Amazon unveils smaller Echo, wireless speaker

PanARMENIAN.Net - Amazon has announced two new Alexa-enabled devices. The Echo Dot is a stubby version of the regular Echo while the Amazon Tap is a Bluetooth and WiFi speaker that supports voice commands, Engadget reports.

Amazon says that one of the main requests from current voice-assistant owners is the ability to plug it into another speaker. To that end the online retailer has removed the music-playing speakers and added an audio port.

Other than its small stature, the Echo Dot has all the same features as its larger sibling Echo tower including the seven-microphone array, volume ring, mute and action buttons. It also works with all third-party services including newly added support for thermostats from Nest, Honeywell and Insteon.

The Amazon Tap Bluetooth and WiFi speaker also supports Alexa voice commands, but you'll need to press the mic button to initiate speech recognition. But because it supports voice actions, it streams Spotify via your wireless network without having to sync with a smartphone. To kick out the jams, it has two speakers for omni-directional Dolby-processed sound. It's made to be portable, with nine hours of playback time and three weeks of standby on a single charge.

The Tap sits atop a slim charging dock and has control buttons for volume and skipping forwards and backwards through songs.

Both devices are available for preorder and will be shipping later this month.