Amazon Unveils the $40 Echo Pop, a Semi-Spherical Smart Speaker
Amazon introduced an updated lineup of Echo Pop Speaker today, featuring a new model called the Echo Pop, priced at $40. The Echo Pop showcases a distinctive semi-spherical design, making it an ideal choice for compact spaces like dorm rooms, where sound projection in a single direction is sufficient.
It inherits two notable features from the latest Echo Dot: the powerful AZ2 Neural Edge processor for on-device machine learning tasks and compatibility with Eero mesh routers, which can extend your home network coverage by up to 1,000 square feet.
The $40 Echo Pop’s placement in Amazon’s smart speaker lineup may appear puzzling. Despite sharing numerous features with the Echo Dot, it distinguishes itself with a unique design. Available in four appealing color options, including charcoal, white, “Lavender Bloom,” and “Midnight Teal,” the Echo Pop brings a stylish touch to Amazon’s Echo line.
Specifications
- Sound: Front-facing 49.5 mm (1.95″) speaker with lossless high-definition audio
- Wifi: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz)
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Voice Assistant: Alexa
- Music Services: Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and more
- Materials: 100% post-consumer recycled yarn fabric and 80% recycled aluminum
- Dimensions: 99 x 83 x 91 mm
- Weight: 196 g
- Price: USD 40 via Amazon
Design of Echo Pop Speaker
Introducing the Echo Pop, the newest member of the Echo family featuring a sleek hemispherical design. This innovative speaker comes in four vibrant colors: charcoal, white, lavender, and teal.
The Echo Pop is stylish and environmentally conscious, measuring 99 x 83 x 91 millimeters. The packaging is crafted from wood fiber sourced from responsibly managed forests and recycled materials. Furthermore, the speaker is constructed using 100% recycled polyester yarn and 80% recycled aluminum, ensuring a sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Connectivity
The Amazon Echo Pop from the new Pop series offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless pairing with tablets and smartphones for external device integration. Enjoy a fully immersive experience with multimedia content with the Alexa voice assistant.
With the Amazon Echo Pop, use your voice or Bluetooth connection to control multimedia content like podcasts and audiobooks effortlessly. Connect to the Alexa app to manage compatible smart devices such as lights, plugs, locks, and thermostats.
Ask Alexa to play audiobooks or podcasts and easily manage digital home devices like lights and plugs. With the built-in microphone and Alexa voice assistant, you can conveniently check the weather and news and make phone calls. Customize Alexa with skills that suit your needs for voice-controlled environment management.
The Echo Pop is equipped with the powerful Amazon AZ2 Neural Edge processor and ensures smooth performance without interruptions. While in operation, the Echo Pop features an illuminating blue light bar to indicate its active listening mode, providing user feedback.
For enhanced privacy, the Echo Pop includes a microphone shut-off button that electronically disables the microphones, ensuring user confidentiality. In addition to its privacy features, the device is environmentally conscious, constructed from recycled aluminum and yarn.
Sound Quality
The Echo Pop features a front speaker that delivers powerful sound, making it ideal for small spaces like bedrooms or apartments. Despite its compact size, the 1.95-inch full-range speaker provides impressive audio quality.
Compared to the 5th generation Echo Dot, the front speaker on the Echo Pop is slightly larger at 1.95 inches, but it doesn’t necessarily improve the sound. The 5th generation Echo Dot has slightly better bass performance. If you prioritize sound quality and Alexa features, the Echo Studio is worth considering. Although it comes at a higher price, it offers superior sound reproduction, making it a great choice for those who value audio performance over a compact and stylish design.
How To Setup Echo Pop Speaker
Setting up the Amazon Echo Pop speaker is a breeze, especially if you’re already familiar with other Amazon Echo devices. Simply plug it in, and within minutes, Alexa will notify you that the speaker is ready for setup. Just open the Alexa app, and in no time, you’ll receive a prompt to pair the Echo Pop.
No worries if you’re new to Echo speakers or haven’t used Alexa before. Just download the Alexa app and create an Amazon account if needed. During setup, you’ll be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi router key, but this step is a one-time requirement, saving you from repeating it when adding more Echo speakers in the future.
Control Smart Home
With Alexa support, the Echo Pop enables voice-controlled management of your compatible smart home devices. The extensive range of Alexa-compatible products continues to grow, ensuring compatibility with nearly all newly released devices due to its widespread usage. Alexa is estimated to be able to control around 100,000 smart home devices through voice commands or Alexa routines.
You can also integrate major smart home ecosystems like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Additionally, you can connect and enjoy music from popular streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and more by simply instructing Alexa to play your desired music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Echo Pop is a $40 smart speaker that combines style, sustainability, and affordability. With its compact and semi-spherical design, it is perfect for small spaces. The Echo Pop inherits features from the Echo Dot, offers Bluetooth connectivity, and integrates with Alexa to seamlessly control multimedia content and smart home devices.
Made from environmentally conscious materials, it delivers impressive sound quality despite its size. The Echo Pop is an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish, affordable smart speaker that doesn’t compromise performance. Read more if you’re looking for Smart Home Speakers.
