With Echo and Kindle, Amazon has established various devices. But who is it worth it for? MeinMMO has taken a closer look at the devices.
In our article, we want to introduce you to both Amazon Echo and Kindle. We will explain to you:
- what Echo and Kindle devices are available
- what functions Echo and Kindle offer
- what advantages and disadvantages the devices bring
How did our advice come about? For our purchasing advice, we have thoroughly examined the Amazon devices. For this, we looked at reports, analyses, and other purchasing guides. We also tried some devices ourselves in the editorial office and can report from our own experiences.
Echo – The smart Amazon speakers
What is Echo? Echo is a series of speakers that rely on Amazon’s Alexa.
The devices respond to voice commands and play music, podcasts, or news. You can use Echo devices either with the in-house Prime subscription or pair them with services like Spotify.
But Echo offers even more functions. You can also install apps on the devices. This way, you can, among other things, add appointments to your calendar or locate your phone if you misplaced it in the apartment.
You can also link Echo devices with other compatible devices. This way, you can turn the lights on and off or change the temperature.
What devices are there?
What can the individual devices do? Echo Dot is the entry-level device and costs around 40 euros. The device offers the basic functions, Bluetooth, and a speaker.
Amazon Echo costs around 65 euros and is slightly larger. It offers one more speaker. The Plus version only offers an additional ZigBee function. This means that the device can communicate with other ZigBee devices like sensors, lighting technology, and other devices. The price here is around 80 euros.
The Amazon Echo Studio is a high-quality Bluetooth speaker, providing 5 speakers for the best sound quality and the ZigBee function. The price is 199 euros.
Echo Show provides you with a stand-alone display as the only Echo device. You can not only use the device for voice control, but you can also have things like news displayed. However, the price is also 230 euros.
| Echo Dot | Echo Plus | Echo Studio | Echo Show | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 40 (euros) | 65 / 75 (euros) | 195 (euros) | 225 (euros) |
| Speaker | 1 | 2 (2) | 5 | 2 |
| Connections | 3.5 mm jack, Bluetooth | 3.5 mm jack, Bluetooth (ZigBee connection) | 3.5 mm jack, Bluetooth, optical input | Bluetooth |
| Weight | 300 grams | 780 grams | 3.5 kg | 1.8 kg |
| Size | 43 x 99 x 99 mm | 148 x 99 x 99 mm | 206 x 175 x 175 mm | 246 x 174 x 107 mm |
Advantages and disadvantages of Amazon Echo
These are the advantages: Amazon Echo offers you very simple and almost barrier-free operation without buttons. Because almost everything works with voice control. Another advantage is the many everyday functions.
With Amazon Echo, you can start and listen to music, create calendar entries, or set reminders, and with the right accessories, you can even control other devices. Moreover, many functions can be used without Amazon Prime.
These are the disadvantages: Privacy is still a big issue with Echo and Alexa. In general, data collection is seen as the greatest danger of voice assistants. However, you can protect your privacy by using the mute button on Echo.
Another important point is the lack of child safety. If you want to prevent your children from ordering things randomly, you need to disable that in the settings. There are no further security measures.
For whom is Amazon’s Echo worth it?
- Fast and easy, almost barrier-free operation
- who wants to control their entire daily life with just one device
- affordable smart home with voice control
- As a music station for less demanding listeners
For whom is it not worth it?
- People who want to listen to music in the highest quality. Echo as a standalone speaker is not a true replacement for a Hi-Fi system. However, an existing system can be paired with Echo.
- For people who place a high value on privacy.
- For people who only want to listen to music. There are also cheaper Bluetooth speakers available.
- Those looking for an absolutely child-proof device.
- The Plus version of Echo is only worthwhile if you really use the ZigBee function.
On the next page, we will introduce you to Amazon Kindle. We will also explain to you for whom the device is suitable and what advantages and disadvantages Amazon’s official e-book reader has.
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