23 Oct
Blog

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) Review: Setting the Benchmark

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) on the table

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) Review: Growing Up To Set The Standard

"It's still compact, but the new Echo Dot (4th Generation) offers a decent punch for $ 50."

  • Charming new design

  • Excellent audio quality for its size

  • Alexa Guard protection

  • Affordable cost

  • LED clock should be standard

The fourth generation of the Echo Dot does without the puck-shaped design of its predecessors and wants to make a statement with its revised design. You could say it's a game of chance, because the spherical shape of the new design is very different from anything else. The bigger problem, however, is where this latest model competes against the multitude of other smart speakers that are seeking attention.

Big surprises come in small packages

While Amazon is the entry-level model, it has never neglected the audio punch of the Echo Dot – and that is evident in the fourth-generation Echo Dot. For its size, it's actually pretty impressive how good it sounds. Sure, it's in no way intended to compete with the premium audio experiences of something like the Echo Studio, but given its size, I'm convinced it's the best sounding speaker in the $ 50 price range.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Beneath the 100% recycled post-consumer mesh that wraps the entire speaker is a 1.6-inch front speaker that delivers crisp highs that are offset by rich-sounding bass. If you are the casual music listener, you will appreciate how the Echo Dot (4th Generation) can fill smaller rooms with its audio very well. You can certainly improve the output by pairing it with other speakers for that room-filling sound. However, it can still stand on its own.

I am convinced that it is the best sounding speaker in the $ 50 price range.

It handles higher volumes well without ever sounding screeching or high-pitched. There's also a little wiggle room when it comes to tweaking the tone, as controls for adjusting bass, mids, and treble are available through the Alexa app. Don't let its small size fool you – the Echo Dot can let some larger speakers rival for its performance.

One design for everyone

Just like its bigger sibling, the Echo (4th generation), the Echo Dot (4th generation) has a spherical shape. The height has increased over the third generation Echo Dot, while the physical buttons for volume, mute, and action continue to lead the way.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

I was skeptical of this decision, especially when the puck-shaped design has become an icon. Change can be a good thing, however – and that's the case with the new Echo Dot (4th generation). Whether on my desk or on a kitchen shelf – the design fits almost any style and decor.

Amazon also announced the variants of the speaker during its September 2020 event:

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) with clock

If you need a bedside companion, this is it Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) with clock is the logical choice. It shows the time – along with the outside temperature, timers and alarms. I honestly wish the LED clock was a standard feature on the Echo Dot rather than an entirely separate model.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) with clock LED lightJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Apart from the clock functions, nothing differs from the standard model. However, there is a $ 10 premium on this version, which equates to a $ 60 premium. It's worth buying because I can't tell you how convenient it is to find the time without turning to my smartphone.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) Kids Edition

More and more people are relying on smart speakers when working from home, but those who have kids will want to consider the fun and sweetness Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) Kids Edition.

Echo Dot Kids Edition IntroducedAmazon

There are currently two design options available – a panda or a tiger. The Kids Edition has the same features as the standard Echo Dot, but Amazon has a range of kid-friendly content, including a year of Amazon Kids +. Children can ask Alexa to tell them stories, call approved friends, and use some educational skills. Just like the watch, the Kids Edition costs $ 60.

Alexa to the rescue

Alexa, the digital assistant, is growing and developing. Although Alexa is better at providing relevant answers and answers to questions / commands, I find the Google Assistant still does a better job. That said, there are a lot more Alexa-compatible devices to control and control – from everyday things like smart LED lightbulbs to some obscure devices like garage openers.

It's little things like Alexa Guard that create more incentive value.

Thanks to the various Alexa skills that you can acquire, the functionality of Alexa continues to grow. I love that you can change Alexa's voice to Samuel L. Jackson, especially when it comes to the explicit and funny comment.

There is one area that caught my attention more than anything – security features that Alexa can use to watch over my home. With Alexa Guard, the Echo Dot (4th generation) listens for certain noises such as broken glass or a smoke detector. The Google Assistant does a similar thing, but you need to subscribe to the Nest Aware service. It's a free service for Alexa Guard, so I appreciate it rolling out at no additional cost. Would you like a more comprehensive service? Launching soon for $ 5 per month, Amazon Guard Plus has an emergency line that you can call for help by asking Alexa.

Most people expect smart speakers to do the typical things like play music and control other smart home devices, but it's little things like Alexa Guard that make the Echo Dot (4th Generation) more excited at home.

Our opinion

The Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) makes some bold changes, but it offers a punchy package that makes it the smart speaker that can be beat in the $ 50 price range. The spherical design is a refreshing change that doesn't stop it from being a capable speaker for music. The only criticism I have is that the LED clock should be standard on all models rather than having a dedicated model.

How long it will take?

Since it is unlikely to be moved from place to place, there is little or no concern that something unfortunate will happen to the Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation). Construction is solid, but if something goes wrong internally, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty that covers deficiencies. If you need more, Amazon offers paid accident protection.

Is there a better alternative?

You won't find anything better that combines the exceptional audio performance of the Echo Dot, extensive features, and evolving capabilities of Alexa at around $ 50. If you're craving for better audio performance, the Amazon Echo Studio remains the best Alexa speaker – while the Amazon Echo (4th Generation) bridges the void as an all-round performer at $ 100.

The Google Nest Mini is the natural choice if your budget is around $ 50 and you rely heavily on Google's services.

Should you buy it?

Even if you have the previous version, the Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) is a great buy whether you're just starting out or planning an addition.

Editor's recommendations




10 Sep
Blog

Anker Soundcore Spirit Dot 2 Review: Good, But Puzzling

Anker Spirit Dot 2 earbuds

Anker Soundcore Spirit Dot 2

"The Spirit Dot 2 offers the winning combination of good sound and affordability."

  • Secure fit

  • Excellent passive noise reduction

  • Solid bottom end

  • Average characteristics overall

  • Limited touch controls

One of my biggest and perhaps only complaints about the Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 was the design of the ear hook. It's not that putting these hooks over your ears is uncomfortable as they fit nicely. When compared to traditional true wireless earbuds, the ear hook style is a far less appealing option.

The $ 80 Anker Soundcore Spirit Dot 2 is the company's answer to people wanting the value of the Spirit X2 in a more compact package. Features may not be quite the same, but the Dot 2 has the preferred earbud design at the same price as the Spirit X2.

Is that enough? Time to find out.

Out of the box

There is nothing special about the packaging of the Spirit Dot 2 or any of the accessories inside other than the fact that the packaging they come in is very similar to the Spirit X2 so I had to double check and make sure I did grabbed the right buds. This should of course be coordinated with Anker's uniform color scheme.

Anker Spirit Dot 2 earbudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Aside from the buds and their charging case, the Spirit Dot 2's package includes four additional pairs of earplugs, two pairs of “Airwings” (or ear fins), a USB-C cable, and the standard documentation. For what it's worth, I stuck to the earplugs and ear fins that the Spirit Dot 2 came with. However, your mileage and ears may vary. So it's nice of Anker to offer different options at this price.

The Spirit Dot 2 connects to your mobile device like you are used to from most real wireless earbuds. When you pull them out of the charging case, the automatic pairing function is activated. All you have to do is find them in your phone settings and connect. In addition to the Bluetooth 5 technology supported by these buds, the Spirit Dot 2 has two transmitters that allow each earbud to be individually connected to your phone, according to Anker. The company says this can result in up to 30 percent lower latency. While I can't specifically prove this statistic, I can say that I didn't experience any significant latency issues when watching YouTube or TikTok clips on my phone.

design

I wouldn't call the Spirit Dot 2 the smallest buds I've ever put in my ears – at first glance, that honor might go to the 1More Colorbuds – but they're certainly small and significantly less vigorous than a pair like that Edifier TWS NB. It is a vague way of assessing the size of these buds, but without access to weight specifications, it is the best I can offer.

Anker Spirit Dot 2 earbudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Probably the most comparable buds to the Spirit Dot 2 are the Google Pixel Buds 2. Both use similar ergonomic shapes with ear fins to position them securely in your ear. The Spirit Dot 2 are a bit more voluminous and therefore put more pressure on my ears. However, the secure and comfortable seal of the Spirit Dot 2 exactly reflects my experience with Google Pixel Buds 2. The more expensive Google product offers more comfort when listening over a longer period of time.

Although Anker recommends these buds for various purposes such as training, sports, or travel, at the time of this review I was unable to test the Spirit Dot 2 due to the poor air quality in my area. I did take them for a few walks and a handful of home workouts, however, and they held up well during these activities.

The Spirit Dot 2 have no buttons, but opt ​​for touch controls only. This works, but in limited capacity. You can play, pause and skip tracks, answer and end calls, and activate your voice assistant with a series of taps and presses – and all of these controls work as advertised. However, the Spirit Dot 2 does not contain a volume control. Anker redirects you to the "connected device" to adjust the volume in the buds manual. That may be fine if I'm taking the train during a commute (before 2020, of course), but the last thing I want to do when I'm jogging is unzipping my belt pouch, pulling out my phone, and turning up the volume. For my taste, the controls on the Spirit Dot 2 are a command that isn't fully functional, and that's an issue at this price point too.

The charging case, by the way, is a medium-sized jar with Anker's logo embedded over a lid that slides out to reveal the buds. I didn't originally plan to mention it as it seemed mostly unspectacular. But after getting through a round of chewing from a curious pup, I felt compelled to vouch for the sheer robustness of the case.

properties

I've pointed out the discrepancy between the Spirit X2 and the Spirit Dot 2 before, and I'm here to tell you that those differences are actually very real. Again, the Spirit Dot 2 offers the preferred design, but they find it difficult to compete with their counterparts with earhooks overall.

Anker Spirit Dot 2 earbudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The Spirit X2 has a battery life of nine hours per charge and a total playback time of 36 hours if the charging case is taken into account. In comparison, the Spirit Dot 2 offers only 5.5 hours of play time per charge and a total of 16 hours. That's better than the Google Pixel Buds 2, and since I've given the similarly priced 1More Colorbuds and their six-hour battery a pass, I'm reluctant to do the same with the Spirit Dot 2. But with buds like the $ 40 SoundPeats Truengine SE, or with the $ 30 JLab Go Air offering six or five hours of playtime, the bar will soon change for that price.

The IP68 weather resistance of the Spirit X2 protects the ear hook buds from being completely submerged in up to 2 meters of water for no more than 30 minutes. With the Spirit Dot 2, they can be immersed up to a meter deep with an IPX7 rating. This is better than most of the other budget buds we checked out at Digital Trends. This means that the Spirit X2 have full dust protection, which the Spirit Dot 2 lacks.

Both the Spirit X2 and the Spirit Dot 2 have Anker's "SweatGuard technology", which is essentially a coating of the buds that is supposed to offer more protection against sweat. Again, I don't think I've tested these buds long enough to tell how well this feature works, but I think it's important to mention as it's clear that Anker is at least making the extra effort to make his Make products work up a sweat. friendly.

Audio quality

In terms of the sound quality of the Spirit Dot 2, I thought there was a lot to like here, but also plenty of room for improvement.

Anker Spirit Dot 2 earbudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The Spirit Dot 2 has smaller drivers than the Spirit X2, 8 mm versus 12 mm. However, both pairs feature Anker's BassUp technology which, according to Anker, uses an algorithm to analyze and amplify the bass. While they didn't quite produce the "wow" factor that I experienced with the Spirit X2, the Spirit Dot 2 are certainly powerful earbuds when it comes to the low end. My personal workout playlist contains everything from Big Sean and Eminem's No Favors to Granger Smith's Backroad Song. While I thought the Spirit Dot 2 was crowding the lower end of the latter, these buds generally have solid bass that will please most bass-loving fitness junkies.

With a solid bass foundation, the Spirit Dot 2 have decent clarity for their cost, even if the rest of a track is sometimes overshadowed by low notes. I think I prefer the sound signature of the 1More Colorbuds – which rely far less on the lower end for a more balanced, pleasant sound – but I don't think most folks with the Spirit will have much to complain about the audio quality of Dot 2 However, the Spirit X2 has aptX support, while the Dot 2 of the same price has no support. They support AAC and SBC codecs, but skipping aptX leaves a puzzling void on the Dot 2.

Perhaps the most underrated aspect of the Spirit Dot 2's sound is the passive noise reduction that the seal provides in your ear. It does a remarkable job of blocking your surroundings – my air purifier, blasting on a "turbo" about two meters away, went essentially inaudible – and serves as the basis for clear calls with the earbuds' built-in microphones. Anker seems to have the large insulation firmly under control, as the Liberty 2 Pro also has a very good seal. Sure, active noise cancellation is great when done well. However, for $ 80, it's hard to complain about how much sound these buds passively keep away from your ears.

Our opinion

These should have cost $ 60, or at least less than $ 80. Anker's pricing for these buds is puzzling as they lag significantly behind when compared to the Spirit X2 at the same price. While they sound great and come at an affordable price, which can prove to be a winning combination for many, it can be difficult to fully recommend them against the competition (including Anker's own line).

Are there any better alternatives?

The $ 100 1More Colorbuds sound better but aren't that well equipped for training. The Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 for $ 80 at the same price offers better features overall and comparable sound quality. but their ear hook design may be less desirable to some people. For half the price, the $ 40 SoundPeats Truengine SE offers a fascinating mix of convenience and sound quality, but it lacks bonus features like wireless (or fast) charging.

How long will they last?

The Spirit Dot 2 comes with an 18 month limited warranty, feels durable, and is solidly water resistant. In other words, they are well suited to persist for the foreseeable future.

Should you buy it?

If features you can forego to take advantage of the in-ear style of the Anker Soundcore Spirit Dot 2, they're a great option. But if ear hooks aren't a deal breaker, the Spirit X2 are better across the board.

Editor's recommendations




26 Mar
Blog

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) With Clock Review: The Time Is Now

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation watch front

Amazon Echo Dot with clock

"If you plan to build your smart home, the Amazon Echo Dot with clock is a smart choice to keep you up to date."

  • LED watch is useful and versatile

  • Physical buttons are easy to use

  • Tons of Alexa skills to add

  • Diverse compatibility with smart homes

  • Distortion at higher volumes

  • Cannot be transferred directly from apps

This review was last updated by Digital Trends smart home editor John Velasco on March 25th, 2020.

Although I'm often surrounded by cool technology, I have to admit that I've never used an Amazon Alexa speaker in my home before. This is partly because I first bought a Google Home and have been on the Google Assistant train since then. If you have invested in the ecosystem, it is also difficult to make the switch.

But here I am, switching to Amazon Alexa with the company's latest affordable smart speaker in the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock. I know what you're thinking. It's just the Amazon Echo Dot that was struck with an LED watch. But don't dismiss it just because it's a subtle change.

Try these new features

Thanks to frequent updates that expand their toolkit, Alexa is getting smarter. While there are some basic features you should definitely know, there are new tricks available every month. With the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock, you can try the following.

Get the latest weather alerts

Storms and other bad weather can occur immediately, which is useful for the latest warnings. The Echo Dot with clock can keep you up to date by saying, "Alexa, tell me if there's a storm alert."

Election updates

There will be a lot of news when the presidential elections are in full swing. So it is a good idea to know what is going on in politics. You can use the Echo Dot with clock to get the latest voting information, debate reviews, and more. All you have to do is say, "Alexa, what's my election update?" Or "Alexa, what happened in the last debate?"

Timekeeping at a glance

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation watch angleJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

With the advent of smartphones, the bedroom alarm clock has almost died out. So why in the world do we need another stationary thing to tell us the time? Now that even the Xfinity cable box in my bedroom has removed the clock from its design, there is actually no other way to tell the time when I'm not looking at my phone.

And that's why I can estimate the Amazon Echo Dot with a watch, because when you're half asleep you don't want to fumble around to determine the time. Instead, I can quickly take a look at the puck-sized speaker on my bedside table. Since the brightness of the LED watch adapts to the ambient light conditions, it is never too bright or too dark.

When you are half asleep, you don't want to fumble around to set the time.

It would have been great to see different color options for the LED watch, but the design of this Echo Dot is refreshingly simple and intuitive. There is no fuss about it. You don't even have to touch your phone.

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation watch ringJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Current owners of the 3rd generation Amazon Echo Dot won't notice anything drastically different with the design of this latest model. Except for the addition of this LED watch, the rest of the speaker is the same. It has a fabric outer panel, physical buttons at the top and the characteristic light ring. Only available in sandstone at the moment, it complements any decoration style without overwhelming anything else you might have lying around.

While the Google Nest Mini has a more coherent appearance, mainly due to the use of LEDs and buttons embedded in the fabric cover, the Amazon Echo Dot with clock offers a more tactile experience. That makes it a lot easier when it's dazed.

Don't expect to rock

Due to its small size, the Amazon Echo Dot with watch is not the first choice if you want to listen to music when friends are over. That is definitely no! Audio performance is sufficient for smaller, isolated rooms, but distortion is noticeable at higher volumes, and it becomes clear how difficult it is for this speaker to maintain clarity.

When I started adding more skills and my different accounts, it became clear that Alexa was as capable as Google Assistant.

You can connect a speaker via the 3.5 mm additional socket to increase the music performance if you want. However, this may be a cumbersome solution.

The Amazon Echo Dot with clock is best suited for interactions with Alexa. The four microphones respond well to my voice commands, while Alexa's responses in their standard voice are far more natural compared to Siri or Google Assistant from Apple. All my requests were recognized by the speaker.

Various smart home integration

At first, Alexa didn't seem as smart as Google Assistant. However, when I started adding more skills and my different accounts, it became clear that she was just as capable. It can control my Philips Hue lights, make calls or order a pizza.

The Echo's LED clock provides the ability to display the countdown when a timer is set. It can also show the temperature if you ask Alexa about it. These are minor functions, but it is no longer necessary to fiddle around with my phone. In addition, the same functions that were available with the last one are still available here.

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation watch on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Although you can't deny Alexa's ability to control different smart home devices, there are still some minor issues I have with Alexa. For example, I can't adjust the volume of the speaker using the volume controls on my smartphone unless I start the Alexa app and choose the volume control option.

Another little complaint I made with Alexa is that I can't get something I hear on my phone through an app to the speaker. With Pandora, I can do this if I'm using a Google Home device but Echo devices don't. Instead, everything is managed through the Alexa app.

You could argue that all of these features can only be achieved by talking to Alexa, but sometimes I still like being in control of my smartphone.

Aside from this complaint, I have to admit that there is a huge library of Alexa skills that enhances the functionality of this virtual assistant using the Amazon Echo Dot with clock. It is impressive, even if it is not quite perfect.

Warranty information

The Amazon Echo Dot with watch comes with a 90-day limited warranty and service.

Our opinion

Adding an LED watch to an existing speaker may seem like a lazy update to Amazon, but the Echo Dot (3rd generation) with watch is still an outstanding example of, with its exceptional $ 60 smart home integration cost Entry-level smart speakers, powerful Alexa assistant, and a design that suits any style of decoration.

Amazon also offers several bundles that are worth a look. As a rule, another intelligent device is packaged without increasing the total costs. For example, the bundle that contains a smart light bulb increases its cost to $ 65 while another bundle with a Smart plug You will reset $ 70.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're just heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, the new Google Nest Mini is the obvious alternative. However, if you appreciate Alexa and just want better sound, you should consider either the new Amazon Echo (3rd generation) or Echo Studio.

Do you want more options? Check out our favorite 2019 smart speakers.

How long it will take?

Amazon has continually expanded Alexa’s feature portfolio to include various capabilities, so you can expect this speaker to continue to add new features. Since the Echo Dot with clock is built to be stationary and solid, it can remain functional for a long time.

Should you buy it

Yes, especially if you want to start building your smart home.

Editor's recommendations