Don’t call it a comeback… actually, do, because it is
Amazon has taken the covers off of its latest Echo smart speaker device: the Echo Spot.
If that name sounds familiar that’s because it is; the original Amazon Echo Spot was launched way back 2017, hot on the heels of the original Echo Show, but was discontinued a couple of years later.
Like the OG Spot, the 2nd-edition, 2024 Echo Spot model is like an Echo Dot / Echo Show hybrid. In fact, you can actually see a lot of the Echo Pop in its design, with that straight line angled face with the sphere form factor out back.
It’s designed with your bedside table in mind, described by Amazon as “sleek new customizable smart alarm clock.”
The flat face is split into two parts: a speaker grill down the bottom and the star of the show – a semi-circle display – up top. Well, sort of… the display is actually a rectangle within a dark semi-circle, to give the illusion it’s all screen real estate.
Guide: How to use your Amazon Echo with Alexa as the perfect alarm clock
That display boasts gradual lighting so it won’t be too bright overnight when you’re trying to sleep and you’ll be able to customize its appearance with a range of clock faces and color schemes (orange, violet, magenta, lime, teal and blue) on offer.
It will, off course, give your regular Echo smart display controls, with a focus on music playback but you’ll also be able to control smart home devices and get video doorbell notifications and the like too.
Alexa is obviously on board for all your voice commands, making it super simple to set alarms and initiate your Alexa Routines.
Unlike the original, there’s no front facing cameras, so no video call option; but you will still be able to communicate with other Echo speakers in your house using Drop-Ins and Announcements.
The new Amazon Echo Spot is available now. It’s set to cost £79.99 but until 17 July, you can nab one for £49.99 if you’re a Prime member.
It comes in Black, Glacier White, and Ocean Blue.
