The new Amazon Echo (4th generation) is round.The sound is good!

Not a cylindrical shape anymore!

Gizmodo is reviewing the new Amazon Echo (4th generation).Please include what has changed besides the appearance and whether the existing Echo user should buy a new one!

When talking about the 4th generation Amazon Echo, you can't overlook this form.Visually, it is a break from the old echo cylindrical form, but it seems that it is not just the appearance that has changed in the fourth generation Echo.So where is the most notable upgrade from the third generation Echo?

The inside of the round Echo contains the support of the woofer (3 inch), the front fire tweeter (0.8 inch) x2, and the Dolby audio (not Dolby Atmos).The number of tweets has increased compared to last year's Echo and Echoplus.Like Echo Studio, it supports the function of fine -tuning audio playback based on the sound of the room.

It is equipped with AZ1 Neural Edge processor, which enables a new "all neural voice recognition model" that will help Alexa to request at faster.In addition to Zigbe and Bluetooth Low Energy, we also support Amazon Sidewalk, a low-band width IoT network that expands the range of smart home gadgets separately from Wi-Fi.

In short, Amazon seems to be trying to abolish Echo Plus step by step by packing excellent audio and smart home hub functions through the mid -range speaker line.Perhaps this "step -by -step" is the key, and the 4th generation Amazon Echo is still the same as the Echo we know, given the appearance and improved sound quality.Hmm.

Amazon Echo (4th generation)

What is this: round Echo

How much: $ 100

Favorite place: round!The overall audio quality has improved, and the bass is especially good.Equipped with built -in ZIGBEE smart home hub function.

I don't like it: Privacy is a little concern.The sound is not actually all directions.Audio and design are overall upgraded.

Personally, I think the new Echo design has improved.It is an impression that is familiar with the interior.At the top of the cloth covered with cloth, there are buttons that control the volume, Alexa, and microphone mute.On the back is a 3.5mm audio jack and a power cord for connection with an external speaker.

Lightling is moved from the top to the bottom.My review machine is Twilight Blue, which is nice compared to the black Echo color scheme.

The size is 14 x 14 x 13 cm.It's not too big, it's almost the same size as a small planter.It weighs 940 grams and is very common in the home smart speaker world.It is lighter than Google's NEST AUDIO (about 1.2 kg).

Negative point: I need to think about the direction to put

While I liked the design, I was a little worried.One is that you can't actually get a sound in all directions.The port is on the back and has a diagonal plastic design, so it is necessary to pay attention to the direction of the echo in the direction of the sound of the sound.This is not the type that can be placed in the middle of the room, taking into account the need to connect with wired.Of course, it's not a big deal in itself, but I think it would have been a little more options to place it.

The sound quality was surprised in a good way

正直なところ、これまでAmazonのEchoガジェットで音質が印象的だったことはあまりなかったのですが、新しいEchoは特に低音が良いです。Ultimate Ears Hyperboomをしのぐとは言えませんが、Sonos Moveと比べたら低音は丸いEchoの方が勝ちかもしれません。Joji & BENEEの『Afterthought』を流したときは、Echoとは部屋の反対側にあったデスクが振動したくらいでした。高音もなかなか良くて、『ジュラシック・パーク』のサウンドトラックも荘厳でクリアに響いていました。ただ、静かな音から激しい音に移行するときは少し乱れることも。Mitskiの『Your Best American Girl 』のアコースティックからロックに移る瞬間やGershwinの『Rhapsody in Blue』でトランペットの音が濁ることがありました。Sonos Moveの方がバランスが良いですが、AlexaアプリのEchoのEQを少しいじってみると改善されます。

Regarding the tuning of the sound of the room, I couldn't clearly know how it would differ.Since Echo does it automatically, it cannot be turned off.Basically, I feel that this Echo is the best when used in front of me.It was not the best impression when it was placed in the corner of the studio apartment and was on the opposite corner of the diagonal.I think this is probably related to the fact that it is not actually a whole direction speaker.That said, the standard for choosing a smart speaker is sound quality!There may not be many people.If you want to be careful, consider a sound bar with a voice assistant function or a Bluetooth / wireless speaker.

There seems to be no big upgrade about smart home control.The Alexa app is still troublesome to navigate (personally).Regarding the creation of a routine, the Alexa app is easier than the Google Home app.It was not difficult to set up Echo or integrate into a smart home that I had already had.

Echo, Google Nest Audio, HomePod mini, which platforms are like

Which of the fourth -generation Echo, Google Nest Audio, or Apple's HomePod mini should be selected, all may be the same price range, so it may depend on which platform you like.I don't know if it's because of the AZ1 chip, but Alexa quickly answered when talking on Echo.The lighting on/off was almost the same time, but it is faster to ask Echo than Google Assistant on Nest Home Hub.Google assistants are excellent in understanding natural languages and commands.You don't have to choose words as Alexa.I couldn't understand the pronunciation of MITSKI mentioned above, and asked Alexa about three times to play MITSKI's "Your Best American Girl".There was no problem with Google Assistant.

If you are strongly concerned about what your privacy will happen, it is safe not to consider smart speakers.It is wise to avoid those who do not want to feel threatened with Amazon Sidewalk (opt -out) while using Echo.In the latter half of this year, you will be able to instruct Alexa and Echo to delete everything you have so far.Every time I check the audio history manually, I was a little worried because a lot of "not for Alexa" came out, so I repeat it, but if you are worried about privacy, it is better not to use a smart speaker.。

It functions like other Echo and has a very decent audio

Now, the competition in the smart speaker world of about 10,000 yen is intensifying.Regarding the 4th generation Amazonecho, it looks better than Nest Audio and provides a wonderful sound quality that matches the price.I can't comment on how it can be compared with a round Apple Home Pod Mini (because I haven't used it yet), but Alexa is more competent than Siri, and Echo has an intercom function long before mini.Based on what you were, you may not need to test the mini.

I think it's worth the new Echo device to be upgraded.In both cases, only the 0.8 -inch tweeter increases, and for Plus, Zigbee Smart Home Hub is already incorporated.Also, if a 360 -degree sound is good, the third -generation Echo may be more suitable.

If you are using the first Amazon Echo or a second -generation Echo, you can improve your audio quality.Overall, there are not so many notable upgrades except for audio quality and round shape.

After all, this seems to be "a round Echo with a very decent audio that works almost the same way as other Echo speakers."

Memo

・ Echo rounded like a ball!

・ Amazon is trying to abolish Echo Plus step by step by packing excellent audio and smart home hub functions with the mid -range speaker line.

・ Although the audio quality has been greatly improved (especially bass!), It is not in full direction.

11,980 yen