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Technology keeps advancing, and Amazon has continuously updated its smart speakers, Echo, with new features and design changes. But what happens when you want to purchase a new Echo or determine which generation Echo you have? Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to tell which generation Echo you have.
Introduction
Since Amazon introduced the first Echo in 2014, the smart speaker has become an essential device in many households. Every new iteration of the device came with new features and design upgrades. It can be challenging to keep up with the changes, and that leaves you with the question, “which generation Echo do I have?”
You can find out which generation Echo you have by looking at the materials, design, and features of the device. In this guide, we will explain how to tell which generation Echo you have, the strengths and weaknesses of identifying your Echo, frequently asked questions, and recommendations for your Echo.
How to Tell Which Generation Echo I Have
To determine which generation Echo you have, you will need to consider the design, features and materials of the smart speaker. Here are some steps you can take:
If you have the Echo 1st Generation:
The first-generation Echo looks like a tall cylindrical tower, with a height of 9.25 inches and a diameter of 3.27 inches. It has a plastic base with many perforated holes covering the sides. The Echo 1st Generation has a three-inch woofer and a tweeter with a seven-microphone array. It also has a physical volume control ring around the top third of the speaker and an action button located on top of the device.
If your Echo has these features, then it is the 1st Generation.
If you have the Echo 2nd Generation:
The Echo 2nd Generation has a similar cylindrical shape as the first generation, but it is shorter (5.8 inches tall), and the design has been revamped. It has an improved speaker system that consists of a 2.5-inch woofer and a 0.6-inch tweeter. The Echo 2nd Generation has a fabric covering on its side and a volume control ring on top. It also has physical buttons, such as mic, volume, and action buttons located on the top of the device.
If your Echo has these features, then it is the 2nd Generation.
If you have the Echo 3rd Generation:
The Echo 3rd Generation has some design similarities to the Echo 2nd Generation but has more advanced features. It has a fabric-covered cylindrical shape and is 5.8 inches tall. The Echo 3rd Generation has a 3-inch woofer and a 0.8-inch tweeter, which is more powerful than the Echo 2nd Generation. It also has a set of physical buttons at the top of the device that includes mic, volume, and action buttons.
If your Echo has these features, then it is the 3rd Generation.
If you have the Echo 4th Generation:
The Echo 4th Generation is the latest addition to Amazon’s Echo lineup, and it has a new design. It’s spherical with a fabric covering all over it, and it comes in three colors: Charcoal, Glacier White, and Twilight Blue. The device has a 3-inch woofer, two 0.8-inch tweeters, and it has the same set of physical buttons as the Echo 3rd Generation, namely mic, volume, and action buttons.
If your Echo has these features, then it is the 4th Generation.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Identifying Your Echo
The benefits of identifying your Echo’s generation include being able to take full advantage of its features. Knowing the generation can help when understanding which Amazon Alexa commands are available to you. You’ll also be able to know which accessories are compatible with your Echo, including charging cables and Echo-compatible power adapters.
However, determining which generation Echo you have may not always be straightforward. For instance, some changes may be purely cosmetic, and you won’t be able to distinguish between models without digging deeper into the device’s features. Overall, it’s important to note that knowing your Echo generation is essential but may not always be a priority when selecting an Echo.
Table Showing Echo Generation, Model Number, and Release Date
| Echo Generation | Model Number | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation | XUURAO | June 23, 2015 |
| 2nd Generation | ZEBRA | October 31, 2017 |
| ZIGGY | October 11, 2018 | |
| 3rd Generation | POPPY | September 26, 2019 |
| DOVER | October 22, 2020 | |
| 4th Generation | HYDRA | October 22, 2020 |
| LUNA | September 28, 2021 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I update my Echo device?
Yes, Echo devices automatically receive software updates over Wi-Fi. You can also manually update your device using the Alexa app on your smartphone or via the web.
Q2. Can I connect multiple Echo devices together?
Yes, you can. You can set up multiple Echo devices in your home and create a Multi-Room Music system. It allows you to play music on all your devices at the same time, or you can choose a specific device like the bedroom or living room.
Q3. What should I do if I cannot determine my Echo’s generation?
You can visit Amazon’s website, and they have detailed information on every Echo device ever released – including the generations, models, and differences.
Q4. Can I use an Echo from another country in my country?
It’s important to note that some features and settings may only be available in the country where the Echo was purchased. So, it is recommended to purchase an Echo device in your country.
Q5. How do I know if my Echo is on or off?
The ring light around the top of the Echo turns blue when Alexa is answering a question, or the device is streaming audio. The light turns off when the microphone button is turned off or the device is turned off.
Q6. Can I use my Echo as a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, you can use any Echo device to play audio from your phone, tablet, or computer using Bluetooth. You will need to “pair” your device with the Echo to make it work.
Q7. How do I reset my Echo to factory settings?
You can reset your Echo device to its factory settings by pressing and holding the ‘Action’ button for at least 25 seconds.
Q8. Can I use my Echo to call emergency services?
Currently, you cannot use an Echo device to call emergency services directly, but you can call someone in your phone book and ask them to call emergency services for you.
Q9. Can I use my Echo without Wi-Fi?
No, Echo devices need Wi-Fi to function. Without a Wi-Fi connection, you cannot access Alexa or control your smart home devices via the Echo.
Q10. Can I change the “wake word” for my Echo?
Yes, Amazon allows you to change the “wake word” for your Echo from “Alexa” to “Echo” or “Amazon”. To do this, you will need to access the settings in the Alexa app or on the device.
Q11. Can my Echo play music from Spotify or Apple Music?
Yes, you can set up Spotify or Apple Music as the default music service on your Echo device, and then ask Alexa to play any song, album, or artist.
Q12. Can I play games on my Echo?
Yes, Amazon Alexa has a variety of games and quizzes that can be played on any Echo device.
Q13. Can I control my smart home devices with my Echo?
Yes, Echo devices can be used to control smart home devices easily. You will need to set up your devices in the Alexa app and then give commands, such as “Alexa, turn on the lights.”
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to determine which generation Echo you have. Understanding your Echo’s generation is essential in taking full advantage of the device’s features and accessories. The table provided in this article has the model numbers and release dates for each Echo generation, and if you still cannot determine which generation Echo you have, you can visit Amazon’s website for more detailed information.
Thank you for reading this guide, and we hope it has been helpful to you. Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, and feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions. Have a great day with your Echo!
Disclaimer
Reader Technogigs, this article is not sponsored or affiliated with Amazon. All the information provided in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge, and we do not claim responsibility for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to ensure that any information provided here is accurate and up-to-date at the time you use it.