooth-A2DP |
| Sound | 40mm speaker | 41mm speaker |
| Compatibility | Your Alexa app is compatible with Fire OS, Android and iOS devices | Alexa app is compatible with Fire OS, Android and iOS devices |
| What is in the box? | Echo Dot, power adapter (15W), and quick start guide | Echo Dot, power adapter (15W), and Quick Start Guide |
| Version with clock? | discontinued | Yes |
| Available Colours | Anthracite, light grey, dark gray and mauve | Anthracite, blue-gray and white |
| line in/out | 3,5mm input/output | 3,5mm output |
| Official price | 59,99 euros (current discount of 39,99 euros) | 59,99 Euros |
Is the 4th generation worth it?
If you already have a 3rd generation Echo dot, the truth is that there are very few reasons so that you will want the fourth. The new version does exactly the same as its predecessor (and vice versa), so the functionalities are the same.
The change would only be justified if you have fallen madly in love of the new design or if you were thinking of buying an Echo dot and you want it to have a clock (something you can no longer enjoy in the 3rd generation).
See offer on AmazonFor everything else, the "pancake" format that we knew until now continues to be just as attractive and useful, with the advantage of being cheaper. cheaper than the new one. The last decision, as always, is yours.
*Note to reader: Links to Amazon in this article are part of our agreement with their Amazon Associates Program. Even so, the decision to include them has been made freely and under editorial discretion, without responding to any type of request from the company.