Alexa enabled smart speakers
If you are looking for a speaker that gives you a hands-free user experience then you should probably opt for an Alexa-enabled smart speaker. You can control the volume, change tracks and even control other IoT devices (compatible with Alexa) in your house. Here are four such speakers that you can get on Amazon. Note that these products have been selected based on their listed features.
Amazon Echo (3rd Gen)
Here is one of the most popular Alexa-enabled smart speakers in the market – the Amazon Echo (3rd Gen). Powered by Dolby, it should be able to offer a decent performance through its 360° audio output. Whether you want to play music, listen to the news or weather forecasts, control volumes or listen to kids’ stories, you just need to ask Alexa to help you and it will be done. You can set alarms or reminders, control various Alexa-enabled IoT devices like an AC, refrigerator and geyser and perform thousands of other tasks with this smart speaker. As for the music-listening experience, the speakers have a 0.8-inch tweeter and a 3.0-inch subwoofer which should deliver a good performance. You can stream music through various apps like Amazon Music Jio Saavn, Gaana, Hungama and so on.
Sony SRS-XB402M
If you are looking for a waterproof Alexa-enabled smart speaker, then the Sony SRS-XB402M is a great option to consider. It comes with an IPX7 rating so you do not have to worry about using it while it rains (It can resist underwater up to 1m deep for 30 minutes). It is rustproof as well, which allows you to use it even around seawater. Furthermore, it comes with an IPX6 rating which means that the device is dustproof, allowing you to use it even at the beach. Thanks to the built-in Alexa, you can now turn up the volume or change tracks just with your voice. The brand claims to provide you with a 3D sound experience with extra bass when you play the music in Live Sound Mode, making it ideal for parties. The line lights and the flashing strobe on the speakers will surely add to the vibe of the party. Do note that it has 12 hours of battery life as per company claims, which should allow you to keep the party going on through the night.
Amazon Echo Show 8
The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a multi-purpose device that works as a speaker and also as a smart display. You can watch movies or TV shows through the 8-inch display and enjoy quality sound output through the speakers at the back. You can manage your day by asking Alexa to set up alarms and reminders, manage calls, make video calls, control other Alexa-enabled IoT devices in your home and do much more. You can stream music via various apps like Amazon Prime Video, Prime Music, Voot, Jio Saavn, and so on. You can make video calls through Skype or the Alexa app and moreover, you can instantly connect to other Echo devices in your house to, for instance, check on kids in other room. The device has buttons to turn off the microphone and video camera to give you added privacy.
Marshall Stanmore II
Here is an Alexa-enabled smart speaker with an old-school design from Marshall. The Stanmore II should pack a punch in the sound department thanks to the pair of 15W class D amplifiers powering its tweeters and a 50W class D amplifier driving its subwoofer. With the built-in Alexa, you can control music, volume and control other IoT devices in your smart home as long as they are compatible with Alexa. With time, Alexa learns your taste in music and plays songs that aren’t in your playlist to help you discover new songs. You can connect the speakers to your device wirelessly either through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a cable with a 3.5mm jack. You can customise your listening experience by either using the analogue controls available on the top panel or by using the Marshall app.