Amazon’s Next-gen Echo Spot Alarm Clock Delivers Better Sound

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Key Takeaways

  • Amazon has revealed a next-generation Echo Spot.
  • The fully circular display is gone, but you now have better audio and visuals.
  • It's available for as little as $45 if you're a Prime member.

Amazon has unveiled a second-generation Echo Spot alarm clock that trades the earlier circular display for better overall visuals and sound quality.

The device now has a larger semi-circle screen that sits above a 1.73-inch front speaker. Amazon promises “clear vocals and deep bass,” though it’s not yet clear how well this compares to the older model.

The display now has six overall color themes along with personalized clock faces, while key requests (such as weather) include animations for an extra flourish.

While the new Echo Spot integrates tightly with the Alexa ecosystem, it isn’t a smart display. You can only place audio drop-in calls or receive sound from your smart doorbell. You’ll need to get an Echo Show if you want more sophistication than tapping the screen to pause your music.

Price, as before, remains the draw. The new Echo Spot is available now in black, blue, and white hues for $80 at its normal price, but will sell to Prime members for $45 from now until the end of Prime Day on July 17th.

The discounted price could make the Spot more appealing than the Dot, which can cost extra even without its basic clock display. At its usual price, it’s a tougher decision. It’s an upgrade over the Dot if you want graphics, but it’s also approaching the pricing of true smart displays like the Echo Show 5 and Google’s Nest Hub.