New WLAN routers from the Amazon subsidiary Eero should not only support the modern Wi-Fi 6E standard, but also be able to convert the popular Alexa speakers from the Echo family into repeaters. The fourth generation of the Echo (Dot) is to be supported.
Router maker Eero, acquired by Amazon in 2019, is working on two new models that were leaked ahead of time by US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval. But the special features of the Eero Pro 6E and Eero 6+ should not only lie in the support of Wi-Fi 6E.
The possibility of converting existing echo speakers into WLAN repeaters (extenders) in the smart home is causing a stir.
Exclusive: These are the first illustrations of “eero Pro 6E” and “eero 6+”. More images and a new feature for 4th gen Amazon Echo devices: ?? pic.twitter.com/3zjcHxA9q3
— Steve Moser (@SteveMoser)
February 17, 2022
Echo is supposed to distribute WLAN, but only with Wi-Fi 5
As MacRumors editor Steve Moser reports (via Caschy’s blog), the current fourth generation of the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot has the so-called “Eero Built-in” function. If you connect your Amazon account to the new Eero routers, they are able to control selected Echo speakers and integrate them into the home network as WiFi repeaters. The concept should be particularly interesting for independent customers who, for example, have not yet settled into the ecosystems of AVM and Co.
If the Echo is to be used as a Wi-Fi extender, users can no longer integrate it into the “Alexa Home Theater” – the coupling between Fire TV and Echo. Also, compatible 2020 Echo devices currently only support the older Wi-Fi ac standard, which means that a household distribution of the signal will not benefit from the latency and speed benefits of Wi-Fi 6E technology. However, the presentation of new Alexa loudspeakers with more modern radio technologies would be conceivable.