Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Original review (June 30, 2019) ORIGINAL REVIEW: June 30, 2019: 5/5 stars UPDATED review: July 3, 2019: 4/5 stars For background information, I am a professor and a tech geek. I have used Amazon devices for around eight years now. I currently own three Kindle e-readers (Kindle Touch, Kindle Paperwhite 3rd generation, and Kindle 10). I also own four Amazon Fire tablets (2015 Fire 7 -5th generation, 2019 Fire 7 – 9th generation, 2017 Fire HD 8 - 7th generation and 2018 Fire HD 8 –8th generation) and 3 Echo devices (1st generation Echo, 2nd generation Echo Dot, and 3rd generation Echo Dot). Please note that I have traded-in some of the dated versions of the above-listed products to get upgraded versions (more on this under the “Saving Money on Purchases” section). This device - Amazon’s “All New” Echo Dot Kids Edition (2019 release) is essentially the same as the Echo Dot 3rd generation with the following exceptions: (1) fabric cover colors (Rainbow or Blue) are different; (2) the addition of a 1-year free subscription of FreeTime Unlimited (henceforth referred in this review to as FTU); and (3) a 2-year replacement warranty and service plan with no questions asked). This combination of quality and value are tough to beat, and the speaker does well overall. This is a comprehensive review, but for those looking for the bottom line, scroll down to the end of this review to see my thoughts on how to save money on purchasing the Echo Dot Kids Edition (henceforth referred to as EDKE3) and my final recommendations on this product. I have spent the past few days interacting with the EDKE3, using it, and reading other online reviews about this device to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of information provided in this review. As previously mentioned, I also own the “regular” Echo Dot that I have used for around 2 years now. - The Box (package): The Echo Dot Kids Edition (EDKE3) smart speaker, a quick-start guide, 15W wall adapter, and a USB cord (around 5.5 foot or 66 inches). The item arrived sealed and packaged well. - Availability (Color): Blue or Rainbow. -Set up: Plug in the device to receive prompts, and then connect to the Internet using the Alexa app (download the app to your phone/tablet), and you are ready to go by asking “Alexa” (Amazon’s virtual assistant) for specific requests. - Key things that have not changed from the prior Echo Dot 2nd generation Kids Edition(henceforth referred to as EDKE2): --- Alexa is the same, but also Alexa has several skills and is constantly being updated. --- Price remains the same (factoring out sales discounts) --- Voice shopping turned off for kids --- Filtering of songs with explicit lyrics - Summary of critical aspects that have changed in this version (Echo Dot 3rd generation Kids Edition vs. Echo Dot 2nd generation Kids Edition). --- An improved FreeTime Unlimited (FTU) Subscription and parental controls are being constantly updated. --- Larger speaker (1.6 inch vs. 1.1 inch), which makes a world of difference. Amazon makes the claim that the volume quality has improved by around 70%. I would say sound and volume quality has improved tremendously though it is not comparable to the Echo or Echo Plus. However, what more can one expect from a device the base Echo family device sold at an very affordable price? --- The EDKE3 has 4 microphones as compared to Echo Dot 2 (7 microphones), though I didn’t see any decline in microphone functionality with the reduced number of microphones. --- EDKE3 has two options for fabric colors (Blue or Rainbow) vs. EDKE2 (Black color with Blue, Red, or Green kid-friendly cases). --- Dimensions: EDKE3 [3.9” x 3.9” x 1.7” (99 mm x 99 mm x 43 mm)] vs. EDKE2 [1.5” x 3.5” x 3.5” (38 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm)]. The new device is a bit larger (looks inflated with rounded edges) on all fronts because of the better speaker and has a futuristic design --- Weight: EDKE [10.6 oz (300 grams)] vs. EDKE2 [6.7 oz. (191 grams)]. Again, the new device is a bit heavier because of the better speaker. - Technical specs and other details: --- Size: 3.9” x 3.9” x 1.7” (99 mm x 99 mm x 43 mm) --- Weight: 10.6 oz (300 grams) --- Warranty and Service: 2-year worry-free guarantee: If it breaks, return it, and Amazon will replace it for free. The value of this service cannot be overstated especially for a kid’s device. --- Dual-band Wi-Fi. Uses 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks. No support offered to connect to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks. I was able to connect to the Wi-Fi network without any technical difficulties and I used the Alexa app installed on my phone to complete this connection process. --- Ports: 3.5 mm stereo jack and power port --- 4 Built-in microphones and integrated speaker (1.6 inch). --- Buttons: Mute button and two volume controls. --- 1-year subscription to FTU with automatic renewal at $2.99/month plus tax. Subscription can be canceled at any time by contacting Customer Service or visiting the Parent Dashboard. Important- one FTU subscription can be used across multiple Amazon devices (more on this topic later). *** Please note that this product is only for Ages 3 and up as there is a choking hazard with small parts. Comparison between Echo Dot Kids Edition (3rd generation) and Echo Dot 3rd generation. --- Regular Price: EDKE3 ($69.99 + tax) vs. Echo Dot ($49.99 + tax). --- Most common sale price: Echo Dot Kids Edition ($49.99 + tax) vs. Echo Dot ($29.99 + tax). --- FTU: EDKE3 (1-year free subscription after which it will be $2.99/month + tax) vs. Echo Dot (sold separately at $2.99/month + tax). --- Warranty and Service: EDKE3 (2-year worry free guarantee and replacement – no questions asked) vs. Echo Dot (90-day limited warranty). --- Colors: EDKE3 (Blue or Rainbow) vs. Echo Dot (Charcoal, Heather Grey, or Sandstone). - Some limitations (to be expected because of this device being sold at a bargain price and also being the base model of the Echo series): --- The speaker is not as good as compared to the Echo or Echo Plus --- FreeTime and FTU are not without flaws (more on this later). --- No audio cable included. - Some useful features on Echo devices (not a comprehensive list). --- Accessibility: “The Alexa app and Alexa-enabled products include several features for customers with accessibility needs related to vision, hearing, mobility, and speech.” --- Bluetooth: “Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming from your mobile device to Echo Dot or from Echo Dot to your Bluetooth speaker. Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for voice control of connected mobile devices. Hands-free voice control is not supported for Mac OS X devices.” However, please note that Bluetooth requiring pin codes are not supported. - FreeTime vs. FreeTime Unlimited (FTU): ---- Please note that FreeTime is automatically enabled on this device since it is a kid-friendly device. --- Enabling Amazon FreeTime in the Alexa app can make any Echo Device kid-friendly. This enables parents to “automatically filter explicit songs, add approved contacts, set time limits, or review activity with easy-to-use parental controls in the Amazon Parent Dashboard.” FreeTime is FREE (no payment). --- Whereas with an Amazon FTU subscription (starting at $2.99/month after a free one year subscription), kids can access “over 1,000 Audible books, premium kids skills from brands like Disney and Nickelodeon, ad-free radio stations and playlists, and more.” Several more features are available on FTU when Amazon tablets are used as compared to the Echo device. -FTU: Many of these features listed below will NOT work without explicit parental permission and when FTU is enabled (more on this later). However, if you want to use the device as a regular speaker then you can disable the FTU option --- Customers can make purchases from their Amazon account --- Customers can make shopping lists, set alarms or reminders, create lists, play jokes or games, ask Alexa about the news (by choosing respective stations on Alexa app), play audible books, podcasts, get weather updates, ask Alexa to share your daily schedule, ask Alexa for trivia, traffic updates, personal growth tips, hands free calling, sports updates, etc. to name a few. --- The “Drop In” feature on Alexa functions as a two-way intercom between any 2 Echo devices. Additionally, customers can use Announcements as a one-way intercom to other household devices. This can be done by asking Alexa to “Drop In” on Kitchen, Kid’s bedroom, Living Room (depending on how you have named your Echo devices), etc. Children also have the option to call a list of pre-approved family and friends. Family members do not need to accept Drop Ins (announcements) as compared to a hands-free call that needs to be accepted (similar to a traditional phone call, people can reject the call). Basically, the Drop In feature works in your house while the hands-free call feature (calls require that you input the contact name and phone number by letting the Alexa app access this information) is making a physical call to either someone in your home or somewhere else using the Echo device. Calls can be made to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Calling family members has been amazing. The noise-canceling set-up works really well and conversations are crisp and clear. Additionally, the microphones are definitely on par or better than prior version. --- You can pair 2 Echo Dots for better sound and volume quality. However, my recommendation would be to get an EDKE3 and a “regular” Echo Dot (cheaper) if you wish to provide your child with this option. However, there is not a substantial increase in quality. --- Music streaming is available. --- Voice control is available. This means you can purchase smart home devices that are compatible with Alexa and use them to turn on/off lights, adjust thermostats, lock doors, etc. ** As mentioned, parental controls can be used to limit or block many of the above-listed features. Amazon FTU Unlimited (Echo Dot or Echo Dot Kids Edition) --- Any Amazon Echo Device (even if it is not specifically a Kids edition) can have the FreeTime skill enabled (you do not need subscription for turning on FreeTime) and can access FTU (if subscription has been purchased). This can be done by opening the Alexa app -> selecting “devices” -> selecting “All Devices”-> selecting your respective device -> then scroll down in your device options and select FreeTime -> Then select the “enabled/disabled” option. This device can then be used as a dedicated child’s device whenever FTU is needed. --- As previously mentioned, FTU can be canceled at any time by visiting the Amazon Parent Dashboard or contacting Amazon customer service. --- As previously mentioned, FTU gives access to over “1,000 Audible books, thousands of songs, plus favorite games and skills among other things on Echo Devices.” (Many more skills and options for FTU are available on the tablet, more on this in the next section). --- This device provides an amazing alternative for parents who are concerned about giving their child too much screen time yet want them to learn through auditory methods. For instance, Alexa can also read bedtime stories to kids and engage kids in conversation (though nothing functions as well as interaction with adults who can engage kids in back and forth conversation which is critical to their brain development). Kids also need to hear and see interactions (facial expressions, tone, etc.). However, on those unusual days when you are tired and worn out, this would be a good supplement. - FTU applied to Fire Tablet or Fire Tablet Kids Edition (more on the rationale for this later) --- FTU can work with your Amazon tablets – Fire tablet or Fire Kids Edition). I am mentioning this as an option because in my opinion the best way to maximize use of the FTU subscription is to get both the Fire tablet Kids Edition and the Echo Dot KE (more on this later in the “Saving Money on purchases section”). --- FTU is a subscription that offers over “20,000 books, movies, TV shows, apps and games for kids 3-12. Age Filters ensure kids see age-appropriate content. Parents can add content to kids' profiles to give them more access to apps and games.” “In FTU, kids do not have access to social media or Alexa. In-app purchases require parent approval. Parents can exit FTU using a passcode.” Another unique feature is Amazon’s FTU is available in Spanish for several apps! Hopefully, there will be even more language options in the future to help bilingual or multilingual families and also to help those who wish to learn additional languages. --- Parents also have the option “to set educational goals and curfews, and manage content for up to 4 child profiles with easy-to-use parental controls.” --- Generally speaking - FTU offers an unbeatable value – I mean where else on earth can you get kid-friendly and generally holistic content for $2.99/month (after the 1-year subscription expires). Additionally, kids can’t make any additional purchases without parental authorization so it protects parents from liabilities. *FTU has several nifty features that I cannot cover because of space limitations but it is pretty intuitive and outstanding. Amazon has done an outstanding job in this process. Parents have a lot of flexibility in choosing and curating content for children, permitting downloads, and even setting the tablet to turn-off after a preset amount of use or at a set time and turn on at a set time. This is a great feature, so you don’t have to constantly follow your kid saying – “you have 5 more minutes before to turn the tablet off.” The automatic turn-off absolves parents from this responsibility, avoids a potential meltdown, and teaches kids to be time conscious. Additionally, kids can also be tasked with completing some educational apps/tasks before playing a game, etc. This is a nifty feature that helps build self-discipline and establish tangible expectations. -Some Usage Tips (Amazon’s review space limitations prevent me from putting any more): --- Changing Device Name: Please note that the device name can be changed from something generic to something specific. This is especially helpful if you own multiple Echo devices and was automatically assigned a generic device name (like “Echo Dot”) and has no clue which device is which on the Amazon Alexa app. This can be done by opening the Alexa app -> selecting “devices” -> selecting “All Devices”-> selecting “your respective device” -> then scroll down in your device options and select “Edit Name” -> Then you can change it to whatever you choose. Personally, I have named devices either based on user, model and/or location at home. --- Changing Wake Word: Please note that the “wake word” can be changed from Alexa to something else and can be device specific. This especially applies if you have multiple devices close to each other. This can be done by opening the Alexa app -> selecting “devices” -> selecting “All Devices”-> selecting “your respective device” -> then scroll down in your device options and select “Wake Word” -> Then you can change it to “Amazon” or “Echo” or “Computer” (three options currently available). --- Devices can be registered using the same methods listed above and getting to the Device specific page. This applies especially if you are gifting the device to another individual or are reselling it. - Saving money on purchases --- If you are considering buying the EDKE3, now is the time to get it. The FTU subscription alone will cost consumers around $36 + tax per year. Additionally, having 2-year warranty and service (with no questions asked) is an outstanding deal for a kid’s device. The regular Echo Dot usually goes on sale for $29.99 and this device is just 20 dollars more for the all above perks. --- FTU can work with tablets - Fire or Fire Kids Edition. So, the best way to maximize your FTU subscription investment is to get an Amazon tablet in addition to Echo Dot Kids edition because you can utilize FTU across multiple devices (one subscription works for multiple devices). --- My recommendation would be to preorder this item now. If you don’t get a chance to do so, then you can purchase this item during a sale event (for instance, Amazon Prime day is in mid-July). --- Also, another option is for customers to get the Fire Kids Edition tablet with 2-year warranty and service and includes a free 1-year subscription of FTU. Then get the regular Echo Dot on sale (you can get it for as low as $29.99 during Prime Day/Thanksgiving, etc.). The customer can then use the free 1- year subscription on the tablet and convert their “regular” Echo Device into a kid-friendly device. I recommend this option because kids are more likely to damage the Fire Tablet Kids Edition (moves around) than this Echo device (placed in one location). The customer can get the tablet on sale, and then stack the trade-in price and the 25% discount previously mentioned to get the EDKE3. However, one thing to keep in mind is that Amazon might decide to remove the trade-in gift card and 25% discount at any point. The above method can be used to purchase the “regular” Echo Dot. --- Occasionally, Amazon also offers discounts for a bundle sale on products (get 2 or 3 items for a substantial discount). --- Amazon recently offered a bundle sale to purchase both the Fire Kids Edition Tablet (henceforth kids edition is referred to as KE) and Echo Dot Kids Edition (colors can be customized for both devices) for a substantial discount. Fire 7 KE + Echo Dot KE: $129.98; Fire 8 HD KE + Echo Dot KE: $139.98; and Fire 10 HD KE + Echo Dot KE: $199.98. I recommend the Fire 8 HD KE + Echo Dot KE for $139.98 (these items are offered at a substantial discount of $60) because it is the mid-tier model. My reasons are several and include: the 8 inch screen (as compared to 7 inches), higher resolution (189 PPI vs. 171 PPI), increased RAM (1.5 GB vs. 1 GB), better battery life (10 hours vs. 7 hours), and Dolby Atmos, dual stereo speakers as compared to the mono-speaker. Besides, the Fire 8 Kids Edition has more reviews, a recent release, and a well-rated product when compared to Fire 7 Kids Edition. This bundle pricing is hard to beat and I strongly encourage customers to make use of this opportunity. - Conclusion: 5/5 stars To sum up my review, this is the basic Echo Dot Kids Edition tablet. No bells and whistles, but it does the job. It works really well in a small room, plus the sound and volume quality is good for young kids. Updates worth noting in this version include better speaker, microphone, improved FTU options, and new color options (Rainbow or Blue). The bottom line is that if you are looking to get a super affordable Kids speaker that is well rated, small, lightweight, has an outstanding warranty and service (2-year replacement –no questions asked), and has FTU (several educational apps) then this device is the way to go. Update # 1: Privacy and Protection: 4/5 stars Amazon is currently involved in one federal lawsuit alleging that Alexa violated privacy laws in 8 states… “by making permanent recording of children’s voices without their consent”. The last thing I want is my child’s voice recording floating across the globe where Amazon analyzes it. So, I am docking a star because the lawsuit was permitted to move forward. I might add or delete stars pending the final outcome. Please also note that several resources were used in the compilation of this review, but most of this review was based on my personal testing of the product. Occasionally, I have repeated key concepts for new customers. Whenever I make any purchase, I try to do a thorough, honest, and accurate job with the review. I always post future updates and corrections based on new information if deemed necessary. Additionally, I always include photos of products to verify that I purchased this product and to back up appropriate claims.