Amazon has expanded it’s Echo product line today by adding two new devices Amazon Tap and Echo Dot. Both feature the same far-field voice recognition as Echo.
Amazon Tap is a smaller portable version of the Echo, priced at $129.99. It’s meant to be charged and taken on the go with you. When connected to WiFi it will provide you with the features you’ve come to know with the original Echo. Whenever you’re without a WiFi connection it will simply act as a Bluetooth speaker, offering up to 9 hours audio playback. Now you can take Alexa with you on the go.
- Just tap and ask for music from Prime Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn
- Uses the Alexa Voice Service when connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot to play music, read the news, provide weather reports, and even order a pizza
- Streams all your music via Bluetooth from your phone or tablet
- Delivers crisp sound powered by Dolby, with dual stereo speakers that provide 360º omni-directional audio
- Provides up to 9 hours of playback
- Always getting smarter and adding new features and skills
- Includes Charging Cradle
Echo Dot is an even smaller version of the Echo sans the speaker, priced at $89.99. It has an audio jack and is meant to be connected to a stereo or set of speakers. This is positioned more as something to connect to your home entertainment system, to control your media or home automation. Echo Dot can also only be ordered through an Echo or Fire TV at the moment. It is a Prime exclusive and must be purchased through saying “Alexa, order an Echo Dot”.
- Uses the Alexa Voice Service to play music, provide information, read the news, set alarms, control smart home devices, and more using just your voice
- Connects speakers over Bluetooth or with the included audio cable to play music from Prime Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn
- Includes a built-in speaker so it can work on its own as a smart alarm clock in the bedroom, an assistant in the kitchen, or anywhere you might want a voice-controlled computer
- Hears you from across the room with far-field voice recognition, even while music is playing
- Controls smart home devices like lights, switches, thermostats, and more with compatible connected devices from WeMo, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, ecobee, and others
- Always getting smarter and adding new features and skills
The Amazon Tap and Echo Dot are both available through pre-order right now and the Amazon Tap will ship March 31st. There is no ship date for the Echo Dot, but I assume it will be around the same time.
Source: Droid Life
