Amazon Adds Eero Mesh Wi-Fi Support to Echo Dot

Amazon is updating its smallest and biggest smart speakers with new Echo Dot, Echo Dot with Clock, and Echo Dot Kids devices, plus new spatial audio processing for the Echo Studio.

The upgraded Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock feature a new audio system, with a custom full-range driver that Amazon says doubles the bass the previous models can put out. Ultrasound motion detectors are also built into the new smart speakers, letting them respond to tap gestures and movement. The Echo Dot with Clock also has new uses for its LED display, and can show information like song title, weather, and unit conversion.

Echo Dot
(Credit: Amazon)

The most interesting aspect of the new Echo Dots, however, is not limited to the newest models. Eero mesh Wi-Fi support will be coming to current Echo and Echo Dot speakers, letting them serve as network nodes that can add up to 1,000 square feet of coverage to an Eero Wi-Fi network.

Eero networking will be included on the newest Echo Dot speakers, and will arrive on the most recent Amazon Echo on Oct. 20. Eero support is planned for fourth-generation Echo Dot speakers “in the coming months.”

The Echo Dot Kids, meanwhile, has been updated to include two new designs: Owl and Dragon.

Echo Dot Kids Dragon
(Credit: Amazon)

The Amazon Echo Studio is also getting an update, though it appears to be through software rather than the introduction of a new speaker. According to Amazon, the Echo Studio is getting new spatial audio processing, which can improve the immersiveness of stereo music, along with frequency range extension that can offer better bass and midrange response.

The new Echo Dot speakers and Echo Auto ship next month. The standard Echo Dot will be available for $49.99, the Echo Dot Kids and Echo Dot with Clock each for $59.99, and the new Echo Auto for $54.99.

Echo Auto
(Credit: Amazon)

Amazon also announced the newest Echo Auto device, updating its Alexa-powered car accessory. The newest Echo Auto is smaller than the previous model, and features an adhesive mount rather than a vent mount for better placement flexibility. It has a five-microphone array rather than the eight mics of the last Echo Auto, but Amazon notes that the mics are designed to be able to hear your voice over air conditioner noise, road noise, and music.