Everyone’s favorite little Alexa speaker returned with a brand new design in 2020. Although it has since been replaced by the Amazon Echo Dot, the fourth generation Amazon Echo Dot is the one that ditched the field hockey puck shape for a new orb shape. Other than the shape, there wasn’t much difference from the 3rd generation Echo Dot. The new Echo Dot has a little better sound, but it’s the value of Alexa and all it can do that made the Amazon Echo Dot one of the best smart speakers under $50.
The Echo Dot is similar to the HomePod Mini in terms of stature; placed side-by-side, the two speakers are nearly identical in shape. Our charcoal Echo Dot sample is a similar shade to the black Mini, and the power cable is mounted at the same angle – though the Echo Dot’s cable is removable rather than fixed, and flanked by a 3.5mm audio output for wired listening.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]Like the larger Echo, the Dot’s spherical design is cut at the base to provide a base, and that’s where you’ll find the signature blue light ring of the Amazon Echo line. Alexa’s pulsing presence is slightly more subtle than on the top edge of the previous Dot, and it now reflects nicely on kitchen counters or glass tables.
Imagine a world where you can control every aspect of your home wirelessly from your smartphone. The Philips Hue connected bulb brings that vision closer to reality by allowing you to control your lighting wirelessly. But it’s not just about control, it’s about personalization. The Philips Hue app for Android and iOS is surprisingly powerful and allows you to adjust intensity, set custom colors, color schemes and programs.
There’s an undeniable wow factor once you screw in your first smart bulb, but there’s also real convenience and utility. Unfortunately, the system is prohibitively expensive: $60 per bulb or $200 for the starter kit with three bulbs. Still, it’s the most robust and easy-to-use connected lighting system we’ve seen, and it rightly deserves our Editor’s Choice award.
The Hue bulbs are tapered, with a glass end and a tapered aluminum body that ends in a standard bulb connector. They give the impression of being sturdier than the traditional bulb, but they are about the same size and are virtually indistinguishable once screwed into a socket. Unlike fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, Hue bulbs use LEDs. Philips estimates that each bulb lasts 15,000 hours and, despite Wi-Fi connectivity, claims that each bulb uses 80 percent less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb.