A microphone (center) and two LEDs (left and right) inside an Echo Dot The Echo contains several microphones (here: an array of seven microphones inside an Echo Dot, with six of them arranged in a circle alternating with LEDs) A loudspeaker inside an Echo Dot
Full Answer
What can I do with Echo Dot?
What can you do without Alexa?
- You'll be able to use the Echo Dot as an external speaker by pairing it with another to extend your range.
- You'll be able to listen to podcasts, music, audiobooks, etc. ...
- You'll be able to set up reminders or timers through the Echo Dot's ‘action button.'
What is an Echo Dot and how does it work?
What can the Echo Dot do?
- Home assistant and entertainment in one device. The best part of the Echo Dot is how easily it does menial tasks you’d normally need to pull out your phone ...
- Control your smart devices. With Alexa the Echo Dot allows you to control all the smart devices in your home. ...
- It works as a home intercom system. ...
- Multiple ways to control the device. ...
How do you pair an Echo Dot?
Why is using Amazon Echo as a Bluetooth device more convenient?
- Turn on the power button of your Amazon echo dot speaker.
- On the mobile handset, you want to use for pairing with your amazon echo dot, open the Alexa app if you have it installed. ...
- Choose the more option in at the bottom of your screen and then choose the settings option.
- Select device settings and then select the Amazon echo dot you want to pair.
Can Echo Dot work alone?
Works fine. It works just fine as a stand alone unit. The Dot, just like the echo, is better served in conjunction with smart home products, as it acts primarily as a hub to your system.
See more
What's inside an Echo Dot?
The Amazon Dot consists of the paperboard retail box, a paperboard insert, the Dot itself, a USB plug with power adapter, two small instruction manuals, and three pieces of protective plastic coverings. Everything that is included with the Amazon Echo Dot.
What is the Amazon Echo made of?
All new Echo devices announced today are built with 100% post-consumer recycled fabric, 100% recycled die-cast aluminum, and post-consumer recycled plastic Plus, all wood fiber-based materials used in Echo device packaging are made entirely from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources In addition to using ...
Does the Amazon Echo spy on you?
While Alexa devices — like the Echo or Echo Dot smart speakers — are listening all the time, they do so to monitor your voice for the wake word. These devices use a built-in technology called keyword spotting to match your voice to the acoustic patterns of your preferred activation word.
How do you clean the inside of an Alexa?
Devices like the Amazon Echo Dot used to be an almost entirely plastic without any fabric to worry about. The latest models, however, have a fabric shell. You can wipe these down with a soft cloth to clean up any dust or grime. A dry-cloth rule applies here, so as to be absolutely sure not to damage the speaker.
What is the life span of an Echo Dot?
All the same, the Echo Dot is delightful, it's cutting edge and, even going on two years into its lifespan, it's as good a value as you're likely to ever see in tech.
Why is Alexa called Alexa?
'They just appropriated our name' Amazon chose the name Alexa because it “was inspired by the Library of Alexandria and is reflective of Alexa's depth of knowledge,” Lauren Raemhild, a public relations specialist for Amazon, said in a statement, referring to the late-pharaonic-era institution in Egypt.
Can someone hear me through Alexa?
You may wonder if Alexa is listening to conversations, or listening to everything you say. You may want to know whether Alexa listens to you when you're not directly interacting with an Echo device. The answer to those questions is no. Alexa and all of our Echo devices are designed with your privacy in mind.
Can Alexa be hacked to listen to conversations?
Academic researchers have devised a new working exploit that commandeers Amazon Echo smart speakers and forces them to unlock doors, make phone calls and unauthorized purchases, and control furnaces, microwave ovens, and other smart appliances. The attack works by using the device's speaker to issue voice commands.
Why is Alexa always listening?
According to Florian Schaub, Assistant Professor in the University of Michigan School of Information, the microphones in these smart speakers “are always listening, but, by default, they are only listening for the 'wake word' or the activation keyword.” Since the whole purpose behind the device is to instantly respond ...
Can you put an Echo Dot in the bathroom?
Yes, you read that correctly. Your trusty Amazon Echo device can be so convenient in the most unexpected place: your bathroom. Think about all the times you've wanted to listen to music while getting ready or ran out of shampoo mid-shower and forgot to add it to your shopping list. Alexa can help with that.
How do you clean echo speakers?
You can clean your Echo smart speakers, like the Echo Dot (fourth-gen), and smart displays, like the Echo Show 5 (second-gen), by dampening a soft cloth with water and a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Wring out the rag before cleaning (it should not be dripping), then carefully wipe down the device completely.
How do you protect Alexa from dust?
If you have a smart speaker with any cloth parts, try using a lint roller to trap dirt and grime. Since the fabric is woven, a lint roller will stop the dirt from being pushed deeper into the cloth.
Where are Echo devices made?
Hengyang Foxconn plantThe growing popularity of its Echo series of smart speakers has meant the Seattle-based company is increasingly prominent as a device manufacturer. Both Kindles and Echo Dots are assembled at the Hengyang Foxconn plant.
Where was Alexa made?
PolandAlexa was developed out of a predecessor named Ivona which was invented in Poland, inspired by 2001:A Space Odyssey and bought by Amazon in 2013. In November 2014, Amazon announced Alexa alongside the Echo.
How did Amazon build Alexa?
From the start, Amazon built Alexa by appointing laser-focused "satellite teams", which concentrated on the best way for it to be integrated into each of Amazon's retail sectors. "We have thousands of people working on Alexa across different domains and at the foundational science level," George says.
How much does it cost to make an Amazon Echo?
One person who worked on the project remembers that the company expected to be able to manufacture the devices for about $17 and sell them for $50. It now costs $180, and Amazon is believed to take a loss on each sale, once packaging, shipping, and marketing are factored in.
How much does an echo dot cost?
Eliminating the big speaker drops the price of the from $180 for the Echo to $50 for the Echo Dot.
How does a Dot speaker work?
The speaker enclosure pops out of the bottom half of the Dot. The enclosure seems to be a sort of baffle focusing the sound waves out of a small opening. Removing a plastic top from the baffle reveals the speaker itself. It makes an electrical connection to the main circuit board through two metalized pads that touch small spring-loaded metal prongs on the main PCB when the device is assembled. One other interesting bit about the bottom half of the Dot case holding the speaker is that it contains what seems to be an RF-ID circuit pasted to the inside bottom surface.
How many microphones does a Texas Instruments dot have?
Each of these ADCs accepts two inputs which explains why there are four ADCs handling eight microphones. Also on the board is an LED driver for the 12 RGB LEDs. The driver is from Integrated Silicon Solution and it is designed to handle 36 channels, each with an independent PWM control. That’s exactly what you need to handle 12 RGB LEDs because each color on each LED needs its own channel. The ISSI chip also can modulate the brightness of each LED channel to fade the LED light to create what’s called a breathing effect which the Dot puts to good use.
What is the frame on the Dot?
Removing the rubber membrane reveals a white plastic frame. The frame provides baffles for both the microphones and LEDs sitting around the edge of the Dot.
How many Torx screws are in the bottom of the dot?
The bottom of the Dot with the cushioning pad removed reveals the four Torx screws.
What does the red button on the Dot do?
The mute microphone button has two red LEDs near it to indicate that the microphone is switched off. Another noteworthy feature is a small light sensor that sites near the action button.
Where are the LEDs on a PCB?
Both the LEDs and six of the microphones sit around the outer edge of the PCB. Also notable is that the PCB has a white mask around its edge to help reflect the LED light and enhance the light that rings the top edge of the Dot.
What is an echo dot?
The Amazon Echo Dot is a compact smart speaker that responds to voice commands. Amazon. Like the original Amazon Echo, the Echo Dot is a voice-controlled smart speaker that uses an artificially intelligent personal assistant named Alexa to perform a broad range of activities. Alexa can play music, set alarms, control other "smart" devices in ...
How big is the Amazon Echo Dot?
Looking more like a hockey puck than the Echo's original cylindrical shape, the Dot measures a little over 3 inches in diameter and is nearly 1.5 inches high. It has a few buttons on the top which control volume, mute the speaker, ...
How is the Amazon Echo different from other Echo devices?
How the Amazon Echo Dot is different from other Echo devices (and the same) The Echo Dot is different from the Echo primarily in that it's missing the large speaker which takes up most of the original Echo's cylinder. It has a much smaller, somewhat lower quality speaker.
What does an X mean in a notification?
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.
How does the Dot work?
It has a few buttons on the top which control volume, mute the speaker, and wake the device to listen for a question or command (though you don't need to touch the Dot to use it; it is designed to primarily respond to voice commands).
Can you mix and match Echo Dot speakers?
If you already have one kind of Echo product and want additional speakers for other rooms in your home, you can mix and match. An Amazon Echo Dot can work in a household with other Amazon Echo and Echo Dot speakers.
Can you connect an echo dot to an external speaker?
The original Echo cannot be connected to an external speaker. The Amazon Echo Dot can play through a larger nearby speaker using a standard audio jack or Bluetooth. Otherwise, the Dot is identical to the Echo — it can perform all the functions of any other member of the Amazon Echo family.
Introduction
Amazon's Echo line is expanding—or in the Dot's case, shrinking! The new hockey-puck-sized Echo Dot lets you add some Alexa-infused personality to your existing home speaker setup. We're eager to try it, but not before we've thoroughly taken it apart. Alexa, brace yourself—it's teardown time.
Step 1 Amazon Echo Dot Teardown
If Amazon ever ventures into the canned tuna fish business, they'll have a great package design ready to go. In the meantime, the Dot contains some tasty morsels:
Step 2
Topside, the Dot looks exactly like its older brother, the Echo, complete with its action and mic mute buttons, light ring, volume ring, and microphone array.
Step 4
We peel away the grippy rubber pad, fully expecting to find our first screws—but instead, we're greeted by glue. Boo!
Step 5
Our first look inside reveals what sophisticated tech insiders will instantly recognize as a big metal thing.
Step 6
Yep, it's a speaker, albeit a small one. It connects to the Dot by way of a couple pairs of spring contacts.
Step 7
With the screws removed, only a thin ribbon cable ties all these layers together. Introducing Amazon Echo Dot: Accordion Edition.
What is an echo dot?
The Amazon Echo Dot is a small smart-speaker—that is, it connects to your Wi-Fi network to work as an all-in-one digital assistant. Past incarnations have looked like a hockey puck, but the device has undergone a redesign. Now sporting a spherical look, the Echo Dot comes in black, white, and kid-friendly “tiger.”.
What is the best thing about Echo Dot?
1) Home assistant and entertainment in one device. The best part of the Echo Dot is how easily it does menial tasks you’d normally need to pull out your phone for. Thats thanks to the Alexa smart assistant software. When you’re cooking or working out it’s nice to keep your hands free setting a time. Just ask Alexa.
How much does the Echo Dot cost?
If you’re looking to dip your toes into the smart home market, the Echo Dot is a great place to start. The Echo Dot is an incredibly affordable product and comes in three different models.
What are the downsides to the Echo Dot?
While the Echo Dot lets you know when it’s listening, sometimes it will start without warning. Occasionally it will hear a word that sounds like Alexa, and activate. That can feel unnerving.
How to set up an echo dot?
To get started with an Echo Dot, first make sure you have the Alexa app downloaded. Then, decide where you want your Echo Dot to reside and plug it in. The ring around the top of the device will glow blue, then orange. Now, you’ll need to connect the device to your home’s Wi-Fi network.
How do you know if your echo dot is listening?
Gone are the days of Alexa creepily laughing for no reason. You can tell when your Echo Dot is listening because its light will glow.
Does the Echo Dot 4th generation have bass?
The sound quality on the 4th generation Echo Dot doesn’t live up to its ancestors. Reviews and consumers alike have complained about its lack of bass and softer volume. This stems from the device changing from 360-degree audio to a new forward-firing speaker.
How big is the Echo Dot?
The all-new Echo Dot is a spherical shape with a fabric finish that stands 3.5 inches tall, 3.9 inches wide, 3.9 inches long and only weighs 12.3 ounces. The front facing speaker is 1.6 inches, with dual firing tweeters and a 3.0 inch woofer that allows for improved vocals and bass.
What is the face of the Echo Dot 4th gen?
The face of the All New Echo Dot 4th Gen is made from 100% post consumer recycled fabric. This means that the fabric finish of the speaker comes from landfills after consumer use. Then, they repurpose it to fit the cozy aesthetic of the speaker. 50% post consumer recycled plastics and 100% recycled die cast aluminium make up the rest of the hardware of the All New Echo Dot 4th Gen. This includes the device itself, the power cable and wall adapter.
What is the 4th generation echo dot?
The aptly named All New Echo Dot 4th Generation is a spherical smart speaker with a fabric finish that features an LED clock and the Alexa App. It’s the best Echo Dot speaker to date, and this is why, Sleek Design. Smart Speaker.
Why is my Alexa ring red?
When it’s illuminated, it means that the Alexa App is recording what you say and sending your request to the cloud. When the microphone is off, this LED light ring will appear red to indicate that the Alexa App cannot record anything.
What is Alexa privacy settings?
The Alexa Privacy Settings allow you to go through your voice recordings (or requests) and listen or delete them. You can also ask why Alexa responds in a certain way and Alexa will provide you with a short explanation about the response.
What is the LED light ring on a sphere?
On the bottom, there is an LED light ring that kind of makes the device look like it’s floating. However, the LED light ring is more than just for show.
Where is the volume button on Alexa?
The volume buttons are on the top of the sphere, along with the action button and a button to turn off the microphone. In the back of the sphere, there is the power port and a port for a 3.5 mm line out to plug in extra speakers. On the bottom, there is an LED light ring that kind of makes the device look like it’s floating.
What Are the Buttons on the Echo Dot?
Every Echo Dot has either two or four buttons, depending on the generation. These buttons give you access to certain Echo Dot functions without using voice controls, allow you to issue a command without first saying the wake word, and allow you to stop the Echo Dot from listening to you. The appearance of these buttons differs slightly depending on which version of the Echo Dot hardware you have.
How many volume buttons does an echo dot have?
The Echo Dot has two volume buttons. One has a + symbol on it, and the other has a - sign. There’s nothing complicated here: the + button turns the volume up, and the - button turns it down.
What does the red light on my Echo Dot mean?
When you want to start using voice commands again, just press and release the button a second time, the red light will turn off, which indicates the microphone is on and the Echo Dot is listening.
How to use microphone button on Alexa?
The microphone button is less complicated than the action button, as it only performs two functions. To use this button, press and release the button when you want Alexa to stop listening in. The button turns red to indicate when the microphone is disabled.
How to set up Alexa?
Enter setup mode: Press and hold the action button until it enters setup mode. When the ring light turns orange, the device has entered setup mode, and you can set it up in the Alexa app.
What does the microphone button look like?
When the microphone is off, this button turns red, and the light ring turns red. This button looks like a microphone or a circle with a cross through it.
How to activate echo dot action button?
The action button on the Echo Dot is activated by pressing it, and you can either tap it or hold it depending on the intended effect. Here are the things you can do with the action button: Issue a command: Press and release the action button to duplicate the effect of saying the wake word for the device.
