Amazon has refreshed its compact smart display offering with the new Echo Spot for 2024. This stylish bedside companion aims to blend seamlessly into any room while providing Alexa smarts and basic visual information at a glance.
Sleek Design in a Small Package
The updated Echo Spot maintains a similar compact form factor to its predecessor, measuring just 113 x 103 x 111mm. Its minimalist aesthetic features a 2.83-inch circular display with a 240 x 320 resolution, housed in the upper half of the device. The lower portion contains a 1.73-inch speaker driver.
Available in Black, Glacier White, and Ocean Blue color options, the Echo Spot is designed to complement a variety of decors. A motion sensor on top can detect approach, increasing screen brightness and triggering customized routines.
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| The Amazon Echo Spot's sleek design exemplifies the stylish integration of technology into home decor |
Capable Hardware for Snappy Performance
Under the hood, the Echo Spot (2024) is powered by a MediaTek MT8519 chipset, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage. This hardware configuration provides responsive performance for Alexa voice commands and basic smart home controls.
Audio Punches Above Its Weight
Despite its diminutive size, the Echo Spot delivers surprisingly good audio quality for casual listening. While it won't replace a dedicated speaker system, it provides ample volume to fill a bedroom or office space with enjoyable sound.
Limited But Functional Display
The small circular screen shows basic information like time, weather, and notifications. However, it lacks more advanced display features found on larger Echo Show devices. The screen can be challenging to read from off-angles or in low light conditions.
Amazon offers minimal customization for clock faces, with just six designs and six color options available. There's no ability to set custom photos as backgrounds.
Privacy-Focused, No Camera Included
Unlike some smart displays, the Echo Spot (2024) does not include a built-in camera. This may disappoint those hoping to make video calls, but provides peace of mind for privacy-conscious users placing the device in bedrooms.
Pricing and Availability
The Amazon Echo Spot (2024) retails for $80, a slight increase from the previous generation. However, it's frequently discounted to between $45-$55 at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
The Verdict
The new Echo Spot offers a compelling package for those seeking a compact smart alarm clock with basic display functionality. Its stylish design, good audio quality, and lack of camera make it well-suited for bedside use. However, those wanting more robust screen features may want to consider the similarly-priced Echo Show 5 instead.
For users prioritizing a minimalist smart display that blends into decor while providing Alexa assistance, the Echo Spot (2024) hits the mark as a solid bedside companion.