Amazon pops off a new Echo Spot with a screen: Is this your next alarm clock?
Like an Echo Pop with a screen, the new Echo Spot makes a versatile alarm clock.
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Ever since I reviewed the Belkin 2-in-1 charging stand, my alarm clock has been my iPhone. But the new Echo Spot looks like it could be a great alternative.
With the same sliced-sphere design as the original Pop, the new model uses the top half of that sliced design to show a 2.8-inch touchscreen. The display will show off the time like a traditional alarm clock, but also lets you view things like the weather and album art.
The new Echo Spot has a 1.73-inch front-firing speaker, which promises clearer audio than you might expect from the tiny body. The original Echo Pop surprised me with its audio quality, so I shouldn't expect less from this model.
Being an Alexa device, you get the full power of the smart speaker's ecosystem, including smart home control and access to a range of third party skills, like Spotify and Apple Music for listening to music and podcasts.
You can also use the voice control to set your alarms, or make audio calls to family and friends using their Alexa devices.
On the privacy front, there's a dedicated on/off microphone button on the top of the device, and you can easily delete your voice recordings in the Alexa app.
Pricing and availability
The new Echo Spot speaker is available now from Amazon, JB Hi-Fi and other leading Australian retailers.
The addition of a screen has seen the price jump up to $149 for the RRP, and the speaker is available in Black, Glacier White and Ocean Blue.
Specs
| Size | 113mm L x 103mm W x 111mm H |
| Weight | 405 g Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process. |
| Display | 2.83” touch screen (240x320px) with half-circle tinted cover glass. |
| Camera | No camera. |
| WiFi connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) wifi networks. |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming from your mobile device to Echo Spot or from Echo Spot to your Bluetooth speaker. Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for voice control of connected mobile devices. Hands-free voice control is not supported for Mac OS X devices. Bluetooth speakers requiring PIN codes are not supported. |
| Audio | Full range 1.73” built-in speaker. Lossless High Definition. |
| System requirements | Echo Spot comes ready to connect to your Wi-Fi. The Alexa app is compatible with Android and iOS devices. Supported operating systems. Certain skills and services may require subscription or other fees. |
| Setup technology | Amazon Wi-Fi simple setup enables customers to connect smart devices to their Wi-Fi network in a few easy steps. Learn more about frustration-free setup. |
| Processor | MT8519 |
| Memory | 1 GB DRAM + 8 GB eMMC |
