The Amazon Echo Spot, which was announced alongside the second-generation Amazon Echo and other new Alexa-powered smart speakers in September, is turning heads as the alarm clock of the future.
Reviews on the Echo Spot have mostly been positive. While there are certain issues with the $129.99 device, it has many positive points that may make it one of the best smart speakers that Amazon has ever released.
The Good Things About The Echo Spot
The Echo Spot is considered to be a smaller and cheaper version of the Echo Show, with a circular body and 2.5-inch display. The Verge's Dan Seifert describes it as "by far the cutest-looking Echo device," and it is hard to argue with that especially when the Echo Spot is compared to the rectangular, blocky design of the Echo Show.
One of the most important features of the Echo Spot is its video calling capability, similar to the Echo Show. In addition, the touchscreen can also be used to watch videos, check smart security camera feeds, and display information such as the time, weather reports, and to-do lists. Amazon also recently rolled out the option to transform any Amazon Echo into a traditional alarm clock that can wake users through music or the news, a feature that appears to have been created with the Echo Spot in mind.
In fact, the Echo Spot does everything that the Echo Show can do, making Gizmodo's Alex Cranz question the existence of the Echo Show.
The Bad Things About The Echo Spot
Perhaps the biggest criticism against the Echo Spot is that, while the display is adorable, it would have been better if it was bigger. The touchscreen of the smart speaker has a pretty significant bezel, and Mike Prospero of Tom's Guide hopes that future versions of the device will reduce the size of the bezel to make the display bigger.
Compounding the issues with the small display is the question on whether the touchscreen is really necessary for an Echo smart speaker. According to CNET's Ry Crist, the touchscreen of the Echo Spot "doesn't add as much to the Alexa experience as you might think."
The Verge's Seifert also noted that privacy-wary users might not want an always-watching camera in their bedroom. There is an option to disable the camera, but that is not a foolproof action against hackers. The light sensor of the Echo Spot is in the same place as the camera too, so placing a tape over it might result in display that is either too dark or too bright.
Will You Buy The Amazon Echo Spot?
Despite a few problems, the Amazon Echo Spot is a feature-packed and very convenient device to have in the home.
The Amazon Echo Spot is now available for $129.99 through Amazon. Orders purchased immediately are expected to arrive after Christmas.
