We’ll add to this review with more tips as we test the features over the next few weeks. The most savvy idea we’ve had is to set up a list of items in our fridge and freezer so when ordering shopping each week we can check what we have from the comfort of our living room. The echo can also be used as a bluetooth speaker in addition to streaming it’s standard Amazon music and digital internet radio stations.

Amazon Echo Versus Dot – Which speaker is best?

First off the Echo is the flagship unit with a bigger speaker. Users will quickly notice that there are no audio outputs in this initial UK version along with no bluetooth or 3.5 audio jack out. You can however sync via bluetooth your tablets, phones etc to use the speaker as your audio source. In other words it accepts input from other devices.

The Dot in contrast has a has a small alarm radio-like speaker which is fine for conversing with Alexa but not ideal for music playback. The Dot possesses bluetooth and 3.5 jack options for output meaning that although the default Dot speaker is a little naff you can link it up to many other speakers which you may already possess. Savvy readers doing this will likely make the Dot subsequently superior in speaker quality than the Echo’s internal speaker.  When you disconnect the Dot from your speakers, it will by default switch back to it’s internal mini speaker.

So which should our Savvy Readers get?

•  Families should probably go for the Echo and locate it centrally, the kitchen is a great place as it is by definition the room where you mostly need to be “hands free”. Plus you can access recipes, timers and useful measuring conversions.
• For techies and audiophiles the Dot as an add on to hi-fi separates and existing speakers is the way. You can spread them out across your home and completely link your audio Sonos-style, plus completely automate you whole home without needing the remote. The dot is also the best option for bedrooms
• TIP: If our savvy readers have an old hi-fi getting an adapter can upgrade your setup quickly, but not all are equal so look at items like the Bose Audio Adapter. This also means you don’t need the Dot plugged in close to your speaker.
  

Want protection for your Amazon Echo?

There a few protective measures new to the market for the Echo, amongst them is the silicon protector from Wasserstein Appliances. Essentially its intention is to protect your Echo in the event of bumps and drops. Now, the usefulness of this item will be down to your home situation. In our home, Alexa sits firmly cocooned in the Echo case high up with all wires out of Little Savvy’s range of grabbing. Some homes will find extra protection useful though, so does this product or similar ones actually do anything of use.

In short, the product looks high quality and certainly has absorbent properties but it looks hideous and we’re highly dubious as to whether it would offer much decent defence against the dreaded “floor dive”. Oddly the top of our device stuck out too and we actually caught the silicon ring on top nearly sending Alexa flying. Looking at both this item and similar ones we’ve seen, we’re recommending saving your money and simply making sure your sat your echo in a sensible place in the first place.

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