Gadget of the Week – Amazon Echo

Published on October 14, 2015

Advanced audio meets Siri with Amazon's newest invention - the Echo. This hands-free, voice activated device is a powerful personal home assistant designed to make your life much, much easier.

At first glance, you'd think the Amazon Echo is just a small black audio speaker tower. You wouldn't be wrong - this audio tower provides 360-degree surround audio that easily fills a room.

But that's not all! Built with powerful voice-recognition software known as "Alexa," the Echo has now become Siri's biggest rival. You can ask Alexa to play party-themed music, update you on score of the the Cubs game, read the news, check the weather, add items to your shopping list, and more. Since Alexa is powered by Amazon, naturally re-ordering Prime items is as simple as asking for it.

The Echo can also control your home. It works with lights and switches from Belkin WeMo, Philips Hue, SmartThings, Insteon, and Wink to turn on and off, say, your lights or your dishwasher. If your home is wired to be a smart home, the Echo can accommodate.

Click here or on the image to learn more about the Amazon Echo