You can read our comparison of all the current Echo devices if that’s what you’re looking for. Originally designed as a smart speaker controlled by voice, Echo products have transformed into a hub for managing more than 12,000 home appliances and products. Alexa, the virtual assistant that powers Echo products, was the technology consumers were searching for in that its long-range microphone and voice recognition properties allow you to easily control a variety of smart home equipment – all by simply speaking to the device. While it stole a march on Apple and Google, Google’s Home and Home Mini are arguably better than the Echo: see our comparison review for more details.
Design
Though it contains the same cylindrical shape, the Echo 2 is smaller than the original speaker. You may find the newer model less obtrusive and easier to tuck away. At 187 x 187 x 90mm, the Echo 2 is shorter than the first-generation, which measures around 235mm. Unlike the original model, there is no volume dial on the top of the Echo 2 speaker. The Echo 2 does, however, maintain all of the same buttons and ports as the Echo Dot, such as mute and volume buttons on the top, micro USB power and audio ports in the rear. It also has a minijack aux output (missing from the first-gen Echo) which lets you connect an external speaker. Originally the first-gen Echo couldn’t pair with Bluetooth speakers, but a software update earlier this year changed that: both Echos can be paired with most Bluetooth speakers now. You can also get non-fabric versions in oak, walnut and silver. The original Echo didn’t have shells, and came in rather industrial-looking white or black.
Performance
Similar to the Echo 1, the cylindrical design of the second-generation model enables a 360° projection of audio. The Echo 2 lets you play music simultaneously across multiple Echo devices with multi-room music – a familiar feature also available with Echo 1.
Voice Recognition
Currently the Echo 1 is not always accurate in detecting a user’s voice in a noisy environment. Things are a bit better with the Echo 2, but Alexa still often mishears what you say and starts playing a “station you might like” when you asked it to turn off the lights. It also still randomly responds to questions it thinks you asked when it mishears the wake word, which no-one actually said. Frankly, Alexa is fine if the room is quiet and you know how to phrase a question or command, but it still feels a lot less than intelligent.
New Features
Echo 1 currently can answer questions, read audiobooks, report news, provide weather and traffic reports, offers information on sport matches and others using Alexa Voice Service. The first-gen also controls lights, switches, thermostats and a variety of smart home appliances with compatible software. The Echo 2 does exactly the same. Alexa recently got a new feature called ‘Routines’ that allows her to perform multiple tasks at the issue of a single command. If you’d like to turn off the lights, close the blinds and activate an alarm, you could say “Alexa, good night,” triggering the series of commands. This works on all Echos. Another new feature is the ability to call and text, hands-free, from your Echo. However, the person you are messaging must also have an Echo or the Alexa app. Here’s how to set up Alexa calling and messaging. Lastly, if you want to use your Echo to control smart devices, you no longer have to command the specific name of the device. Instead, you can place smart home devices into groups and interact with them more naturally. Again, this works on all Echos as it’s just a software update.
Price and where to buy
As we mentioned at the top of this article, the original Echo is still available but for £84 so it’s a no-brainer.
