The smart speaker war has taken off in earnest with Amazon launching yet another addition to the Echo line. The Echo Spot
This device is an alarm clock like speaker with a screen built in and can fit into either home or office. While still very much a voice-first hands-free device, the Spot’s display is touch sensitive and allows the user to glance at or briefly watch content such as cricket highlights, recipes, news, photos, etc. Amazon is clear that the Spot is not meant to compete with the phone or another screened device but rather to be able to snack on content.
The Echo Spot is to cost ₹12,999 but is available at an introductory price of ₹10,499 on Amazon and select retailers like Croma and Reliance Digital. Many other deals are available for those buying more than one Echo device.
The form factor of the Echo Spot is almost spherical. The size and viewing angle of the screen make it most like an alarm clock or nightstand on which a user can view their calendar, see the weather update, check the time, wake up to music alarms, turn your lights on and off, see shopping lists, and more.
The Spot not only has a display but a front-facing camera to make Alexa-to-Alexa voice-controlled video calls or send a message. For instance, one can simply say, “Alexa, call dad,” or “Alexa, send a message to Vinay.” Video calls work between any two Echo Spot devices and also with the Alexa companion app that is available on Android and iOS app stores. The Drop In feature aims to recreate the feeling one gets when one’s closest family or friends drop by for a visit or when one walks into another room to talk with someone in person. The Drop In feature via voice is in any case is available on all Echo devices in India including the Echo Spot, Echo Dot, Echo and Echo Plus..
“Echo Spot combines the popular design of the Echo Dot with the added benefit of a display,” said Jayshree Gururaj, Director - Amazon Devices. “With the screen, Alexa adds an enriching visual experience to voice activation and control. We are excited to bring Echo Spot to our customers in India.”
One can use the Echo Spot with all the 15,000 ‘Skills’ or functions the other Echo devices have through Alexa, the smart assistant. This includes voice-commanding music or movies on the speaker or even connected to other speakers, making queries, voice shopping, booking tickets or a cab, hearing one’s horoscope, and many other options.