Hands-on With The Amazon Echo Plus: Improved Features And Performance

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Post on Feb 28, 2025

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Hands-on with the Amazon Echo Plus: Improved Features and Performance

The Amazon Echo has become a household staple, but its evolution continues. The latest iteration, the Amazon Echo Plus, boasts significant improvements over its predecessors, offering enhanced sound quality, smarter home integration, and a more refined user experience. We spent some quality time with the device, and here's our in-depth review.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions:

Right out of the box, the Echo Plus feels substantial and well-built. The design is sleek and minimalist, easily blending into any home décor. The fabric covering feels premium, and the overall aesthetic is a significant step up from previous models. Setup was remarkably straightforward, utilizing the Alexa app—a process even tech novices will find effortless.

Enhanced Sound Quality: A Night and Day Difference

One of the most noticeable improvements is the audio quality. The built-in speaker delivers noticeably richer, fuller sound than previous Echo generations. Bass response is significantly improved, and the overall clarity is exceptional, making it ideal for listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks. While it won't replace a dedicated sound system, it's a considerable upgrade for casual listening. This enhanced audio experience is a major selling point for the Echo Plus.

Smarter Home Integration: Seamless Control at Your Fingertips

The Echo Plus shines when it comes to smart home integration. The built-in Zigbee hub eliminates the need for separate hubs for many compatible smart devices. This simplified setup allows for seamless control of lighting, thermostats, and other connected devices, all through voice commands. We successfully integrated our Philips Hue lights and smart thermostat with minimal effort, experiencing a truly connected home ecosystem.

Improved Alexa Capabilities: More Responsive and Intuitive

Alexa's performance on the Echo Plus is noticeably improved. Voice recognition is faster and more accurate, even in noisy environments. The responses are quicker and more natural, making interactions feel more intuitive and less robotic. Alexa's expanding skillset continues to impress, offering access to a vast array of services and information.

What We Loved:

• Superior Sound: The improved audio quality is a game-changer.
• Built-in Zigbee Hub: Streamlines smart home setup significantly.
• Enhanced Alexa Performance: Faster, more accurate voice recognition and response.
• Sleek Design: A visually appealing addition to any room.

Room for Improvement:

• Price Point: While the improved features justify the cost for many, the price may still be a barrier for some budget-conscious consumers.
• Microphone Sensitivity: While improved, occasional misinterpretations of voice commands still occur in particularly noisy environments.

Overall Verdict:

The Amazon Echo Plus is a significant upgrade, delivering improved sound, smarter home integration, and a more refined user experience. While the price might be a consideration, the enhanced capabilities and overall performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their smart home setup. The seamless integration and improved Alexa capabilities solidify its position as a leading smart speaker in the market. If you're considering upgrading your smart home ecosystem or are looking for a superior smart speaker experience, the Echo Plus should be at the top of your list.