STACK #224 June 2023

TECH FEATURE

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Keeping it private

Privacy is sometimes a concern with camera-enabled devices but even smart speakers with just a mic can raise potential uncertainty over privacy issues. Not here though. The Echo Pop is designed to protect your privacy, built with multiple layers of

privacy controls, including a mic off button. Plus, Alexa doesn’t begin

listening until your device hears you say “Alexa” and the light bar turns blue.

An ideal entry-level smart speaker, Amazon’s new Echo Pop is a perfect fit for small spaces and will add a splash of colour to your décor. Here are five more things we love about it. A SMART SPEAKER THAT REALLY POPS!

Chained melody The 1.95-inch forward-facing speaker in the Echo Pop is set to deliver big sound despite the unit’s compact size. And why stop at one? You can link multiple Echo Pops around the house and continue listening to your favourite artists, or hit up Alexa for true crime podcasts, wherever you are. And to enjoy your music in stereo, two Pops can be configured as left and right speakers. Green machine Thankfully, there’s a positive focus on sustainability with contemporary brands and the design of the Echo Pop is no exception. First up, the fabric on the speaker is made from 100 per cent post-consumer recycled polyester yarn. The aluminium components are crafted from 80 per cent recycled aluminium, and 99 per cent of the packaging itself is made of wood fibre-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources. And finally, to keep energy consumption to a minimum, when the Echo Pop is not in use it will automatically kick into Low Power Mode.

Words Bec Summer

Designed to please Sporting a cool semi-spherical design with a front firing speaker, the Echo Pop is compact enough to sit discreetly in nooks and crannies or shelf spaces that may be too small to fit most smart speakers, and is ideal for use as a bedroom speaker – or pop it anywhere you want music and smart assistant access. There’s a light bar at the top that turns blue when Alexa is listening, and volume controls and a mic mute button are located on the top rear of the speaker for quick and easy access. Midnight Teal and Lavender Bloom colour variants will add vibrancy to a room, and there is also a charcoal option should you prefer a more neutral shade. Just ask Alexa With the built-in convenience of Alexa virtual assistant, news, weather, sports score updates, reminders and more are available on request, as well as tunes and playlists from music streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music, audiobooks, smart home device control, and the convenience of hands-free voice calls. You can also explore Alexa’s multitude of skills and have fun with quizzes and games, ask for dinner suggestions, and access educational and relaxation aids. And Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

connectivity makes streaming from compatible devices a breeze. A smarter home The Echo Pop’s compact and portable design brings smart home control of connected, Alexa compatible devices to more spaces. Control smart lighting, locks, plugs, thermostats, TVs and a myriad more with a simple voice command. There's also support for the new Matter smart home protocol, enabling control of Matter-enabled devices from a different smart home.

66 JUNE 2023

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