This speaker also has the temperature sensor that the other new Echo Dot models have, which lets you make Alexa Routines based on the temperature in a room. Sound quality If you’re looking to get a virtual assistant-imbued smart speaker on a budget, the Echo Dot is a good option. Particularly if you already have one or more Alexa-enabled devices in your abode but want to expand.

Once connected, the setup process should automatically begin in the app. If not, head to Alexa Devices, then selectAdd Alexa Device within the app. When that’s done, you’re ready to start talking to your device. What can the Echo Dot do? 1) Home assistant and entertainment in one deviceThe Echo Dot Kids is simple to set up using the Alexa app. We were able to add a profile for each child who would be using the speaker, adding details such as their date of birth, to ensure they would receive only age-appropriate content and responses through the speaker. I want more granular control. For example, it would be better if an Echo device could be allowed to control devices in the same room. That way, my daughter could ask Alexa to close her curtains and turn off her lights, without being able to control devices around the house. In no time at all, my toddler was shouting “Lexa, JoJo Siwa Boomerang!” and to my chagrin, the Echo Dot responded by playing the teen pop star’s songs in all their bubbly glory. My daughter bopped around the room as Siwa’s effervescent voice rose above the thumpy bass line. This is a minor complaint. However, for a low profile device, Dot’s cloth covering is harder to clean than the original plastic. Be mindful of dust, because you won’t want to try and clean off several months of build-up. Is it worth it?

The idea is that you can setup Alexa routines that activate or deactivate depending on where you are. A bit like you can do with third party motion sensors, but without the middle man.

Alarm sounds, too, can be given a child-friendly twist, so children can be woken up by Olaf from Frozen or be alerted that it’s homework time by a baby tiger.