Amazon’s new Echo Dot adds eero Wi-Fi extension and smart home hub functions
Amazon has unveiled a new Echo Dot that can act as both a smart home hub and an eero Wi-Fi extender, adding functions to its small smart speaker. The updates could make it easier to connect compatible home devices and improve Wi-Fi coverage, though the extender feature appears to require an existing eero network.
The Dot is the first to use Amazon’s AZ3 processor for on-device voice processing, and adds a fourth microphone to improve voice pickup and speaker identification. It supports Zigbee, Matter and Thread, and can extend an eero network’s coverage by up to 1,000 square feet. Amazon also says the redesigned speaker offers 50 per cent more bass than the previous generation; prices start at $100, or $110 for the Kids model.
In short
- The new Echo Dot doubles as a smart home hub and eero extender.
- Its Wi-Fi extension adds up to 1,000 square feet of coverage.
- Prices start at $100 for the standard model.
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The case for
Combining a speaker, smart home hub and Wi-Fi extender could offer useful functions in one relatively small device, making it easier to connect compatible devices and improve coverage without buying separate equipment. On-device voice processing and broader protocol support may also make everyday use more responsive and convenient.
The case against
The added functions may be less valuable to people who do not use compatible smart home devices or already have adequate Wi-Fi, and the extender appears to depend on an existing eero network. At $100 or more, buyers could reasonably question whether the convenience justifies the cost, particularly when the reported improvements in sound and voice pickup may matter more to some users than the new hub features.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Amazon’s new Echo Dot now works as an eero Wi-Fi extender and smart home hub”.