The brand new Echo Dot can be an Eero • TechCrunch

You already know whether or not you’re an Amazon Echo kind individual. If that’s the case you’re in all probability one proper now, considering “ought to I improve that factor or is it pointless?” In all probability the latter — except you even have Amazon’s Eero mesh wi-fi product, by which case: it’s in all probability nonetheless pointless, except it’s fairly outdated. During which case, you will get a brand new or evenly used Dot that may now act as a wi-fi vary extender.

The brand new Dot and different Echo merchandise had been introduced at Amazon’s {hardware} occasion right now; the Dot has been evenly redesigned with a greater speaker and a pair monster-themed prints for those that go within the youngsters’ room.

Nobody actually expects such a small machine to supply something however serviceable sound, in order that a part of the improve isn’t notably notable. However the subsequent piece is fascinating: the newest Dot will robotically connect with your Eero community and lengthen its vary. The 4th-gen Dots and spherical Echo may also achieve this capacity after a software program replace quickly. (To be clear, there’s a easy setup course of, however it’s going to work as a part of the community.)

It received’t push the protection so far as a devoted router, however there are tips {that a} stationary, powered transceiver can do with wi-fi {that a} telephone or laptop computer can’t, and which means it could actually act as a repeater even when sign is weak. Then it could actually cross that sign on to your different units.

We haven’t had an opportunity to check this, although we all know the Eero might be the main client mesh wi-fi model and it’s unlikely Amazon would half-ass this, even with the most affordable Echo.

You’ll be able to in all probability count on tons extra units to supply “Eero Constructed-in,” because it appears to be a factor now, having began with the Ring Alarm Professional. Don’t all rush out to purchase Echo Dots as cheap-ish ($50) wi-fi extenders.