Compact and Versatile Speakers

• Amazon Echo Pop – $40: A charming and compact speaker ideal for small spaces like dorms. While it offers satisfactory sound for background music, aficionados seeking audio fidelity may prefer the Echo Dot for a similar price point.
• Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) – $90: This smart display serves as a decent option for basic needs but falls short in overall functionality due to its size. The accompanying camera may make it less suitable for bedside placement, making the Echo Dot or Echo Spot more favorable alternatives.
• Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) – $250: This innovative display combines impressive audio capabilities with a notable feature that allows it to pivot towards the user while speaking. However, its unconventional shape might pose challenges for seamless integration within various home settings.
• Amazon Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen) – $300: With a large 15.6-inch display, this device is designed for versatility as both a smart display and a potential television. Although its widget capabilities are strong, its TV functions remain underwhelming, indicating room for enhancements in future models.
• Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) – $227: This stylish and durable portable speaker offers exceptional sound quality and features Alexa integration, making it a desirable choice despite being pricier than some competitors.

Portable Alexa Devices

With Alexa compatibility extending beyond home speakers, these devices allow for on-the-go access to your voice assistant:

• Echo Frames (3rd Gen) – $330: These innovative eyewear come with integrated audio, providing a comfortable listening experience while allowing users to manage calls and access Alexa. However, users may encounter challenges with the charging station.
• Echo Buds (2021 Release) – $120: Rated highly by users, the Echo Buds feature wireless charging, noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit, effectively supporting voice commands in various environments. For those seeking a budget-friendly alternative, the 2023 model ($50) is available, though it lacks certain advanced features.

Introducing Alexa+

Amazon is unveiling a premium service called Alexa+, slated for a gradual release soon. This upgraded version of the Alexa voice assistant aims at enhancing the user experience through improved conversational abilities, complex task execution, and personalized interactions powered by generative AI.

Available for $20 monthly or free for Amazon Prime members, early access is expected to start with select Echo Show smart displays, including the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21, commencing next month.

Managing Your Echo Show Display

For users of Echo Show devices, the plethora of default content displayed can often be overwhelming. To customize the information shown, follow these steps:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the menu and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Home Content, where you can toggle various content options (over 40 available) on and off as preferred. It is advisable to limit this to essential items like weather updates and recent audio history.

Additionally, while it’s possible to disable some ads by adjusting settings under Alexa Privacy, the most straightforward way to eliminate ads entirely is to switch to Photo Display mode, turning the device into a digital photo frame. This however means limiting functionality related to notifications and widgets.