Amazon Releases Echo Dot and Echo Tap Devices

Amazon yesterday launched two new Alexa-enabled devices, the Echo Dot and Amazon Tap.

The Amazon Tap is a portable speaker that streams music and the Echo Dot is a hockey puck-sized device that connects to and controls smart appliances. These new releases are part of Amazon's effort to position itself in the smart home market, which allows consumer to control everything from their thermostats to refrigerators.

Echo Dot is a hands-free, voice controlled device that uses the same far-field voice recognition as Echo. The device can be connected directly to external speakers with an audio cable or via Bluetooth and add voice-control to home stereo systems. Plus, with its small built-in speaker, users can place Echo Dot in the bedroom and use it as a smart alarm clock, or in any room as a voice assistant to control smart home devices and more. Echo Dot is available for $89.99 exclusively for Prime members through Alexa Voice Shopping. 

Amazon Tap is an Alexa-enabled portable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speaker that offers full-range sound. Users can tap the microphone button and ask for music, hear the news, search for information, order a pizza, and more with the Alexa Voice Service. Amazon Tap is available for pre-order for $129.99.

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