So what is the difference between Alexa and Echo? The answer is actually pretty simple, and in many ways, the two are the same thing. Alexa is specifically the name of the virtual assistant – the disembodied voice you talk to, ask questions, and bug with song requests.
Is the Echo Dot worth the money? In our opinion, yes. It packs a lot of great features and capable tech into a tiny package. It also makes financial sense for those who aren't sure whether to kit their homes out with smart tech and don't want to take much of a gamble.
The Echo Dot is Amazon's gateway smart speaker. And while it can easily be a standalone device, it also works great when combined with a full-size Amazon Echo — you can have your Echo live in one room, and place Echo Dots in other rooms throughout your house.
November 11, 2019- I just got off the phone with Amazon since I'm trying to buy the new Echo and was informed there is a $3.99 monthly fee subscription for Alexa.
Basically, the only difference between the two devices, other than size and cost, is sound. If you're just looking to be introduced to Alexa, you'll be fine with the Echo Dot. It has all the smarts of Alexa in a small speaker. Now, whether you want to go with the Echo Dot or Dot with Clock, that's entirely up to you.
The Echo Input Portable is a little larger than the Echo Dot, and looks a bit more rugged. The Action and microphone mute buttons are on the top of the speaker, while the volume and power buttons are on the front.
Your Alexa device can play radio stations — you just need to enable the feature on the Alexa app. While Alexa is known for its ability to stream pre-recorded music and podcasts, the device also has access to tens of thousands of radio stations. You can also ask your Echo to play some stations without using the app.
To get started with an Echo Dot, first make sure you have the Alexa app downloaded. Then, decide where you want your Echo Dot to reside and plug it in. The ring around the top of the device will glow blue, then orange. Now, you'll need to connect the device to your home's Wi-Fi network.
You can absolutely use a all of the Echo products, including but not limited to, the Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show without purchasing a Prime membership.
Why Alexa Does Not Work Without Wi-FiAmazon's Alexa is a device that strictly revolves around Wi-Fi to access everything from Google to various music-streaming services. Without Wi-Fi it is simply impossible to connect to these applications and features.
20 Cool Things to Do With Your New Echo Dot
- Listen to music, even if you don't know what you want to hear.
- Use it like an intercom, thanks to Drop In.
- Shop with your voice.
- Get exclusive deals.
- Track packages.
- Set reminders.
- Learn something new every day.
- Find your phone.
Turn on your gadgets, like TVs and sound systems.With your Amazon Echo with Alexa, you can turn your TV on, off, change the volume, and switch channels. Logitech's Harmony remote/hub (or just the hub) is compatible with Alexa and a popular choice for controlling your various entertainment devices with a single remote.
You won't always know what happens with those recordings. After all, an Alexa speaker, like the Echo or Dot, is an always-on listening device. Although it's designed to listen only when called upon, sometimes it doesn't play by its own rules.
Step 1: Download the Alexa appThe free Alexa app is a must-have if you're the owner of an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot. Download the app on any smartphone or tablet with iOS 11.0 or higher, Android 6.0 or higher, or Fire OS 5.3. 3 or higher.
Is there a monthly fee for Echo? No. All you need to make the Echo work is a Wi-Fi connection. However, having an Amazon Prime account introduces all sorts of perks to using your Echo.
The Amazon Echo Dot is wired and must be continuously plugged into a power outlet for it to work. The Echo Dot, unlike the former Amazon Tap (discontinued), does not have an internal battery, which makes it impossible to work without connecting its 15-watt power adapter to its MicroUSB port and a power outlet.
Where to place your Echo
- In the corner of your living room (away from windows, of course)
- A place where it's easily visible for you, so you can see when the light ring lights up.
- On your bedside table.
- On the edge of your kitchen counter -- far, far away from your sink.
- On a mantle or shelf.
Amazon.com: Customer Questions & Answers. I'd agree, 20/25 feet is about right.
You can Drop in on a device in another household or location if the contact on that end has given you permission from his or her Alexa app. To Drop in this way, say "Alexa, drop in on [name of contact]." You're connected to that contact through one of that person's Echo devices and can start chatting.
Nope. They are intended to stay plugged in and always on. They don't use hardly any electricity when not actively in use, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.
