Review: Amazon Echo Spot

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Amazon has defined the smart speaker space with its range of Echo devices which serve as speakers of varying size and quality and also work as conduits to smart home systems, entertainment, online search and news and music playback. With a 72 per cent market share in the US and a growing global presence, Amazon’s Echo devices are far from peaking. Thanks to various partnerships, Alexa is shipping on even more devices such as desktop PCs, high end hi-fi speakers and even in-car infotainment devices.

One of the latest devices from market leader Amazon is the Echo Spot which is a smart speaker that also packs a clever 2.5-inch display as well as a camera for video conferencing.  Echo Spot can do everything other Echo speakers can, but it uses the display to show useful information, play back video from YouTube or Amazon Prime Video as well as visualize various responses (i.e. album art for music playback, news briefs, weather updates and other useful information.

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Google Home Max is now available in Canada

Google is releasing its third and its largest and most expensive Google Assistant enabled speaker, the Google Home Max. Google’s  smart speaker, which has been available in the US since late last year, is designed to replace the sound system in big rooms or small apartments.

Featuring Smart Sound. Powered by AI, Smart Sound allows Max to adapt to you and your environment. Once you’ve set up Max, it will automatically tune itself based on where you’ve placed it in the room, within seconds. A simple, “Hey Google, play [insert favourite artist/ band name]” will fill any room with quality sound, allowing you to experience your favourite songs the way the artist intended. Google Home Max will sell for $499.

Microsoft reportedly coming out with lower cost Surface tablet

A report from Bloomberg says that Microsoft is getting ready to release a more affordable Surface-branded tablet costing around US $400 by late 2018. Written by Mark Gurman, a prolific Apple leaker who has a good track record and accurate sources, this report shows Microsoft may be ready to capture a wider market segment with Surface.

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SPOT X launches 2-way functionality, backlit keyboard and trusted SOS functionality

Globalstar Canada has launched the SPOT X 2-way Satellite Messenger combines proven S.O.S. emergency notification technology with new 2-way text messaging functionality, an onboard backlit keyboard and illuminated display, which will make connectivity in remote regions easier and more effective than ever before. The device is priced at $349 CAD and is shipping this month.

SPOT X™ 2-way satellite messenger. The new standalone, portable and lightweight device features 2-way messaging capabilities, an onboard backlit keyboard, GPS location tracking, social media linking and direct communication with emergency services.

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