Amazon Echo Dot

Third-generation Amazon Echo Dot review: overall improvements

The Echo Dot thid-generation from Amazon, a low-cost Alexa-powered smart speaker, looks and sounds better but retains the same affordable $24.99.

There wasn't much competition when the second-generation Echo Dot made its UK debut. It was a no-brainer because Amazon's Alexa voice assistant offered all of its positive qualities in a more compact form factor that cost only half as much as the larger Echo.

However, Google's $24.99 Home Mini and Assistant, as well as Amazon's own second-generation Echo, which is now only $24.99, are now posing a serious threat to the Echo Dot.

It is what?

The Echo Dot is a tiny, puck-shaped smart speaker from Amazon that includes the company's Alexa voice assistant. The third iteration features new fabric sides and a softer, more rounded look. In addition, it is a little bigger all around, measuring 99mm in circumference and 43mm in height.

The micro USB port from the previous Dot has been replaced by a circular power socket at the back. There is also a normal 3.5mm analogue plug for connecting to a stereo. The volume controls, action button, and microphone mute button are located on top.

Additionally, you can use Bluetooth to stream music to other speakers from the Dot or to the Dot itself so that you can use it as a Bluetooth speaker.

Enhanced sound

A better speaker is added to the redesigned design. Instead of the old model's plastic top, the new Dot's cloth sides blast out sound, which projects sound farther into the space and makes it much better for music.

Additionally improved is the speaker's calibre. Although it won't match more powerful speakers, it sounds better than Google's Home Mini for the money.

The new Dot sounds reasonably rounded for a small speaker, with powerful mids, reasonably sharp highs, and no discernible bass.

When you feed it guitars and vocals from songs like the live version of Hotel California by the Eagles from Hell Freezes Over, you are welcomed with a kind, welcoming tone. Even classical compositions like Jupiter from Holst's The Planets seem rather natural. However, The Dot stunned everyone by handling Dr. Dre's Still D.R.E. with unexpected elegance. The Dot suffers with bass-driven electronic music.

The Dot can also go very loud, albeit not nearly as loud as Google's Home Mini, and at maximum volume, energetic music starts to sound distorted.

Alexa

Smart speakers' success or failure depends on the skills of the voice assistant that is integrated in to them, not on the hardware you buy for them.

The Dot's Alexa performance is excellent; even if you have to shout a little, its four microphone array can pick you out over sounds like the kitchen range hood running at full blast or loud music. The speakers on the Dot do a good job of reproducing Alexa.

Whereas previously Alexa was the only player in town, Alexa and Google Assistant are now in a tie for first place. For the most part, Alexa and Assistant compete on an equal footing, especially if you're not fully immersed in Google's ecosystem.

Smart home control, music playback, podcasts, news briefings, radio station playback, multiple alarm setting, timers, and other such tiny things all function flawlessly.

You can pretend to be aboard the starship Enterprise with the help of Alexa's many third-party "skills" (apps), which include those from news organisations like the Guardian, games like Escape the Room, services like the National Rail app, and goofy things like Star Trek - Red Alert.

The word that Alexa listens for when it is dormant before activation can also be changed. The default is "Alexa," but other choices include Echo, Computer, or Amazon. These are useful if you live with someone named Alex and don't want the Dot or the person to accidentally turn on by accident.

When you ask questions incorrectly or issue many commands at once, like "switch off the Christmas tree and the living room lights," Google's Assistant excels at deciphering your speech. Additionally, Google has a wider spectrum of knowledge than Alexa.

Price

The third-generation Amazon Echo Dot costs $24.99 and comes in black, grey, or white, though supply shortages may need you to comparison shop.

Pros: can hear you at all times; compact but loud enough; excellent device support; clear when muted; activity can be observed from across the room; Bluetooth; 3.5mm audio connector.

Cons: General knowledge isn't quite as good as Google Assistant, music distorts at maximum volume, and there isn't any genuine bass.