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Amazon Echo (4th Gen): A Smart Speaker Reinvented
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is more than just a smart speaker; it’s a well-rounded device designed to fit seamlessly into smart home setups and personal entertainment spaces. With a new spherical design, improved audio capabilities, and Alexa’s robust voice assistant technology, this Echo generation aims to be a versatile, stylish addition to any home.
Key Specifications:
- Audio Output: 3-inch woofer, dual tweeters
- Voice Assistant: Alexa with improved recognition and response
- Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.7 x 5.2 inches
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
- Wireless Capabilities: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support
- Smart Home Hub: Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Amazon Sidewalk enabled
- Color Options: Charcoal, Glacier White, Twilight Blue
Design & Aesthetic
The 4th generation Echo is a departure from its predecessors’ cylindrical design, opting for a rounded, spherical shape that brings a more modern and sophisticated look. Its size is compact enough to blend in with home decor but large enough to deliver solid audio quality. Fabric covering the device provides a minimalist aesthetic, and the available color options add versatility, allowing users to select a color that complements their space.
The light ring now circles the bottom of the device, providing a soft glow on the surface below, which is particularly helpful in low-light settings. This subtle touch makes interactions more visible without being distracting, improving user experience without altering the familiar Echo light feedback.
Audio Quality
The Echo 4th Gen significantly enhances its sound quality, aimed at making it competitive with more premium speakers. The device has a 3-inch woofer and two 0.8-inch tweeters, providing richer bass and clearer treble than previous versions.
The speaker’s Dolby processing improves audio quality further, enhancing the immersion of your listening experience. This Echo adjusts its sound based on the room’s acoustics, ensuring that the audio sounds balanced in various spaces. Amazon has positioned the Echo 4th Gen as a solid choice for music enthusiasts who want a smart speaker that’s capable of delivering good sound quality for a wide range of genres.
Users can also create a stereo pairing with another Echo device, and when paired with the Echo Sub, it provides a more immersive, room-filling audio experience. The bass response is particularly notable, providing a full sound profile without the distortion common in smaller speakers.
Alexa & Smart Home Capabilities
Alexa is the cornerstone of the Amazon Echo experience, and in the 4th Gen, it’s smarter and more intuitive than ever. With improved voice recognition, Alexa can accurately understand commands even when music is playing at a moderate volume. Alexa can control compatible smart devices, answer questions, set reminders, play music, and more. For users with other Alexa-compatible devices, the Echo 4th Gen offers seamless integration and makes device control simpler with grouped commands and routines.
The Echo 4th Gen also features a built-in Zigbee hub, meaning it can directly control smart devices that use the Zigbee protocol, like Philips Hue lights, without requiring an additional hub. This feature makes the device ideal for smart home beginners and experienced users alike, as it reduces the need for extra components.
Additionally, the Echo 4th Gen includes Amazon Sidewalk support, a low-bandwidth network that connects to other Sidewalk-enabled devices within range, extending connectivity for smart home products around your home.
Privacy & Security
Amazon has focused on enhancing user privacy in the 4th Gen Echo. It includes a microphone off button that disconnects the power to the mics, ensuring no accidental voice recording. Additionally, Alexa’s privacy settings allow users to manage and delete voice recordings through the Alexa app, and users can even configure Alexa to automatically delete recordings on a rolling basis.
For customers who prioritize security, Amazon’s commitment to transparency and user control over data privacy is notable, with clear explanations of privacy controls available in the Alexa app.
Additional Features
- Routine Scheduling: Alexa’s routines let users automate multiple tasks with a single command. For example, saying, “Good morning,” could turn on lights, start the coffee maker, and provide a morning news summary.
- Voice Profiles & Personalized Responses: Alexa can distinguish between users by voice, tailoring responses to each person’s preferences.
- Music Compatibility: Compatible with major music services, including Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music. Users can play multi-room audio by connecting several Echo devices.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Allows Bluetooth pairing with mobile devices for direct streaming.
Performance & User Experience
Setup is straightforward through the Alexa app, which is available on both iOS and Android. Alexa’s improved responsiveness is immediately noticeable, thanks to better processing and more sensitive microphones. Users report smooth integration into their smart homes, with easy control over various devices and group creation for managing multiple rooms simultaneously.
While the Echo 4th Gen’s sound quality doesn’t reach the heights of premium standalone speakers, its audio performance is impressive for its price range, making it one of the best smart speakers for general users. For those looking for a more immersive experience, adding an Echo Sub or creating a stereo pair enhances the listening experience without breaking the bank.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Improved audio quality with strong bass response
- Stylish design and compact footprint
- Built-in Zigbee hub for easy smart home integration
- Amazon Sidewalk support extends smart home reach
- Privacy features with microphone mute and customizable settings
- Multi-room audio and stereo pairing capability
Cons:
- No support for Google Assistant or Siri; only Alexa
- Limited high-end sound performance compared to premium speakers
- Requires Amazon ecosystem for full functionality
Final Verdict
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is a robust, all-around performer for those seeking a smart speaker that combines good sound quality, smart home capabilities, and a sleek design. It provides one of the most seamless smart home experiences at a reasonable price, thanks to its built-in Zigbee hub, which simplifies setup and control of compatible devices.
With enhanced privacy controls and Amazon Sidewalk support, the Echo 4th Gen is a smart choice for users who value security and connectivity. Though it’s most effective within Amazon’s ecosystem, the device’s versatility and value make it a top choice among smart speakers in its category.
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