Amazon quietly discontinues beloved Alexa gadget dubbed the ‘best Echo so far’ – weeks after replacement is revealed
AMAZON is ending one of its popular Alexa devices despite people calling it the “best Echo so far”.
The online retailer has been making Echo speakers with the famed Alexa voice assistant since 2014.
There have been several versions and alternative models in the years since – and one particular favourite among users is the Echo Dot.
In 2022, Amazon released the fifth generation Echo Dot with Clock, which is a fabric-covered ball with no screen.
Instead of a proper screen, it has a a simple LED dot matrix display that only shows digits for the time.
The much simpler design and eye-catching clock lights made the device a particular favourite.
It has a 4.7 out of 5 rating based on more than 13,000 reviews on Amazon.
“I have four Alexa gadget but this is far the best so far,” one buyer wrote as recent as April.
” I do not need to keep asking it to show clock which is great for the bedroom as a bedside clock.”
Another commented: “The best value smart speaker you can buy. I would not be without it!”
However, Amazon has revealed that the device is being discontinued.
In a statement to The Verge, the company said “once inventory of this generation Echo Dot with Clock is sold through it will not be restocked”.
The standard Echo Dot without a clock on it is unaffected.
Amazon didn’t explain why it has decided to axe the product.
However, it is constantly adjusting the line-up.
NEW ECHO
Recently, the firm announced a brand new version of the Echo Spot, positioning it as the ideal alarm clock.
The full circle screen on the front seen on the first version of the Echo Spot has been replaced with a half sized one alongside a directional speaker.
It’s built for the nightstand, with a gradual lighting display that Amazon claims will make it easy to set and view alarms, see the time, weather, or song titles at a glance.
Despite being a basic feature, alarms are among Alexa’s most popular use tens of millions of times every day.
There are four alarm sounds, called Aurora, Daybreak, Endeavor, and Flutter.
Do I need to upgrade my Echo?
Amazon is discontinuing the Echo Dot (5th generation) with clock meaning you will no longer be able to buy it when stock runs out.
But that doesn’t mean existing devices will stop working.
Amazon has been pretty good at continuing to support previous versions of Echo speakers many years after they’re no longer for sale.
So your current Echo Dot with clock is fine.
If you’re a fan, buy them up before there are none left – Amazon’s own website appears to be out of stock but other stores still have some.
In the UK, there’s still stock in Argos and Currys.
In the US, you can find stock in Best Buy.
Alternatively, Amazon still sells refurbished devices at a discount.
Always do your own research before making any purchase.