Amazon Echo Dot 2: How Is It Different From Echo Dot 1st Gen?

amazon-echo-dot-2-what-is-different-from-echo-dot-1st-gen

The Alexa powered smart speakers have been a surprise hitting for Amazon. The Amazon Echo is a very popular device, which has garnered a lot of attention from users & developers and the company has made sure to maintain the momentum by adding new devices like the Tap and Echo Dot to the roaster. The Echo Dot, launched in March this yr, was the most affordable of the lot simply it had its fair share of limitations. Keeping that in mind, Amazon recently introduced the new Echo Dot 2. While the Echo Dot 2 is very similar to its predecessor, there are some very of import changes. So, if you are planning to purchase an Echo Dot ii, hither'southward what information technology brings when compared to the original Repeat Dot. Let's start with the hardware changes in Echo Dot 2.

Hardware Changes

The Amazon Echo Dot 2nd gen looks pretty much the same as the first gen Echo Dot, featuring the aforementioned Puck-style blueprint. Even so, in that location are subtle changes like a different speaker grill and more. The new Echo Dot features a glossier stop and does away with the rotating volume dial. Instead, information technology features volume buttons on the top. This is a determination made past Amazon to decrease the cost of the device.

Likewise, the new Echo Dot is smaller, lighter and does not come with the 3.5mm cable, which was part of the original Echo Dot package. The Echo Dot 2 is available in a new White Pearl version along with the usual Black ane.

Overall, I liked the original's design meliorate, considering I'1000 not really a fan of the sleeky terminate and hardware book buttons. Having said that, I understand that Amazon had to cut corners somewhere.

Improved Voice Recognition

If you have used the older Amazon Echo Dot, you must accept noticed that its voice recognition is a little patchy, when compared to the Echo and Tap. Well, that changes with Amazon Echo Dot 2. Similar its predecessor, the Echo Dot ii features seven microphones with far field voice recognition to make sure it does not misses your commands. However, it as well packs a new speech processor, which is incorporated to raise the device's voice recognition accuracy. So, if you did not buy an Echo Dot due of reviews suggesting average vocalisation recognition, you lot fabricated the right decision.

Echo Spatial Perception (ESP)

Amazon has also introduced a absurd new Repeat Spatial Perception (ESP) applied science with the Repeat Dot 2. If you own multiple Alexa devices in your house, the ESP characteristic will make sure that when you speak to Alexa, only a single device responds, instead of multiple responses, which is what happens now. It also makes sure that the device which is closer to you responds past detecting the clarity of your voice. According to Amazon, the feature should get smarter with time.

While Repeat Dot 2 will come with ESP enabled, Amazon Echo, Tap and Echo Dot 1st gen will get the ESP characteristic via a software update.

Meliorate Availability and Cost

One of the major criticisms that Amazon faced with the kickoff gen Echo Dot faced was its limited availability. The Echo Dot was only available to lodge from an Alexa device, which means that only people who take an Echo or Tap or a Fire TV could social club the device. However, Amazon has learned the lesson and the Repeat Dot 2 is available right from the Amazon website for anyone to buy. The device is available for pre-order in the US, UK, Germany and Austria.

Besides, the toll has been slashed by well-nigh 50%. While the first gen Repeat Dot was available for $89.99, the new Echo Dot is available for $49.99, which makes it a steal. Plus, Amazon is also offer a buy v become 1 gratis and buy x get 2 free offer on the device, so you can fix them up in every room. Some other difference betwixt the ii devices is that the original Echo Dot came with a warranty of 1 twelvemonth, while the Echo Dot comes with a 90-day warranty, which does not bode well for the long run.

Specs Comparison

	Amazon Repeat Dot	Amazon Echo Dot 2d Gen
Dimensions	one.five 10 3.iii x 3.three inches	ane.3 x 3.3 x 3.3 inches
Weight	250 grams	163 grams
Buttons	Mute, Action	Mute, Action, Book Buttons
Lights	Light Ring	Light Ring
WiFi	802.11a/b/1000/n Dual Band (ii.4 GHz and 5 GHz)	802.11a/b/g/due north Dual Ring (two.4 GHz and v GHz)
Bluetooth Audio Input	Aye	Yes
Bluetooth Audio Output	Yes	Yes
AUX Audio Input	No	No
AUX Audio Output	Yep	Yep
Speaker	Modest Speaker only for Alexa vocalisation feedback	Small Speaker merely for Alexa voice feedback
Power	Adapter (not portable)	Adapter (non portable)
Alexa Activation	Vox or Action push button	Voice or Action push button
All Alexa Features	Yep	Yeah
Speech Processor	No	Yes
ESP	Coming via OTA update	Yeah
Cost	89.99	49.99
Warranty	ane Yr	90-day
Availability	Only through Alexa devices	Amazon website
Colors	Black	Black, White

Run across Too: Amazon Echo vs Tap vs Echo Dot: Which One Is For You?

The Amazon Echo Dot 2 is a steal at $49.99

Other than the changes mentioned above, the Repeat Dot ii remains the same equally its predecessor, with back up for easily-free Alexa commands, connection to external speakers via Bluetooth or 3.5mm cablevision, a pocket-size built-in speaker and more. While the hardware might seem a little cheaper when compared to the first Repeat Dot, information technology's certainly superior on other fronts. To sum things up, the Repeat Dot 2 at $49.99 is certainly worth the money and if yous oasis't bought an Alexa speaker nonetheless, you are actually missing out on some great tech. Also, if you alive in a country where the Echo Dot two is not bachelor, don't worry, you tin can nevertheless buy information technology and prepare it up.

Well, those are my thoughts only I'd love to hear from you. So, let u.s. know what you think of the Echo Dot 2 in the comments department below.