Review of Echo Dot 5th generation: a very smart speaker
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Currently, the Alexa voice assistant can be found on various devices, but it all started with the Echo smart speaker, and now the company has already released the 5th generation of this gadget. The 5th generation Amazon Echo Dot replaces the previous model and is now rightfully considered the most technically sophisticated speaker in the Echo series. Let’s take a closer look at this new product and find out the functional and technical capabilities of the smart speaker.
Design.
The 5th generation Echo Dot retains the same spherical design and comes in blue, white and black. The device, slightly larger than a tennis ball, has volume controls at the top, as well as a microphone mute button and a key for calling the Alexa voice assistant.
According to the manufacturer, the speaker promises “more powerful sound and smarter control,” which is important given such a small size. During test use, the speaker was indeed able to live up to its stated sound capabilities. The speaker produces rich, room-filling sound, and while the bass is still a bit lacking, the sound is surprisingly good. Since the device is small, it did not include a clock display, and, unfortunately, there is also no 3.5 mm audio output. To pair with the user’s smartphone or laptop, the speaker uses the Bluetooth wireless interface.
Alexa.
The Alexa assistant, like any other of its analogues, is quite easy to use; it is activated by pronouncing a trigger word and is immediately ready to respond to voice commands. In addition to processing standard requests like weather information and news, setting alarms and reminders, like any other assistant, this option is capable of answering any, including the most stupid or provocative questions like: “Alexa, will you marry me? “. One of the main uses of the gadget is, of course, playing music, which it does quite well, and the improved sound quality brings positive emotions.
Additional temperature and motion sensors.
Another important aspect of the Echo smart speaker is the control of compatible smart home devices integrated into a single ecosystem. The 5th generation Echo Dot has a feature that, in my opinion, is very useful when integrated into a smart home system – motion and temperature detection sensors. They, combined with Alexa functionality, help you use the gadgets and functions under your control in the most productive way.
In other words, the 5th generation Echo Dot is equipped with a motion detection sensor that is triggered by human movement in the immediate vicinity, such as when a person enters the room where the device is located. And because this motion detection can be used as a trigger in an Alexa routine, the user can tie specific actions to this event, such as an alert via a notification or turning on an Alexa-enabled smart light bulb. In addition, the gadget can work as a home security device when the user is not in the house.
Similarly, the 5th generation Echo Dot is equipped with a temperature sensor, and the user can similarly configure certain procedures to be performed in the Alexa app. For example, it becomes possible to configure an Alexa-enabled smart air purifier or air conditioner to turn on when the room temperature reaches a certain level.
It’s worth noting, however, that the Echo Dot only detects significant motion (like someone walking into a room), not small movements like someone working on a laptop or reading a book. However, motion detection sensitivity can be adjusted to suit the user’s individual needs.
Bottom line.
A small smart speaker with powerful sound and a bunch of great smart features, the 5th generation Amazon Echo Dot is the 5th generation, with motion and temperature sensors adding a new level of intelligence to the gadget’s functionality