our opinion on the alarm clock connected to Alexa – Les Alexiens

While we were instead expecting a new AI for Alexa this year, Amazon continued to renew its Echo range with a new screen device. Intended for those looking for an alarm clock connected to Alexa, Echo Spot (2024) is an updated version of the first of the name. But what is this new device really worth? This is what we will see in this test where we will review its characteristics, its functionalities, but also its qualities and its faults… Or rather its limits.

Echo Spot (2024): Amazon resurrects its iconic connected alarm clock

Unboxing and presentation

Last July, Amazon expanded its range of connected speakers with the release of a new Echo Spot (2024 model). This model takes up the concept of connected alarm clock with a visual interface primarily intended to display the time and alarms, while allowing voice interactions with Alexa.

The design of the new Echo Spot 2024 is reminiscent of that of its predecessor, although it abandons its almost spherical format for an almost ellipsoid shape. Nothing to complain about the finishes, the object does not suffer from any defects, but the 2024 version still seems less qualitative than the first 2017, or more precisely less solid. An impression of lightness probably linked to the use of less dense plastics, but more virtuous for the environment since the device is now manufactured with 36% recycled materials. On the scale, the difference is nevertheless slight, the new Echo Spot displaying 405 grammes compared to 420 grams previously. Despite everything, we can’t tell you why, but it gives the impression of being less robust than the first of the name.

From the front, the differences are more marked. Echo Spot has abandoned its circular screen and now offers a 2.83 inch rectangular screen (240 x 320 px). It’s small, but we’ll see that there isn’t much to do on it anyway. We will also come back to the sound quality of the 44.5mm speaker which now occupies the lower third of the face although it was once invisible.

From the back, as on the most recent Echo Dots, Amazon has abandoned the 3.5 mm mini-Jack socket and the device now only has a simple power port. At the top, we find the classic triptych of buttons: volume +, volume – and mic mute. You will notice that three microphones, intended for listening to Alexa or voice calls, are arranged around it.

Isn’t something missing? Oh yes, in fact, the new Echo Spot (2024) is also relieved of his camera. No more video calls, therefore, or remote monitoring… This is probably a wise choice on Amazon’s part because, if this camera satisfied some, many of us deactivated it, the most fearful even going so far as to to plug it, lack of manual shutter on older generations of Amazon Echo.

In short, Echo Spot 2024 offers a rather pleasant updated design, even if we cannot help but regret that of the first iteration. Personally, I preferred the look of the old one, but I didn’t put it back on my bedside table, because this new opus brings its share of improvements…

Technical sheet

• Marque : Amazon
  
• Product : Echo Spot (2024 model)
  
• Processors: SoC MediaTek MT8512 (CPU Dual-Core 2 GHz) avec Amazon AZ1 Neural Edge
• Memory : DRAM 1 Go + eMMC 8 Go
• Screen : 2.83” touchscreen with semi-circle tinted glass front
• Definition : 240 x 320 px,
• Camera: none,
• Audio : 1 44.5 mm full-range speaker,
• Connectivity: Wifi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh (profils A2DP et AVRCP), Matter,
• Dimensions : 113 mm x 103 mm x 111 mm,
• Weight : 405 grammes,
• Others : 15W mains power supply with 1.5m cable.

Installing on the Alexa app

Unsurprisingly, installing Echo Spot is very simple and accessible to all. If you’re a new user, simply plug in the device, connect it to your Wi-Fi network via the Alexa app, and follow the on-screen setup steps. Initial setup takes about 5 to 10 minutesdepending on your speed and the speed of your Internet connection.

For those already using Alexa, setup is even faster, as the device can be automatically detected and added to an existing device group. And if you bought it on Amazon with the same account you use for Alexa, Echo Spot is probably already preinstalled on your app.

Our opinion on Echo Spot (2024)

After three months of daily use, we estimate that the new Echo Spot (2024) is a great success overall. Its modernized design is pleasant and fits well with the rest of the range. Like its counterparts, it will easily find its place in various spaces in the house, even if honestly its place is at your bedside. Come on, let’s be more open-minded, let’s say that it can also be useful on a desk or in a child’s bedroom, but it is not really intended to be elsewhere.

From a technical point of view, this 2024 model brings several improvements. First of all, it benefits from a new MediaTek MT8512 SoC with processor Amazon AZ1 Neural Edge which allows running powerful inference engines for faster query processing. Concretely, Alexa is more responsivewhich is appreciable on a daily basis. Interactions are fluid, without noticeable delay, and it will soon – we hope in any case – allow the execution of several commands simultaneously with Remarkable Alexa.

On the screen side, Amazon has focused on simplicity and efficiency. Small in size, it only measures 2.83 inches and offers a definition of 240 x 320 pixels, more than enough to make it very readable. It displays simple information, without embellishments, but which is nonetheless useful. So you can consult your reminders, diaries, alarm clocks, timers, shopping lists or even the weather. In bed, that’s often enough, right? It also has adaptive lighting, which automatically adjusts the brightness according to the lighting in the room, but also a night mode which makes it very discreet in the dark. Having gotten into the habit of sleeping with my eyes closed, it doesn’t bother me in the slightest, but this is obviously not the case for everyone… Not sure that Amazon will ever be able to satisfy them on this point.

On the audio side, even if it was not unworthy given its format, the integrated speaker has been improved. Now featuring a 44.5mm full-range driver, Echo Spot (2024) delivers richer soundwith more present bass. If it doesn’t go so far as to compete with Echo 4, it has nothing to be ashamed of compared to Echo Dot 5 and largely outperforms Echo Pop. It is therefore perfectly suited for use in a bedroom, allowing you to wake up to music or the radio, or to listen to podcasts and audio books. Furthermore, it is obviously compatible with multiroomwhich lets you sync multiple Amazon Echo devices to stream music throughout your home. Note, however, that it cannot be paired in stereo with another device you already own.

In terms of connectivity, some will regret that the new Echo Spot 2024 sticks to Wi-Fi 5, but did it really need more? Not really. On the other hand, it has the Bluetooth LE Mesh and, above all, it is compatible Matter. As for the loss of its 3.5 mm mini-Jack socket, which allowed it to be connected to other external audio devices, I personally cannot really complain about it since I believe I have never used those of my two first Echo Spot. Like probably the vast majority of users, which is why Amazon had to see fit to equip it more.

Also gone is the front camera which allowed you to make video calls, but which had the disadvantage of not being equipped with a privacy shutter. This should reassure those most concerned about their privacy, which is entirely understandable given a device clearly intended to spend the night with us… Here again, having deactivated it on my previous devices, I will not know the regret.

On the other hand, it is a shame that its screen is only used to display some information and does not allow not the control of connected objects. We would have liked to be able to turn on the lights in our room or even display a camera. For the latter, moreover, Alexa plays a little prank on us by accepting the command… But you can always wait for the image. In short, for on-screen home automation use, move on. For the moment, in any case, because nothing prevents Amazon from one day offering these functionalities, the screen being touch-sensitive and the system visibly supporting the use of tactile buttons, as evidenced by the possibility of turning off a bulb manually after turning it on. And vice versa. Too bad you have to ask Alexa.

As far as I’m concerned, I don’t miss the functionality at all, because I never used it on my first Echo Spot, and only very occasionally on Echo Show 5. Handling “connected home” interfaces has never been convincing for my taste and I always found it quicker to place a voice order or use my smartphone. For those who really want to be able to control a few connected objects, Echo Show 5 (3rd generation) remains an excellent alternative at a similar budget.

In conclusion, Echo Spot (2024) is an excellent choice for those looking for a alarm clock connected to Alexa with simple features: clock, alarm clock, timer, music, radio, weather, voice commands… And that’s it! It may seem a little limited, but it fulfills its role well and does neither more nor less than what is really needed in a bedroom. We appreciate its sound qualityclearly increasing, and its speed of execution voice commands.

While the first of the name cost €129 excluding promo, the new Echo Spot is priced at €94.99. And the good news is that you can still get it in promo at €59.99 until October 15 (8:55 p.m.), i.e. a 37% discount. At this price, you can go there, you are unlikely to regret it. In any case, we keep it and recommend it!