Can be seen and heard: the new Amazon Echo is well-rounded

The Amazon Echo has changed quite a bit over the years: While the first model four years ago was still a somewhat clattering, smart speaker box, the 2020 model is a well-rounded thing. In addition, the fourth generation has received an important new feature.

Every year in autumn, Amazon introduces a new generation of Echo, which is always a little better than its predecessor. This time, the manufacturer went to great lengths: the smart WLAN speaker has a completely new design, sounds fuller and can now also serve as a smart home center. At around 98 euros, it offers a very attractive price-performance ratio.

Echo (4th generation), anthracite + Philips Hue White LED lamp

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The new spherical design with fabric covering is not a sensation, after all, spherical speakers with a similar look were already popular in the 1970s. But the new Echo looks really cute and fits on a farmer's cupboard as well as on a Billy shelf.

Fuller sound

The new design has not damaged the sound, on the contrary: The approximately 14 centimeter high Echo 4 with a 76 millimeter woofer and two 20 millimeter tweeters has a little more bass than its predecessor and also sounds fuller overall. It automatically adapts its sound to the environment and masters Dolby Audio.

Amazon Echo 4 Test-2.jpg

The Echo 4 with deactivated microphones between the new Echo Dots.

(Photo: kwe)

If you want a nice stereo sound, it's best to get two echoes, which you can then attach to stands with the screw threads on the floor. Alone or integrated into a multiroom system as a soloist, the Echo 4 is best used in the kitchen, bathroom or other smaller rooms. Although it has enough oomph for larger rooms, it sounds better at medium volume levels.

Of course, the fourth Echo also has the Alexa voice assistant on board. Six microphones ensure that the loudspeaker still understands voice commands even when the music is loud, without having to be yelled at. The device can also be controlled using the buttons on the top and deaf with the central Alexa button. Like the ring in the bottom of the case, it then glows red, which otherwise reacts blue-green to commands.

Integrated Zigbee hub

The most important innovation compared to its predecessor is the now integrated Zigbee hub, which was previously reserved for more expensive Amazon speakers. The loudspeaker can thus serve as a smart home center. However, only with Zigbee-compatible devices such as lamps from Osram or Philips Hue. When you buy an Echo 4, Amazon is currently delivering a Hue bulb to try out for free.

Those who already have a hub and do not have any higher demands on the sound can also use the new Echo Dot speakers. Design and functions are largely the same, only the sound is significantly thinner. The simple dot costs just under 58 euros, its brother with an LED clock around 68 euros.

. (tagsToTranslate) technology (t) technology tests (t) speakers (t) audio tests (t) streaming (t) WLAN (t) Amazon (t) networked household