Amazon Echo (2019) review

This is not unique to Amazon’s AI – Google Assistant and Siri do the same thing – but it speaks to the general increase in personalized voice interaction.We did encounter some bugs with the Alexa AI interrupting itself, or repeating an answer twice over – but it was a minor issue that didn't feature in the second model we tested, and we recommend you returning the item within warranty if this happens.You can connect your Amazon Echo to Fire TV devices for breezy voice commands, even if navigation isn't always straightforward.The sound offered by the new Amazon Echo is on par with the Plus, as it should be given the identical parts.We’re told by Amazon that the 2019 Echo now boasts "the same audio architecture as Echo Plus, including neodymium drivers, 3-inch woofer and increased back volume so the bass feels stronger, and the mids and highs are clearer.”There’s a clear improvement over the second-generation Echo, with more assertive bass creating a fuller sound, even if you don’t get a huge amount of audio detail in low- or mid-range frequencies. However, it’s reassuring to see the baseline audio quality for the standard Echo get a boost from what it was before.You can use an auxiliary port to connect to some better speakers, though a cheaper Echo Dot could do the same thing.For a real audio fix, you’ll want to check out the Amazon Echo Studio, which gives a real boost with Dolby Atmos capable speakers, and – from our limited time with the model so far – seems like the audio-focused Echo model we wish Amazon had put out sooner.The mic array is also pretty exceptional, with the Amazon Echo (2019) proving able to pick up even murmured commands from up to a couple of meters away.The Amazon Echo (2019) doesn’t feel particular new, given both its form and function is modeled on the existing Echo Plus. However, as it offers those advancements at the price of a standard Echo model – and launches alongside a truly audio-focused Echo Studio – it marks a company taking sound quality more seriously across the board.As Amazon releases a broader range of Echo products, certain models will feel less necessary than others, but the new Amazon Echo is certainly a better product than the second-generation Echo – and Alexa remains a convenient smart assistant for those who like hands-free voice commands.Get the best tech deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable tech news and more!TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher.