As this yr’s Black Friday gross sales edge nearer, Amazon and Google have each launched new variations of their voice-activated audio system at £90. However do both of those devices deliver something new to the desk?
Amazon’s 4th-generation Echo speaker has had a design makeover and is now rocking an all-new, sphere-shaped physique. But when it desires to change into one of the vital in style good audio system when the Black Friday gross sales hit, it must tackle the Nest Audio. Google is assured in its combatant, promising ‘superb sound at your command’.
We gained’t be capable of give our full verdict on these audio system, together with whether or not they outshine their predecessors, till they’ve been put by means of their paces within the Which? check lab, however there’s nonetheless lots to debate.
Beneath, we take a better take a look at the important thing variations between these new arrivals.
Expert smart speaker reviews – audio system from Bose, JBL and Sonos put to the check alongside different units from Amazon and Google.
Amazon Echo and Google Nest Audio: options in contrast
The value of the brand new Echo and Google Nest Audio would be the similar, however there are some key variations that transcend how they appear.
Right here’s a abstract of how the 2 audio system evaluate on paper:
| Amazon Echo (4th technology) | Google Nest Audio | |
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| Worth | £90 | £90 |
| Accessible from | 22 October | 15 October |
| Audio system | 3-inch woofer and twin 0.8-inch tweeters | 3-inch woofer and 0.7-inch tweeter |
| Dimensions: peak, width, depth (mm) | 133, 144, 133 | 175, 124, 78 |
| Weight | 970g | 1.2kg |
| Bodily controls | Motion button, quantity controls, microphone mute swap | Microphone mute swap |
| Main voice assistant | Alexa | Google Assistant |
Amazon Echo 4th Technology (£90)
This new Alexa-enabled good speaker was introduced alongside a refreshed Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock. Amazon has confirmed that each one three are constructed with recycled supplies and help an energy-saving Low Energy Mode, which kicks in when the gadget is left alone with out a activity to carry out.
It might probably take care of all of the voice instructions you’d count on on an Amazon good speaker. With out having to succeed in in your smartphone or pill, you’ll be able to play music, examine the information headlines or set reminders. You may also obtain further apps (Amazon calls them Abilities) by means of the Alexa app, which primarily permits you to improve the speaker with further voice instructions.
The long-lasting Alexa LED gentle ring sat on the high of the previous Echo, nevertheless it’s now discovered on the base of this new mannequin. Merely begin your voice command with ‘Alexa’ and also you’ll see a burst of sunshine wrap its method across the gadget to point out the speaker is listening to you.
Seems apart, the know-how powering the brand new Echo units it other than older members of the Echo household. Amazon claims the 4th-gen Echo ‘sounds considerably higher’, because of a 3-inch woofer and twin tweeters. We’ve been informed to count on ‘clear highs’ and ‘deep bass’ from the brand new Echo, however we’ll wait to listen to from our personal panel of audio consultants to evaluate the truth behind these guarantees.
Like Apple’s pricier HomePod speaker, the Echo can alter its audio output based mostly on the acoustics of the room it’s in. In idea, which means it is going to sound higher than the older Echo units that didn’t have the identical tech inside.
You may pair the brand new Echo with different Amazon merchandise, such because the Fireplace TV, which could turn out to be useful in order for you a cinema expertise on film evening.
When you’re bought on Amazon’s new Echo, you’ll have to attend till 22 October to get your arms on one. It is available in three colors: Charcoal (darkish gray), Glacier (white) and Twilight Blue (delicate blue).
Now {that a} new Amazon Echo mannequin has landed, you would possibly save your self a tidy sum on its predecessor. Check out our full Amazon Echo (3rd Generation) review.
Google Nest Audio (£90)
Google has had a busy month. As we reported in final week’s story on the latest Google launches, it used its newest product launch occasion to introduce new Pixel smartphones, one other Chromecast streaming stick and the Google Nest Audio.
Nest Audio is a usually minimalist Google product, designed with a cloth end and swapping bodily controls for touch-sensitive zones. For instance, tapping the centre of the speaker will play or pause your music, whereas urgent down on the top-right nook will flip up the quantity.
The speaker is roofed in sustainable cloth, and the ‘enclosure’ (cloth, housing, foot and another smaller components) is constructed from 70% recycled plastic.
On the again of the Google Nest Audio is an influence enter and a toggle that permits you to flip off the built-in microphone. This can be a useful addition if you wish to watch TV with out your speaker waking up considering you’ve requested it a query. It’s a great transfer from a privateness perspective, too.
In contrast with the earlier Google Residence, Google says its new mannequin is ‘75% louder’ with ‘50% stronger bass’. Like the brand new Echo, it’s clever sufficient to fine-tune the audio relying on what you’re listening to. When you’re sat again on the couch having fun with an audiobook, for instance, Google Nest Audio will make some modifications behind the scenes that intention to make vocals even clearer.
Unsurprisingly, the Google Nest Audio makes use of Google Assistant to take care of your queries. By saying ‘OK, Google’, you’ll be able to have the AI helper handle your calendar, load up your favorite Spotify playlist or management different good units reminiscent of Philips Hue gentle bulbs.
When you personal a couple of Google speaker, you’ll be able to hyperlink them collectively to create a stereo pair. And Google’s ‘Ambient IQ’ tech will alter the quantity of Google Assistant relying on the extent of background noise in your house. All your Google units will be managed by means of the free Google Residence smartphone app.
You may seize the Google Nest Audio in Chalk (gentle gray) or Charcoal (black). It’s out there from 15 October.
Whereas we watch for the Google Nest Audio to succeed in the Which? check lab, examine our earlier Google wireless, smart and Bluetooth speaker reviews.
Selecting a wise speaker: what to contemplate
With so many good audio system battling in your consideration, excited about the way you’ll use the speaker and the options which can be essential to you’ll enable you select.
When shopping for a brand new good speaker, you’ll need to take into consideration:
- Energy – when you’re in search of a speaker with sturdy, booming bass, you’ll in all probability get higher outcomes from a bigger mannequin as a substitute of a small good speaker that sits on the kitchen counter.
- Sound high quality – any good speaker can course of voice instructions, however when you’re in search of a mannequin with clear, detailed audio, use our professional evaluations to pick the perfect choices.
- Privateness – examine to see whether or not the built-in microphone will be blocked at any time – this might be accomplished with a bodily swap or in a smartphone app. You also needs to think about how the gadget offers together with your private information, so examine what kind of data is being saved and why.
- Which assistant is best for you? – If you have already got a few different internet-enabled Amazon merchandise at residence, sticking with an Alexa good speaker looks like the logical alternative. However when you’re consistently utilizing Google services and products (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Pictures and many others), you would possibly lean in direction of a Google Assistant good speaker.
Keep in mind that you just don’t essentially need to go for one among Google or Amazon’s personal good audio system to make use of their voice assistants. An rising variety of good audio system, together with these from in style manufacturers reminiscent of Bose and Sonos, provide the choice of selecting between a number of voice assistants.
That can assist you decide the right good speaker in your residence, we’ve put collectively an professional information on how to buy the best smart speaker.
