There is often confusion between Amazon speakers. All because they are under the same brand, have common features, and are generally similar. But in this article, you will learn specifically about the Echo Dot and how to use it (even without Alexa).
What are Amazon Echo and Alexa
Amazon Echo is often shortened to Echo, which is an American brand of smart speakers. Echo speaker connects to the voice-controlled intelligent personal assistant service Alexa, which will respond when a user says “Alexa”. Moreover, users may change this wake word to “Amazon”, “Echo”, or “Computer”. But in case you start to feel that Echo is way too big for you to carry around, then it is likely that you might like the option of acquiring Echo Dot. The Echo Dot is like the smaller version of the Echo speaker.
Alexa in its turn is Amazon’s AI-powered voice-activated virtual assistant. She can answer your questions, tell you the weather, turn on your lights, remind you to pick the kids up from school, and much, much more.
So, Alexa is the brain and personality behind which many smart devices are powered and controlled. Her software isn’t installed in aIn general, Alexa is a whole AI-person that can be integrated into Amazon devices and can be synchronized with them so that they can be controlled.
This way, you can take her anywhere. You even are able to download the Alexa app to your smartphone right now and use its features without purchasing another smart device.
Can I use Echo without Alexa
Actually yes, it’s possible to use your Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo Dot speaker without enabling Alexa. Though, by doing so, it converts the Echo speaker into a primitive speaker. Without smart functionality and the ability to talk to it, it’s a reasonably rudimentary speaker, which means it might not be beneficial.
Can You Disable Alexa on Echo Dot
It’s quite easy to disable Alexa from listening and responding to your instructions, although it will limit what you can do with your Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo Dot. Here’s how you can change it:
- On the top of the device of your Echo Dot speaker, look for the microphone button. The button itself looks like a microphone with a strike-through on it or a circle with a strike-through it
- Press the microphone button
- Wait for a signal to play and for the indicator light to turn red
- While the indicator light stays red, the microphone is switched off and Alexa isn’t listening
- Use the microphone button to restart Alexa
Do you need Amazon Echo to make Echo Dot work
As mentioned, you can turn your Echo Dot into a speaker even without Alexa. The same goes for the Amazon Echo – the Echo Dot is an independent element and works fine without any additional devices.
But if you want more coverage in your home, a nice bonus will be the purchase of other Amazon devices.
