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The fourth-generation Amazon Echo sports a spiffy new shape, great sound quality and easy smart home setup for a reasonable price. It’s one of the best smart speakers we’ve ever tested. Check out the video for all of the details including a head-to-head sound comparison with the Nest Audio.
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The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is a smart speaker that offers a blend of functionality, design, and performance, making it a central hub for smart home ecosystems. Released in late 2020, this version marked a significant design shift from the cube-shaped Echo devices of previous generations to a more rounded, spherical form that aligns with modern aesthetics while still maintaining the core functionalities that users expect from an Amazon Echo device.
### Design & Build
The most notable feature of the 4th Gen Echo is its spherical design. It’s a departure from the traditional cylindrical shape, allowing it to fit into a variety of home decor styles. The fabric-covered body is not only visually appealing but also serves a functional purpose by improving the acoustic properties of the speaker. The device is available in several colors, enabling users to select one that best matches their living spaces.
### Audio Quality
The 4th Gen Echo is equipped with a 3-inch woofer and dual 0.8-inch tweeters, producing a fuller sound with improved bass and clarity compared to its predecessors. This makes it suitable for music playback, podcast listening, and other audio needs. Spatial audio technology enhances the overall listening experience, providing more depth and richness to the sound.
### Smart Features
Being an Alexa-enabled device, the Echo (4th Gen) can respond to voice commands, answer questions, play music, control smart home devices, set reminders, and provide weather updates, among other functions. The integration with Alexa allows for hands-free operation, making it easy for users to interact with the device without needing to touch it.
### Smart Home Hub
One of the significant upgrades in the 4th Gen Echo is its built-in Zigbee hub, which allows it to directly connect and control compatible smart home devices. This eliminates the need for additional hubs for managing smart lighting, locks, and other accessories. This feature makes it an appealing choice for users looking to build a cohesive smart home ecosystem.
### Privacy Features
Amazon has incorporated several privacy features into the Echo (4th Gen) to alleviate concerns about data security. Users have the ability to mute the microphone using a physical button, ensuring that the device is not listening when privacy is a concern. Additionally, users can manage their voice recordings through the Alexa app, providing more control over the data being collected.
### User Experience
Setting up the Echo (4th Gen) is straightforward through the Alexa app, which guides users through the process of connecting the device to their Wi-Fi network and configuring their smart home devices. The device can be easily integrated with other Amazon services, such as Amazon Music and Audible, enhancing the overall user experience.
### Conclusion
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) strikes a balance between functionality and design. Its spherical shape, enhanced audio quality, and smart hub capabilities make it a strong contender in the smart speaker market. Whether used for music playback, as a smart home control center, or for everyday assistance, the Echo (4th Gen) successfully embodies Amazon’s vision of a connected home, appealing to both tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.