Yes. It can be powered on without WiFi, but it won't function as intended, answer questions, play music, control IoT devices, etc., until it accesses the internet via a WiFi connection. What are the 5 things to know before buying Amazon's Echo Dot with Alexa?
Yes because you need a Smartphone to use the Alexa app to register and configure the device initially. No because people who do not own Smart Phones can still register their devices by going to these websites: https://alexa.amazon.com or https://echo.Amazon.com . You can sign into your Amazon account and add devices.
Basically, the only difference between the two devices, other than size and cost, is sound. If you're just looking to be introduced to Alexa, you'll be fine with the Echo Dot. It has all the smarts of Alexa in a small speaker. All in all, the Echo Dot is an ideal choice for most people.
Is the Echo Dot worth the money? In our opinion, yes. It packs a lot of great features and capable tech into a tiny package. It also makes financial sense for those who aren't sure whether to kit their homes out with smart tech and don't want to take much of a gamble.
The Dot has its own built-in speaker, but neither Amazon nor I would recommend that you use it. Instead, you'll want to connect this smart home device to a better-sounding speaker. You can do this over Bluetooth or with the included 3.5-mm cable.
Basically, the only difference between the two devices, other than size and cost, is sound. If you're just looking to be introduced to Alexa, you'll be fine with the Echo Dot. It has all the smarts of Alexa in a small speaker. All in all, the Echo Dot is an ideal choice for most people.
If you're not a Prime customer however, you'll still be charged the customary $9.99 per month. If you happen to own an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Amazon Tap device, the price is even lower at $3.99 per month, but music playback only works on that device.
Best answer: Both the iPhone and iPad play nice with Amazon's entire lineup of Echo smart speakers. As long as the device uses Amazon Alexa, compatibility is guaranteed.
Alexa Calling works with Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Spot, Echo Show, and Plus or you can access the feature using the Alexa app. However, voice calling is not compatible with Amazon Tap, Fire TV, or third-party Alexa-enabled devices such as Ecobee4. Once placed, the call will come through like any normal phone call.
The Echo Dot is Amazon's gateway smart speaker. And while it can easily be a standalone device, it also works great when combined with a full-size Amazon Echo — you can have your Echo live in one room, and place Echo Dots in other rooms throughout your house.
Amazon is making its music streaming service free. Now, it's making Amazon Music free for anyone — Echo owner or not — across a range of devices. This will allow users to play thousands of stations based on any song, artist, era, or genre, similar to Pandora .
You can link a free music service to your Dot through the Alexa app, you can play music from a linked device through your Dot, or you can play music in your own personal library through the Dot.
Alexa App is a companion to your Amazon Echo, Dot, Tap and Show for setup, remote control, and enhanced features. Amazon Echo is hands-free and voice-controlled, never requires charging, and is at home in the kitchen or in any room.
Amazon has launched a free version of its music-streaming service Amazon Music. But there's a catch -- you can only use it through Alexa.
How to set up the Amazon Echo Dot
- Step 1: Download and open the Alexa app (Android and iOS) on your smartphone or tablet.
- Step 2: Select Devices in the lower right corner.
- Step 3: Press the Plus sign in the top right corner, or press the hamburger menu (the three horizontal lines) in the upper left corner.
- Step 4: “Add Device.”