At this point, smart speakers aren’t particularly new. In fact, we’ve seen countless speakers since they rose in popularity a few years ago. Amazon’s own line of Echo smart speakers helped usher in the age of the smart home, but this year’s model isn’t just an incremental update. It’s such a big leap that we think it’s not only the best smart speaker you can currently buy, but also the best smart home product of 2020 as a whole.
Why? Well, first and foremost, the fourth-generation model Echo introduces a brand-new design that’s a refreshing change that features a spherical shape. Some folks were skeptical about the switch (including us), but the orb-shaped look of the Echo (4th Gen) was a necessary one over the cylindrical designs of its predecessors. Other speakers look blah with their predictable designs, which is why the Echo (4th Gen) particularly stands out for its odd design choice. Add to that its dazzling LED light ring, you’ll be entranced each and every time Alexa is activated.
Audio quality also continues to be a key area focused by the Echo (4th Gen). It’s no slouch, packing in a 3.0-inch woofer accompanied by dual front-firing 0.8-inch tweeters. The result is a sound performance that’s not sky about its boisterous performance. You can even connect two Echos with a compatible Fire TV device to experience home theater audio. Who doesn’t love a speaker that can fill large rooms?
Another aspect that’s often underappreciated is that the Echo (4th Gen) acts as a home hub for Zigbee-compatible devices. This effectively allows users to connect Zigbee devices without the need for setting up yet another bridge in your home to gain remote access to them. For example, you can set up a Zigbee smart LED light bulb all through the Alexa app using nothing more than the Echo (4th Gen). It beats having to set up another physical bridge and installing an app just to get that Zigbee device to work.
And finally, there’s Alexa, which is constantly being improved thanks to the many skills that are available to expand her functions. Things certainly got spicy with the introduction of Samuel L. Jackson as one of the celebrity voices that could be used. We’ll attest that he’s by far the funniest and most amusing voice assistant out there, which makes the Echo (4th Gen) a sweeter package over its rivals.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.
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