Amazon Echo

What is it?

A smart speaker cum personal assistant. Amazon released the Echo in the US two years ago to mixed reviews, providing a glimpse to its potential as a life aid. Now a little older, wiser and smarter, it has arrived in the UK to much hype. But how does it stack up?

At its core the Echo is a Bluetooth music speaker which can also accept voice commands such as requests for the weather forecast, live sport scores and smart home operations.

Known as Alexa, the unit will respond via its own voice, which you can set.

Good points?

The artificial intelligence developed by Amazon is impressive, meaning interactions are more fluid and its features are increasing by the day. Those with compatible smart home systems can have Alexa switch lights on and off alongside remotely controlling other assorted appliances.

Alexa can remind you of upcoming appointments in your calendar or set them to on an ad-hoc basis, and so there is no doubting the usefulness of such devices in modern and busy households.

Bad points?

As an audio speaker the Echo is lacking in most departments: the bass is tinny, the volume fails to fill a medium-sized room without distortion and visually it looks like an air purifier.

Best for ...

Those looking for all the hands-free help they can get in a bid to better organise their lives.

Avoid if ...

You are not an Amazon Prime customer as your experience will be limited at best. The sound quality is mediocre as a music speaker.

Score

8/10. sean.dimmock@heraldandtimes.co.uk Twitter: @seandimmock