The smart assistant war is on in earnest as Amazon launches its fourth Echo device in India, this time one that has a screen. This is close on the heels of Google’s launch of its two smart speakers, Google Home and Mini in the country.
The Echo Spot is a cross between speaker and smart alarm clock, round and sphere-like and with a screen. While the Spot does all of what the other Echo devices do, including execute all the skills on board, the screen allows for more functionality. The Spot first of all works like a standard alarm clock for which you can change watch-faces, including with images from your own photo collection. When a user sets reminders or makes up to-do lists, a glance at the Spot can show a few lines of relevant text. The same is true of queries and other interaction with Alexa’s Skills, or the app-like capabilities the smart speaker is adding in quickly groaning numbers.
The Spot can calls make Spot-to-Spot video calls because this device has a camera. Calls can also be made using the Alexa app on the phone. If left always-on, the Spot can allow other Echo users to ‘Drop In’ unannounced with a video call. The camera and screen can be turned off as can the calling feature, with a voice command.
The Echo Spot, despite its screen is a voice first device. The user will be able to watch video and movies (although not from YouTube which has not been enabled by Google) the device is not meant to be the primary one for consuming media. Instead, one-glance visuals such as images when listening to the news or pictures when following a recipe are meant to add to the hands free and voice powered interaction. Amazon shopping of course remains a key capability.
The Echo Spot costs ₹12,999, which is the same price as Amazon’s largest smart speaker, the Echo Plus.
The Spot is now available for an introductory price of ₹10,999. This new addition is targeted at first time Echo buyers or even those who want to add the luxury of an additional device capable of video calling in another room or even on the desk at the office.