The Echo (4th Gen) Speaker with Alexa stands out as a game-changer in the realm of home entertainment. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the features, functionalities, and user experience of this innovative device, showcasing why it’s more than just a speaker.
Key Features of Echo (4th Gen) Speaker with Alexa:
- Immersive Sound Quality: The Echo (4th Gen) Speaker boasts an impressive audio performance, delivering rich, room-filling sound that enhances your music listening and movie-watching experience.
- Built-in Alexa Voice Assistant: With Alexa built-in, this speaker transforms into a multifunctional smart home hub, allowing you to control smart devices, set reminders, check the weather, and much more, all with simple voice commands.
- Sleek Design: Its sleek spherical design not only adds a touch of modern elegance to any room but also contributes to its 360-degree sound dispersion, ensuring optimal audio quality from any angle.
- Smart Home Integration: Seamlessly integrate the Echo (4th Gen) Speaker into your smart home ecosystem, controlling compatible devices such as lights, thermostats, and security cameras with ease.
- Adaptive Audio Equalizer: The built-in adaptive audio equalizer automatically adjusts the sound settings based on the acoustics of your space, ensuring consistent sound quality in any environment.
Specifications for the Amazon Echo (4th Gen):
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Channels | Mono |
| Bluetooth | Supported |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Multi-Room | Supported |
| Physical Connections | 3.5mm |
| Portable | No |
| Water-Resistant | No |
| Speakerphone | No |
| Built-In Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa |
Pros And Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Immersive Sound Quality | Dependency on Internet Connection |
| Built-in Alexa Voice Assistant | Privacy Concerns |
| Sleek Design | Limited Compatibility |
| Smart Home Integration | |
| Adaptive Audio Equalizer |
Why Echo (4th Gen) Stands Out:
When compared to other smart speakers on the market, the Echo (4th Gen) Speaker distinguishes itself with its combination of superior sound quality, versatile functionality, and seamless integration with Alexa. Whether you’re hosting a party, relaxing at home, or seeking assistance with daily tasks, this speaker effortlessly adapts to your needs.
Installation and Setup Process:
Setting up the Echo (4th Gen) Speaker is a breeze, thanks to the intuitive setup process guided by the Alexa app. Simply plug in the device, follow the on-screen instructions in the app, and within minutes, you’ll be enjoying immersive audio and smart home control.
Design and Features:
The fourth-generation Echo boasts a sleek near-spherical design, standing at 5.2 inches tall and 5.7 inches wide, and is offered in black, blue, or white color options. Notably, Amazon emphasizes its eco-friendly approach, utilizing 100-percent recycled fabric and aluminum in its construction. Its design bears resemblance to Apple’s upcoming HomePod mini, featuring a relocated light ring now positioned at the base, emitting a recognizable blue glow upon activation of Alexa with your voice command.
On the top panel, you’ll find buttons for Alexa, volume adjustments, and mic mute, offering convenient control options. At the rear, there’s a port for the power adapter and a 3.5mm audio output for additional connectivity. Underneath the fabric exterior, the Echo houses a 3-inch woofer and dual 0.8-inch front-firing tweeters, delivering crisp audio supported by Dolby technology. While it lacks Dolby Atmos surround sound like the Echo Studio, it maintains impressive audio quality with its array of drivers.
Similar to the Echo Plus, the fourth-gen Echo incorporates a built-in smart home hub, specifically a Zigbee hub. Additionally, it features support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Amazon Sidewalk, enhancing connectivity for low-bandwidth devices and extending their range.
Alexa Integration:
The fourth-generation Echo seamlessly integrates Amazon’s renowned Alexa voice assistant. By uttering the wake word “Alexa” (or any preferred alternative you select), users can effortlessly command Alexa to perform a wide array of tasks. From fetching general information such as sports scores and weather updates to streaming music from popular platforms like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, or SiriusXM, Alexa caters to diverse needs.
Moreover, Alexa serves as a capable smart home controller, managing various smart devices including Zigbee-enabled ones, thanks to the built-in hub. Users can also utilize Alexa for voice calls, both within the network of Alexa devices in their home and traditional phone calls.
Enhanced Processing Power: Powering the Echo is Amazon’s AZ1 Neural Edge processor, specifically engineered for machine learning tasks. This processor facilitates the execution of advanced features directly on the device, contributing to quicker response times and more efficient speech recognition. While Alexa’s natural language processing may currently lack the fluidity of its competitors like Google Assistant, advancements like the AZ1 processor hold promise for enhancing Alexa’s conversational capabilities over time. Despite any existing limitations, Alexa remains a formidable voice assistant boasting an extensive library of third-party skills, setting it apart from the competition.
Audio Quality:
Despite its compact size compared to the Google Nest Audio, the Echo impresses with its robust audio performance. Equipped with larger woofer and tweeters, it delivers a slightly more powerful sound output. While it may not produce floor-rumbling bass, the low frequencies exhibit a pleasingly rounded and full quality, evident in tracks like The Knife’s “Silent Shout.” The kick drum hits possess a satisfying thump that, although not physically palpable, avoids sounding excessively boomy or sharp.
This improved bass response is further showcased in Yes’ “Roundabout.” The guitar plucks at the onset resonate with ample lower-frequency richness, lending warmth and fullness to the sound. Additionally, the electric bassline effortlessly cuts through the mix, enhancing the overall sonic experience. Although the Echo may not match the Nest Audio’s finesse in high-frequency reproduction, resulting in slightly less prominent string texture and vocals, it compensates with a notably robust performance in the lower frequencies and low-midrange.
In tracks like The Crystal Method’s “Born Too Slow,” the Echo continues to shine. While the backbeat may lack some low-frequency depth characteristic of larger speakers, it still delivers sufficient punch to drive the rhythm. Meanwhile, the guitar riffs and vocals remain distinct and well-defined within the mix, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience overall.
Pricing and Availability:
The Echo (4th Gen) Speaker with Alexa is competitively priced, offering exceptional value for its range of features and capabilities. It is readily available for purchase from authorized retailers and online platforms, ensuring accessibility to consumers seeking to elevate their home entertainment experience.
Where to Buy Echo (4th Gen) Speaker:
The Echo (4th Gen) Speaker with Alexa can be purchased from various retailers both online and in-store, including the official Amazon website. Keep an eye out for special promotions or bundles that may offer additional value for your purchase.
Conclusion:
The Echo (4th Gen) Speaker with Alexa redefines the concept of a smart speaker by delivering unparalleled sound quality, intelligent voice assistance, and seamless smart home integration. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, tech aficionado, or simply seeking to streamline your daily routines, this device offers a compelling solution that enhances your home entertainment and connectivity experience. Consider the Echo (4th Gen) Speaker as your go-to choice for immersive audio and smart home control, and discover a new level of convenience and enjoyment in your living space.
