Latest news with #EchoDot
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Amazon Fire TV Sticks fall up to 29% in surprise Bank Holiday sale
Amazon has slashed the price of its flagship Fire TV Stick range, including the 4K and 4K Max models Amazon has launched a surprise bank holiday sale across its tech range, with discounts on the entire Fire TV Stick series and the Echo Dot speaker. Bargain-hunting Brits can now snap up hefty savings on all Fire TV Stick models, from HD to 4K Max. The most substantial discounts are on the Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Max, both of which have been reduced by £20. There's also £30 off the Fire TV Cube, the 4K Ultra HD gadget that's down from £139.99 to £109.99, and £15 off the latest Echo Dot speaker that's down from £54.99 to £39.99. But our favourite deal is on the 4K Max – touted as Amazon's 'most powerful' streaming stick – that's now available for £49.99, down from £69.99. It provides a wealth of entertainment on streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV+, allowing users to stream with 'lifelike' picture and sound in 4K Ultra HD. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, and offers access to millions of songs on music streaming platforms like Amazon Music and Spotify, as well as gaming with Amazon Luna. The 4K Max boasts 16GB of storage – double that of other models – providing twice as much space for apps, games and software updates, reports the Mirror. With Wi-Fi 6E support and a compatible router, the device allows for seamless 4K streaming even with multiple internet-connected devices. Other streaming options include Sky's revamped Essential TV bundle, which provides more than 100 channels including Sky Atlantic, alongside free Netflix and Discovery+ access for £15 each month. However, neither Sky or Amazon's Fire TV Stick provide free access to other streamers like Prime Video or Disney+, which must be joined separately. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max has racked up more than 9,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, where customers have described it as a 'game-changer' and the provider of the 'best streaming experience'. One satisfied shopper said: "This device is a game-changer for streaming enthusiasts. The setup was incredibly straightforward, and within minutes, I was immersed in a world of stunning 4K Ultra HD content. The picture quality is crystal clear, with vibrant colours and sharp details that make every viewing experience captivating. "The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is also impressively responsive. Navigating through menus and apps is quick and smooth thanks to its powerful processor. Overall, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment setup. Its superior performance, coupled with Wi-Fi 6E support, makes it an excellent investment for the best streaming experience." Another said: "Great streaming stick with superb picture quality. This is great as it also does 4K as well, and the picture and sound are great. It's very compact, so it will fit most HDMI inputs on your TV. Very fast when it comes to operating the device, and selecting apps is smooth and trouble-free. Very happy with this purchase and even thinking about buying another one, even though they aren't the cheapest streaming stick on the market, they are well worth the money." However, despite praising the gadget as 'brilliant', another customer noted a downside regarding the remote control, saying: "Brilliant Fire Stick. This was easy to set up, quickly ready to go and has been a dream. It is responsive, there's no lag time, the quality of the pictures are brilliant. Only (small) issue was that the remote is a bit flimsy and not particularly well made."
Tom's Guide
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Amazon knocks up to 40% off Bluetooth speakers ahead of Memorial Day — 11 deals I'd shop now
Whether you're hosting a barbecue, heading to the beach or hanging by the pool this Memorial Day weekend, there's nothing quite like blasting some feel-good tunes as the weather warms up. However, you're going to need a high-quality Bluetooth speaker that's up to the task. Fortunately, Amazon is taking up to 40% off top-rated speakers during its latest sale — many of which hold a spot on our list of the best Bluetooth speakers we've tested. Right now, we're seeing epic discounts from brands like JBL, Ultimate Ears, Sony and Sonos. Even better? The deals are starting at just $24. Below, I've rounded up my favorite deals on Bluetooth speakers that will get you the most bang for your buck — all from Amazon's Memorial Day sale! Keep scrolling to check them out. Plus, check out our full guide to the best Memorial Day sales right now. This is the most affordable Alexa speaker Amazon sells and it's now been slashed to an even lower price. In our Echo Pop review, we were impressed by the speaker's sound for its small size. It lacks the temperature and motion sensors of the Echo Dot, but the Echo Pop still allows you to set timers, control your other smart home devices and more. Note that this isn't a portable speaker and has to be used while plugged in. The JBL Go 3 is the ideal Bluetooth speaker for traveling and outdoor adventures, and it's dropped to $29 at Amazon. It's IP67 waterproof and dustproof, and ultra-compact in size. But it still offers surprisingly strong sound and up to five hours of playback on a single battery charge. One of the best Bluetooth speakers in terms of portability is on sale right now at Amazon. Believe it or not, this 0.6-pound speaker packs a punch. The orange, light grey and black colors are all included in the promotion. The Clip 4 is a wicked little speaker that clips to your bag so that you can take it anywhere you want. There's 10 hours of battery life so it'll last you through any hike you might take it on. We found some great sound for its size in our JBL Clip 4 review as well, with a surprising amount of bass. I also happen to really like the way that it looks, with its giant keyring styling going a long way in setting it apart from other small Bluetooth speakers. The Miniroll is the ultimate musical companion. It's a super small Bluetooth speaker, so it'll fit into a backpack without a problem. It's sturdy too, which will let it survive even the most traumatic of outdoor mishaps. The small but mighty device is a great deal at its original price — but right now, you can get it for just $58. The Anker Motion Boom may not be much of a looker, but it has all the right credentials to deliver big stereo sound anywhere. Its practical size belies its ability to fill whatever space you are in with bassy sound, and has the power to project sound outwards into an open space with impressive clarity. Sony's ULT line is big, bassy and loads of fun. The ULT Field 1 is a great entry into the family, and when we went hands on with the ULT Field 1 we found a powerful little speaker with some big sound. Battery life is solid as well at 12 hours. This deal puts the speaker at its lowest price ever. This deal brings a long-awaited discount to the Beats Pill. We had a Beats Pill hands-on, and found a speaker that has (as you might expect) some massive bass and a slick look. Battery life is respectable at 24 hours, and its waterproofing makes it perfect for pool parties and outdoor use. This portable has some useful rugged touches to protect the speaker from routine knocks and scuffs while on the road. Its IP67 rating means that it's protected from dirt and moisture, and a rubberized cap secures the USB-C charging port at the back to protect it from water ingress. Sound quality was impressive during our Ultimate Ears EpicBoom review, and the battery life claims to deliver 17 hours of playback. This speaker is perfect to get the party going. Our JBL Xtreme 4 review praised its incredible sound quality with adaptive EQ, thumping bass and 24-hour battery life. On top of that, it has an IP67 rating meaning it can survive spills and it can even be used as a power bank to charge your phone. It's heavy at 73.76 ounces, but it's a great speaker especially after a discount. The Sonos Move 2 remains our top pick for Bluetooth speakers. It's not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but it's loaded with smart features and has 24 hours of battery life to make sure you can keep listening for hours on end. Its sleek good looks help it worm its way into your heart as well.
Buzz Feed
17-05-2025
- Buzz Feed
Graduation Gift Ideas For The New Grad In Your Life
From starting at a new job (or searching for one) to moving into their first apartment, there are so many things college grads have to think about after they cross the stage to get their diploma. If you have a college grad in your life, buying them a thoughtful graduation gift can make their transition to 'the real world' a little easier. We rounded up the best graduation gifts across a bunch of categories to provide some creative and practical ideas that a college grad might both need and want. These include products to stock their kitchen and help them learn to cook for themselves, tech items they'll turn to all the time and so much more. Your grad deserves to be set up for success in this next chapter — and your gift can help. An Echo Dot to introduce them to smart living When you gift a grad an Echo Dot, you're essentially gifting them a speaker, alarm clock, planner and more in one smart home product. Using voice control with Alexa, they can make grocery lists, set timers, play music or podcasts and connect to other smart home products like smart lightbulbs if they so choose. The Dot comes in three review: "I'm really impressed with the newest Echo Dot. The sound quality is way better than previous models—clear vocals and surprisingly deep bass for such a small device. It's perfect for playing music, checking the weather, or setting timers in the kitchen. Alexa is super responsive, and I love how easily it connects with my other smart devices. The design is sleek and modern, and it fits anywhere in my home. Setup took just a few minutes. Overall, it's a great little smart speaker that punches above its weight. Totally worth it!" —Claudia janeth JaimesGet it from Amazon for $49.99. A pair of noise-canceling Apple AirPods for work, travel and more You'd be hard-pressed to find a member of Gen Z who wouldn't get serious use out of a pair of AirPods. The Pro 2, our favorite model, are perfect for locking in at the office, providing entertainment during their early-20s travel adventures, listening to TikToks or podcasts, and so much Pros are noise-canceling but also have a transparency mode and adaptive audio, so when you do want to hear your surroundings, you can. They have a six-hour battery life, are dust-, water- and sweat-resistant and the case can be charged wirelessly with a MagSafe charger or use the included USB-C cable. Your grad can ensure the AirPods fit their ears using the four different sizes of silicone tips included in the box. The Pros also come with a hearing health experience and can protect users' ears by preventing excessive exposure to loud them from Amazon for $188.56. A HelloFresh gift card to teach them to cook for themselves After years of relying on the dining hall and instant ramen to sustain themselves, a gift card to HelloFresh's meal kit service can put your grad on track to get better at cooking hearty meals for themselves. They can sign up for a plan that matches their lifestyle and nutritional needs, curate their list of recipes and pause or skip meals any week that they need to. HelloFresh also cuts down on the amount of time they'll have to spend grocery shopping, by sending pre-portioned ingredients and even some ready-made it from HelloFresh for $75+. These unbelievably popular hotel-quality pillows Give your grad the gift of better sleep with these bestselling Beckham Hotel Collection pillows, which have been described as a "miracle" for back and side sleepers. Available in three sizes for a set of two, the pillows have a bounce-back design to keep their shape and support your head, but are conveniently machine-washable unlike most memory foam pillows. They're also cooling and breathable, so hot sleepers can remain comfortable throughout the night. If they're moving into a new apartment and have no furniture or bedding yet, this is a good review: "These pillows arrived in a smaller box than I thought was reasonable, but they puffed up when opened and are truly regular sized pillows. They were a gift for my college son who loves sleeping more than pretty much anything, and he would give his seal of approval if he was awake! He didn't see that these are hotel pillows and yet remarked that these are just like hotel job on that feature! Highly recommended for your head to be cradled in comfort while you sleep. Surprisingly supportive yet soft, these are a good investment in your sleep." —Tammi DresenGet it from Amazon for $49.99+. Merit's "Five Minute Morning" set for the young professional on the go A grad with a new job has enough on their plate without worrying about having time to get ready in the morning or possibly running late. This all-in-one makeup set can cut down their routine to just five minutes, making it so easy to just get out the door. The set includes Merit's beloved complexion stick, a cream blush, tinted lip oil, highlighting balm, mascara and brow pomade. All of the products are formulated to be lightweight and hydrating on the skin, while also being easy to apply and blend. The cream formulas create minimal mess, and such a pared-down routine is also great to pack for it from Merit Beauty for $176 (originally $206). A set of wine glasses to ring in their new adult era Celebrate your grad entering adulthood with a set of classy wine glasses, something they probably don't have in their kitchen just yet. Available in sets of two, four or six and for red or white wine (or as champagne flutes), the glasses are made with lead-free crystal and have a cool square shape. The shape of each glass is designed to enhance the flavor of the wine through aeration or temperature preservation. For an extra nice gift, you can pair this purchase with a nice bottle of wine to toast to your grad's new review: "I bought the wine glasses for a housewarming gift. Needless to say the gift could have gone over any better! My friend is ranting and raving about how beautiful and distinct the glasses are. She had a glass of wine five minutes after delivery. If you have a wine lover friend, be a great friend and buy these!" —Amazon CustomerGet a four-pack from Amazon for $34.99. A stretching strap for the grad with a new desk job In college, your favorite grad might have been active all the time, running around campus from classes to clubs. Maybe they're not yet used to the physical demands of a 9-to-5 desk job, where even basic stretching becomes an afterthought — which can lead to a whole host of health issues. That's where this stretching strap can come in handy to keep them strap has non-slip grips and an ergonomic design that can be used to perform arm, leg, shoulder and back stretches for pain relief, to improve flexibility and to increase their range of motion. The strap comes with a stretching guide to help them get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in two colors). A popular bendable book light they can wear around their neck We've covered this neck light before for its many practical uses: Your recipient can wear it to read, work, draw, knit and more without using their hands or relying on an overhead light. If you're shopping for someone with a partner, the light's three color temperature and six brightness level modes allow them to use the light in bed without disturbing their partner's rest (the light also has a narrow 90-degree beam). You can get a neck light in seven colors and two it from Amazon for $18.99. A vegetable chopper to make an arduous meal prep task easier If you're shopping for a member of Gen Z, there's a good chance they're familiar with the Fullstar vegetable chopper, which has gone TikTok-viral for the convenience it adds to the kitchen. The chopper comes with various dicing and slicing blades (we think this 4-in-1 option is a good start, but you can choose from 2-in-1 all the way to 14-in-1) that can chop produce instantly just by pushing down the lid. It's great for meal prep, chopped salads and more. The chopper also comes with food scrapers and cleaning brushes to make cleanup a breeze, plus a finger guard to keep them safe from potential it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in five colors). A chic laptop backpack that's a Wirecutter pick One of the most valuable purchases a new grad can make after college is a professional-looking new backpack for work and travel, especially after using the same beaten-up old one all through college. Wirecutter named this Everlane backpack as one of the best laptop backpacks of 2025. It features a 15-inch exterior laptop pocket, multiple zipper and slip pockets for smaller essentials and two water bottle holders. The backpack also has a pass-through strap on the back that they can pull ove a suitcase handle to glide through the airport with ease. The backpack comes in five chic colors and is review: "As someone who takes public transit to work, I wanted a backpack that felt more polished and professional than my sport backpacks, but was easier to lug around than my work totes. This looks minimal, but it holds SO MUCH and it also doesn't look bulky even when I have it packed. It's also comfortable, and so far hasn't gotten too hot (we shall see once summer truly hits). I also really like the side zip pouch for the laptop--it took a minute to figure out how to get my large laptop in there (has to go in straight, not angled), but now it's a breeze and I like how secure it feels (not sliding all around in there). In all, it totally exceeds my expectations!" —levieGet it from Everlane for $118. A Kindle for the bookworm An e-reader can serve your grad for years to come, and transform their reading experience if they've always been a physical book can't go wrong with the newest standard Kindle model, which comes in two colors and can store 16 GB. That's thousands of books on its own, but if you choose to bundle your purchase with a Kindle Unlimited subscription, your grad can have access to 4 million titles right at their fingertips. The battery life lasts up to six weeks (yes, weeks) and the 6-inch display is adjustable for brightness or even a dark a Kindle owner myself, I swear by this worth-every-penny purchase, which helped me more than double the amount of books I read in one year. Kindles are also compatible with the Libby app, so if your grad prefers to check out books from the library instead of buying them, they can still do that with it from Amazon for $109.99+. A cold brew coffee maker with a near-perfect star rating This 2-quart cold brew coffee maker is perfect for the person who needs caffeine in the morning but doesn't want to spend tons of time or money on their coffee. Available in black, gray or silver (for gray, you can choose between a handle or no handle), the cold brew maker includes a dishwasher-safe glass mason jar, stainless steel mesh filter and leakrpoof plastic lid with a flip cap pour spout. The coffee maker is also travel-friendly, so your grad can take it with them on the review: "I was given this as a gift and liked it so much. I ordered a second one for my families vacation home. It works great without the pain of having to boil water for tea.. you can make a great cold brew coffee in that container with the only issue being possibly drags on the bottom with coffee." —Kayren MingusGet it from Amazon for $29.99.
Mint
08-05-2025
- Mint
Mother's Day gift guide: From smartwatch to tablet - A curated list for 2025
With Mother's Day approaching on 11 May, many are considering how best to acknowledge and appreciate the significant women in their lives. For those leaning towards a technology-focused gift, online shopping platforms currently offer a range of practical and versatile gadgets. The options cater to various interests, whether fitness, reading, home automation, or everyday convenience. Here's a look at some of the notable gadgets available this season. The Garmin Lily 2, designed with a 14 mm case and available with bands in silicone, nylon, or Italian leather, is pitched as a smartwatch for women. It incorporates features such as Body Battery energy monitoring, stress tracking, heart rate measurement, and sleep analysis. It also includes menstrual and pregnancy tracking and provides an estimate of "fitness age." The device supports smartphone-connected GPS for outdoor activities and is priced around ₹ 28,467. The latest Echo Dot is a compact smart speaker priced at ₹ 5,499. Alongside its improved sound output, it offers features such as motion detection and a built-in temperature sensor. It can control compatible smart home devices and provides access to music, reminders, and more via Alexa voice commands. Aimed at users who engage in reading, streaming, or digital art, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE features a 10.9-inch display and comes with an S Pen stylus. Powered by the Exynos 1380 processor with 6GB of RAM, it offers a combination of multitasking capability and durability, supported by an IP68 rating. The tablet is listed at ₹ 34,999. For those needing a portable charging solution, the URBAN Mag Charge Wireless Powerbank offers a 10,000mAh capacity with 22.5W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. Its compact design includes magnetic attachment, compatible with a range of devices such as the iPhone 15 series. Priced at ₹ 1,799, it includes multi-layer circuit protection. The TECNO POVA 6 Neo 5G is presented as an option for those in need of a budget-friendly smartphone with solid specifications. It offers 16GB RAM (8GB physical + 8GB virtual), 256GB of internal storage, and a 108MP camera. The device includes NFC, AI tools, and promises smooth performance over five years. It is available for ₹ 12,999 through platforms like Flipkart and Amazon.
Android Authority
06-05-2025
- Android Authority
Amazon Echo smart speaker deals are getting hot!
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The Amazon Echo and Echo Dot offers come from Amazon, and they are both 'limited time deals.' The Echo Pop discount is available from Woot!, which is also an Amazon-owned deals website. Also, this Woot! sale is available for six days or 'until sold out.' Discounts and availability vary depending on the specific colors. We will discuss each section below in more detail. Amazon Echo This Amazon Echo deal is only available for the Twilight Blue and Glacier White color versions. I happen to be a fan of the blue model, which I actually own. Regardless, the point is that the Charcoal iteration is the only one that costs the full $99.99 price point. If you choose to go with this one, you are in for a treat. We believe it to be Amazon's best smart speaker. There is technically a 'better one,' but the Echo Studio is too expensive for the benefits it offers. The Amazon Echo 4th Gen is the perfect balance between quality and price, and it's the one I personally chose for my home. The design is very similar to the Echo Dot, which you'll learn more about in the next section. It's that spherical shape that made Amazon Echo speakers so popular. This one is bigger at 5.7 x 5.7 x 5.2in, though. It's not really huge, though, so it won't stick out like a sore thumb anywhere, and it should be pretty easy to find a good home for it in a larger space, like a living room. Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The difference in size will be worth it once you listen to it, though. It gets more space to fit a 3.0-inch neodymium woofer and two 0.8-inch tweeters. All the smaller speakers have a single driver. This makes the sound much fuller and more dynamic. The bass is also much nicer. Of course, you're not getting this speaker just for a good look and audio quality. This is a smart speaker, and its highlight is that it is powered by Amazon Alexa. This means you can use voice commands to request music, random information, solve math problems, set reminders, schedule alarms, call people, control smart home devices, and much more. This one also gets all the cool extra features, such as a Zigbee hub, a temperature sensor, motion detection, and eero mesh Wi-Fi functionality. I like using motion detection to automate lights, so they turn on whenever I walk into a room. If you have a smart thermostat, you can automate the AC. The Zigbee hub can control all your smart home devices without crowding the Wi-Fi network. Amazon Echo Dot Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Alexa and voice controlled audio, for cheap. See price at Amazon Save $12.00 Limited Time Deal! If the full-sized Amazon Echo is a bit much for your needs, the Amazon Echo Dot is a nice alternative. It is $12 off, and you can pick whichever color you prefer. These include Charcoal, Deep Sea Blue, and Glacier White. The Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen keeps the same spherical design, but it is smaller at 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5in. This makes it smaller, significantly more affordable, and still plenty featureful. It's a nice option for smaller rooms, such as a kitchen, a bedroom, a dorm, or a restroom. Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The 1.73-inch speaker sounds good, but don't expect it to host any dance parties. That said, we found that the audio quality is really nice for the size. The Echo Dot still gets the light ring at the bottom, which is really nice for notifications and knowing when it is listening to you. It is obviously still Alexa-powered, so you get all the cool digital assistant features. The good news is that it still keeps most of the extra features. It has a temperature sensor, motion detection, and eero mesh Wi-Fi capabilities. It just skips the Zigbee hub. Arguably, though, that isn't a feature many may care much about. Amazon Echo Pop Amazon Echo Pop (Damaged Packaging) Amazon Echo Pop (Damaged Packaging) A cheap and tiny Alexa smart speaker. A great entry or extension to the Alexa smart home ecosystem. The Echo Pop has a sleek design with a front-firing speaker that sits nicely in an office or on a bedside table. See price at Woot! Save $15.00 Damaged Packaging! This deal is available from Woot!, and it is available for all colors except the Charcoal one. That said, it is this cheap because the packaging is damaged. I honestly think the discount is worth getting a beat-up box, as we usually just throw those out. The only downside is that you get a 90-day warranty instead of Amazon's full-year manufacturer warranty. That said, you can currently get the Amazon Echo Pop for $27.99 directly from Amazon, and that gets you all the perks of buying new. If you want a more basic smart speaker experience, the Amazon Echo Pop is the most affordable from the popular retailer. It's also small, adorable, and very functional. The Amazon Echo Pop measures only 3.9 x 3.3 x 3.6in. It has a 1.95-inch speaker and sounds pretty decent, but it is mainly made for less demanding audio purposes. It could be an excellent bedside smart speaker or work amazingly at an office desk. Amazon That said, this one doesn't get any extras, so there's no temperature sensor, motion detection, or Zigbee hub. Like the others, though, it does get eero mesh Wi-Fi support. Otherwise, it is just a minimized version of the other speakers. It supports Alexa, so you can take advantage of everything the digital assistant has to offer. These are some of the best Amazon Echo smart speaker deals we've seen in a while, so jump on them while you can! If you care more about sound quality and don't need Alexa functionality, here is a list of the best Bluetooth speakers.
