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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Amazon's Echo Lineup: What's the Difference? | PCMag.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(Note: I copied this off of a webpage, cut out some links, took out some spacing, and so still some of the visual formatting will be … strange.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Amazon once again expanded its Echo lineup, with upgraded smart speakers and other devices intended to put Alexa in every corner of your house (and car).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you're not sure which one is best for you, here’s a rundown of what each Echo device offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>By<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Eric Griffith<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chloe Albanesius<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>December 20, 2018 5:50PM EST <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Anyone who's embraced Alexa likely has an Amazon Echo product to thank. Since 2014, the slim cylinder with the killer wireless speakers has been listening<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>for its wake word, ready to set timers and give you the weather, among other things.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>New features get added to Alexa all the time, such as <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>making calls,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>support for multiple devices in one home, and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>music syncing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the same time, Alexa expands her virtual footprint to <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Other interesting products<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> and even software. You can access Alexa in apps like the Amazon shopping app and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Amazon Music<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> ("Alexa, play songs by Peter Frampton") on iOS or Android. Heck, even the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cortana digital assistant talks to Alexa<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> and vice versa. If we could just get Alexa to replace Siri, we'd be set.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Alexa on an app is nice, but Amazon has some pretty cool hardware to house its virtual assistant, too. Recently, it overhauled the full Echo lineup, adding<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>gadgets big and small. If you're wondering which one to get, read on for a rundown of what each device brings to the table.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Amazon Echo (2017)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The baseline of the Alexa hardware experience is the second-generation Echo, which is shorter than its predecessor at only 5.9 inches (versus 9.25), a<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>little wider at 3.5 inches in diameter, and slightly lighter at 29 ounces compared to 37.5. It packs the same size woofer (2.5 inches) but a smaller tweeter<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(0.6 inches).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The biggest audio change is the inclusion of Dolby processing to better fill a room with audio. It now has buttons on top for controlling volume (like<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>the second-generation Echo Dot), rather than the first generation's physically twistable volume ring controller. Using buttons helps lower the price from<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$179 to $99 (charcoal, heather gray, and sandstone fabric finish) or $119.99 (oak, silver, or walnut finish).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In PCMag's review,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>we found the new Echo to be a much more attractive speaker that will fit more effortlessly with your home décor, at a much lower price than the previous<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>model. That's a killer combination, and it's worth our Editors' Choice for voice assistant speakers and a spot on our list of <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Best Products of 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$69.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Plus (2nd Gen)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The new <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Plus<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> offers "more powerful" and "clearer" sound with stronger bass, Amazon said. It also features a temperature sensor, so it can trigger routines based on<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>your home's climate. There's a built-in Zigbee smart home hub, so you can set up your <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>smart devices<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> by saying "Alexa, discover my devices." A feature known as local voice control lets you control connected smart plugs and lights on Echo devices with<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>a built-in smart home hub, even if your internet goes down. In <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>our review,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>we found that it's a bit louder and offers a bit more functionality than the standard Echo, but unless you plan to start filling your home with Zigbee<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>devices without using a separate hub, it doesn't quite justify its $50 premium.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$149.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Show (2nd Gen)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The new <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Show<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> features a 10-inch HD screen, offering twice the display area as the original, plus improved sound quality, for $229.99. New features includes a built-in<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>web browser that will open via voice commands (“Alexa, open Silk” or “Alexa, open Firefox"). Type a website URL via the on-screen keyboard and bookmark<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>favorites. It's a major upgrade over the original, with a larger, more functional touch screen and a much more powerful speaker system, making it an <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Editors' Choice<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> and a pick for the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Best Products of 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$229.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Show<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For something a little more affordable, the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>original Echo Show<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> sports a 7-inch touch screen and a 5-megapixel camera for video chats with other <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Show<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> or Look owners. The screen can also show weather forecasts, music lyrics, surveillance camera feeds, Amazon Video, and more. Audio comes from two 2-inch<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>speakers. It lacks a 3.5mm audio line out jack to use other speakers, something featured on every other Echo; use Bluetooth for that. However, it does<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>have an 8-microphone array, the most of any of the Echo products. It comes in black or white, but is <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>currently only available used.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Spot<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Spot<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> combines aspects of the small, inexpensive Dot with the high-end Show. Its built-in LCD screen is 2.5 inches and circular. The $129.99 device is only<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>14.8 ounces and measures 4.1 by 3.8 by 3.6 inches—small enough to be a clock on a desk or nightstand that does much more. It has a camera in front so it<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>will also handle video chats with other users of the Echo Spot or Echo Show (maybe someday, it'll also make video calls to phone apps, like FaceTime).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PCMag's review,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>we found that while the Spot's audio quality isn't as strong as the Amazon Echo and other <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>smart speakers,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>it's far more versatile, and worthy of our Editors' Choice.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$129.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Dot (3rd Gen)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>True Echo affordability starts with the puck-sized Dot. Amazon's popular budget <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Dot<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> delivers dramatically improved sound, making it an even better buy for an entry-level Alexa speaker, making it an <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Editors' Choice.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get it in charcoal, heather gray, or sandstone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$29.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Dot (2nd Gen)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For $20 less, the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>second-gen Echo Dot<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> is still available in black or white. With a 0.6-inch speaker inside, it's no audio powerhouse, but it sports the same 7-microphone array found on its<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>taller, cylindrical brethren, so it'll hear you just fine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$24.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Echo Dot Kids Edition is available<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> in blue, green, or red. Amazon claims this version of the Dot includes up to $109 of savings when compared to the standard Echo Dot since it provides<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>one year of FreeTime Unlimited, which normally costs a minimum of $2.99 per month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Amazon promises ad-free radio stations, over 300 Audible books, premium kids skills from the likes of Disney and Nickelodeon, and special character alarms<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>free for the first year. There's also a two-year guarantee included; usually, the Echo Dot includes a 90-day limited warranty.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$49.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Input<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For many of us, Echo is a quick way to play our favorite tunes. But Echo isn't always the most powerful speaker in the home. With the puck-sized <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Input,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>you can bring Alexa to nearby speakers via 3.5mm audio cable or Bluetooth. In <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>our review,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>we found the Input to be an easy way to make third-party <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>speakers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Alexa-enabled, and it helps fill microphone-free gaps in your always-listening smart home. It's a niche product to be sure, but it works for that niche.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$34.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Sub The Amazon Echo Sub<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> provides much-needed sub-bass to your Echo smart speaker as long as you're willing to overlook some frustrating limitations. In <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>our review, we found that it can't shake the walls like home theater subwoofers, and it's held back by a bizarre incompatibility with Bluetooth streaming.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$129.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>d nesting level 1<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>connects to your existing stereo equipment, letting you control music playback and volume via Echo devices or the Alexa app.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$199.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Link Amp<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Link Amp<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> adds a built-in 60W, 2-channel amplifier and a left-right speaker binding post outputs for wiring directly to passive and non-powered speakers. It's currently<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>unavailable, but you can sign up to get an email when it goes on sale.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$299.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Amazon Echo Wall Clock<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The $29.99 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Wall Clock<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> is...pretty self explanatory. According to Amazon, you pair it with an Echo device and when you set a timer, the Wall Clock will show you how much time<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>remains and a 60-second countdown at the end.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Big Mouth Billy Bass<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The latest <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Big Mouth Billy Bass<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> connects to your Amazon Echo speaker to react to Alexa's voice. It's not a good product, the way we at PCMag measure good products. It doesn't have a<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>compelling feature set, nor is it made of high-quality materials. It isn't a standalone <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>smart speaker<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> like the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Dot,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>and it's so poorly made we can't imagine it lasting very long. But your dad is probably going to love it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$39.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Look<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you're in the market for both fashion advice and Alexa voice assistance, the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Amazon Echo Look<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> is a unique camera that sees what you're wearing and offers an opinion on it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You could argue that the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Look<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> doesn't belong with all the rest. It's mainly a style helper, but it does have Alexa integration, so it counts. For awhile, it was only available by invite,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>but now anyone can get it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$49.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Echo Auto<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Google has Android Auto and Apple has CarPlay, so it was inevitable that Amazon would also get into the automotive space. The Echo Auto is a small device<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>that attaches to the dashboard and responds questions just like it would at home. It connects via your existing smartphone plan and the Alexa app. It's<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$24.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> but you have to request an invitation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$24.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>at Amazon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fire HD Tablets With Hands-Free Alexa<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They're not technically Echo devices, but the 8- and 10-inch Amazon Fire HD color tablets have hands-free Alexa support (even if the screen is asleep),<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>meaning they can do everything the Echo Show does.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 32GB <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fire HD 10<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> is $149.99; 64GB is $189.99. Both versions come in black, blue, or red on the back and are available now. (Currently on sale starting at $119.99.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 16GB <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fire HD 8<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> is $79.99; the 32GB is $109.99. They come in black, yellow, blue, and red, and arrive on Oct. 4. (Currently on sale starting at $49.99.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Those prices are “With Special Offers” (translation: ads); get rid of them by paying an extra $15—which is still cheaper than the Echo Show.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These tablets will probably also still support YouTube videos—since you can just <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Download the YouTube app. In <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PCMag's review,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>we found the 32GB Fire HD 10 to be the best value for your dollar under $150. The 2018 edition of the Amazon Fire HD 8, meanwhile, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>remains the best media tablet you can get for under $100.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$119.99<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>