What Is the Dot?
The Dot is a speaker, some microphones, and other computer hardware built into a compact form factor at a basic level. Previous versions were about the size of a fat hockey puck and available in a limited variety of fabric colors. That still holds mostly true, but now the Dot has an entirely new look with rounded edges and a fabric surround. It kind of looks like a tiny bowling ball these days. This Echo Dot comes with a small LED display located behind the mesh front. The screen tells the time and displays other information you ask Alexa, such as the current temperature.
How Does the Dot Work?
Despite its smaller size and price tag, the Dot does almost everything the original Echo does. It plays music from compatible services, provides news briefs, gives a weather report, and more.
Is Echo Dot Wireless?
You must plug the Dot into an electrical source to work, so technically, it’s not “wireless” from that perspective. However, technically it’s considered a wireless device because it works on Wi-Fi networks and is Zigbee- and Bluetooth-compatible.
How Is the Dot Different From the Echo?
The main differences between the Dot and the Echo are size and price. The Dot is smaller, and the associated price tag is more affordable. Most of the functionality is the same, and speaker quality is the most significant technical factor differentiating the devices. The Echo includes a 3-inch woofer and dual front-firing .8-inch tweeters, with Dolby technology; the Dot has a single speaker. It isn’t well suited to filling a large space with rich sound, and it can’t touch the bass response of the Echo. In terms of hardware, the other noticeable difference is that the Dot includes a 3.5 mm audio jack that’s out only, while the Echo has a 3.5 mm jack that’s both in and out. Bluetooth connectivity is the same for the Dot and other Echo devices, which means you have the option to pair it to a wireless speaker if you prefer that to a wired connection.
Echo Dot Kids Edition
The kid-friendly version of Dot puts parents in control and prevents children from ordering toys, buying candy, or accessing inappropriate material. The hardware is the same, but the Echo Dot Kids Edition is a safer experience for small children. FreeTime Unlimited provides access to books for kids that Dot reads out loud. If your kid has a Kindle Fire, they can use the service to watch free movies and TV shows and play free games. Parents can also install and activate age-appropriate Alexa skills, allow their kids to control specific smart devices like light switches, and more.
Who Needs a Dot?
Since the Dot doesn’t have a great built-in speaker, it’s a good choice for anyone with a high-quality Bluetooth portable speaker. Speaker quality may be a non-issue for anyone who wants the Alexa virtual assistant functionality and doesn’t listen to music. Due to how far-field voice recognition works, if you have an Echo in your living room, use a Dot to extend Alexa functionality into a bedroom, office, game room, bathroom, or other space.
