Echo Dot (5th generation, 2022 release) | Big vibrant sound Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart speaker with Alexa | Charcoal

Product Information

If your Alexa enabled smart TV is connected to the same network, you can use Alexa as a voice remote.

It’s a bit more civilized than yelling across the house and significantly cheaper than installing an actual intercom system. With over 100,000 Alexa skills (and growing), you can personalize your Echo Dot's Alexa to the fullest.

Of course, you need to be close enough to your Echo Dot that it can pick up your voice---it works best when you're within 10 meters. Yes, you can control the smart plug with Alexa, but you won't be able to talk to the plug to use any of Alexa's features or skills. While it can be controlled by voice and the Alexa app, the Dot also has physical power, mute, and volume controls on top.

For recipes, Alexa will verbally list the steps to follow a recipe or ask to send the recipe to your phone---so you can watch or read it there.The most that you can do is turn the plug on or off, track energy consumption, and create a schedule for it to operate using Alexa. And of course, larger Echo devices have room for more capable speaker hardware, boosting audio quality. If it detects the sound of breaking glass or a fire alarm, your Echo Dot will send you a mobile alert. However, a device that "Supports Alexa" or "Works with Alexa" won't share the same features and capabilities. With the features and skills that we mentioned earlier, you'll see how valuable and fun Alexa can be.

You can ask Alexa for a weather report as you're getting ready in the morning so that you'll know what to wear. If you have more than one device in your home, you can also use your Echo Dot as part of an intercom system. It will act as a security device that listens for glass breaking, alarms, and other potentially dangerous sounds. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the smart home market, the Echo Dot is a great place to start.

If you’re looking to get a virtual assistant-imbued smart speaker on a budget, the Echo Dot is a good option. Alexa doesn't support photos on the Echo Dot, so you'll have to look for another Echo device that does. The best part of the Echo Dot is how easily it does menial tasks you’d normally need to pull out your phone for. Christina Bonnington is a tech reporter who specializes in consumer gadgets, apps, and the trends shaping the technology industry. Alexa will scrape the web and gather reliable information to answer any questions that you might have.