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The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is now $22.99, down from $49.99—its lowest price ever, according to price trackers like Keepa. While it might look nearly identical to the previous generation Echo Dot, with its squat 3.9-inch sphere shape and fabric-covered front, it's packed with some updates that make it more convenient than ever.
The most notable changes are the addition of motion sensors, which let you tap the top of the device to control music, snooze alarms, and end calls. It’s a small but handy feature, especially if you're looking for a way to interact without shouting commands or using physical buttons. The internal speaker has also been slightly upgraded with a larger driver—now 1.73 inches versus 1.6 inches on the previous model—but don’t expect groundbreaking audio improvements. According to reviews, the sound is decent but still limited. It's good enough to fill a small room, but if you’re after room-shaking bass or booming sound, you’d be better off looking at larger models like the Amazon Echo Studio ($199.99).
On the connectivity front, the Echo Dot now supports Eero mesh network integration, allowing it to act as a node for your Eero wifi system, providing up to 1,000 square feet of coverage. This is a nice bonus if you already use Eero, but it may not be a game-changer for everyone. It also supports Bluetooth and dual-band 802.11ac wifi, which is great for streaming music or podcasts from services like Spotify, Apple Music, or iHeartRadio. However, one drawback is the removal of the 3.5mm jack from previous models, so you can no longer connect it to larger speakers for more powerful sound.
Of course, the Echo Dot is powered by Alexa, which remains one of the most widely supported voice assistants. It can handle everything from setting alarms and controlling smart home devices to playing music and making calls. If you’re already invested in Amazon’s ecosystem, the Echo Dot makes a solid addition, especially with its ability to control your smart home devices via routines or even Alexa's “Hunches,” which proactively suggests actions based on your habits, according to this PCMag review.
from LifeHacker https://ift.tt/84O3rIX
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