But more than being just another Echo with a touchscreen, the Echo Spot is actually a new experience and direction for the platform, and it just might be the device that showcases the full potential of Alexa over competitors Siri and Google Assistant. Alexa is an example of a smart assistant alongside the two popular assistants that belong to the Internet of Things (IoT). The concept refers to a system of interconnected devices that can communicate with and complement each other. Smart home hubs and digital voice assistants are the most popular examples, but the list of IoT applications are wide-ranging and span across multiple industries. But perhaps a unique feature of the Echo Spot is the circular display that adds functionality to the whole exercise. This function allows you to watch videos, view photos, and more. And the device itself comes in a compact form to complement whatever room you decide to place it in.
What Can You Do with the Echo Spot?
The Echo Spot is equipped with a complete set of features that are typical of all Echo products. That includes making voice calls, running audio, and providing information via Alexa. And you can bet that Alexa will come in handy when you need help with a question and for productivity purposes. And considering that the Echo Spot has a slightly different design than other devices in the Echo line, there are more features to work with than a simple smart speaker.
Hands-free Communication
And in case you want to avoid friends and relatives dropping in unexpectedly via video, you can always turn off the camera and even audio. You can mute audio and video through the mute mic button at the top of the device. You can also control the mic and camera through device settings. This should prevent other people from being able to drop in on you unexpectedly and will also stop Alexa from listening in. As you might already know, the device is always listening in for the keyword, “Alexa.” Any false-positive trigger can wake Alexa, at which point she will start recording. To stop Alexa from recording your requests, or turn off her functionality altogether, read this comprehensive guide on why is Alexa always listening and how to stop it.
Smart Alarm
The Echo Spot looks and feels a lot like an alarm clock, so it’s not surprising that it actually functions as one. The Echo Spot has a beautiful clock interface that allows you to switch between analog and digital designs. You can also customize the clock background to any personal photo. The touchscreen functions of the alarm clock makes it easy to set the alarm for any important event, and that surpasses simply waking you up in the morning.
Mapping and Directions
Alexa is also able to give you verbal directions and traffic information about any location. This is great when you’re planning for a trip or when you’re about to leave the house for a meeting. There’s also the local search feature that provides you with information on nearby restaurants, shops, and businesses. You can also ask Alexa about movie showtimes, concert schedules, and TV schedules.
Video Integration
Entertainment
Aside from the ability to provide you with information, Alexa is also great for facilitating entertainment. You can ask Alexa to play any song, playlist, or album from several compatible apps. It can also play videos from open-source websites (except YouTube). Alexa is also more than capable of searching for a TV show that you want to watch from open-source websites. Let’s say you want to play a TV show. Give Alexa the title of any TV show, song, or playlist and she will search for it all over the internet. You can also request Alexa to slideshow a series of pictures that you have stored in a cloud. Alexa is also able to run games like Bingo, Earplay, or Tic Tac Toe. Alexa is also able to tell jokes or engage in a basic conversation when prompted.
Productivity and Information
Alexa is equipped with a number of skills that range from very useful to fun and interesting. One thing Alexa does best is conducting open searches over the internet and checking information about available resource materials. Alexa is able to provide plenty of information sourced from the internet like any proper search engine. Alexa should be able to provide you information as long as the Echo Spot is connected to the internet. You can ask Alexa to provide you with daily news updates, weather, and information about your favorite sports and teams. Alexa can also provide fast facts, trivia, and historical information. You can ask Alexa how many kilometers there are in a mile, or how many people live in a certain area. It’s also possible to inquire with Alexa regarding proper spelling for select words or the English translation of certain words. You can even ask Alexa to translate phrases from one language to another. The device can also act as your kitchen timer, to-do list tracker, shopping list keeper, and calendar monitor.
Drop-In Feature
It must be noted that drop-in functions are limited to people whom you have permission to drop in under settings. You can drop in on anyone who has given you permission to do so under his/her device settings and vice versa. As an ideal situation, both devices should have both camera and microphone enabled to allow both parties to see each other during a video call.
Smart Hub for Alexa Devices
To check whether a smart device can be paired with Echo Spot, check the device’s enclosed specifications or ask your local provider. The Echo Spot, along with other Echo devices, were specially designed to act as the command centers for Bluetooth devices within range. For a list of devices that you can potentially pair with Echo Spot, check out this list of the best smart home devices you don’t want to miss.
Screen Resolution
Physical Features
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
Another important feature is dual-band Wi-Fi compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity. That means it would work pretty well with old or new Wi-Fi modems, and you can choose between a 5GHz or 2.4GHz internet connection. And as we’ve mentioned, the device has Bluetooth functionality that will let it communicate with other devices in your home that’s using the same network.
Quick Setup
Overall, the Echo Spot is an irresistibly compact and affordable package with everything we could ask for in a smart speaker. If you enjoy having a healthy work-life balance, we highly recommend the Echo Spot.
