Amazon just launched its Echo Dot smart speaker that is a mini version of the original Echo and includes the Alexa virtual assistant. Like the larger Echo it also has a cylinder shape and blue ring around the top that shows the digital assistant is ready to answer questions, but is shorter.

Dot can do many tasks. They include checking the weather, playing music, controlling Internet of Things (IoT) devices in a smart home, and calling an Uber. 

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Music is a key feature of Dot. The original Echo had smart speakers that allowed users to listen to music in any room but Dot can be connected to speakers or an audio system by using an audio cable or Bluetooth. This lets Dot owners play music from sources such as Spotify and Pandora, according to Ars Technica.

However, Echo Dot's internal speakers are still practical. They provide answers to questions and commands, and can be used in different ways depending on where the smart speaker is located.

For example, Dot could be a wake-up alarm in a bedroom, or cooking assistant in the kitchen, Nest has also announced that Alexa will soon allow users to control their home's thermostat or get updates about temperature and humidity.  

Echo Dot has a $89 price tag. It has not cheap but is still half the price of Amazon's $179 Echo and is a better option than the original Echo for people who already have a music system yet want to enjoy the features of Alexa. Nevertheless, while many press pictures show the unit exposed to the elements it is unclear how water-resistant the smart speaker is.

It should be pointed out that echo Dot is only available for Amazon Prime members who own an Echo or are Fire TV users by simply using their device to command Alexa to order an Echo Dot. There is no news about when Echo Dot will be available to the general public.  

Amazon also announced its new Amazon Tap device. It supports the same 360-degree sound as the original Echo, but is a portable and battery-powered version, according to Forbes.

The device can use Wi-Fi to stream music and with the touch of a button can do the same tasks as other Alexa-powered gadgets.