Anker Eufy Genie undercuts Echo Dot for low-priced Alexa

Alexa order a pizza
Alexa order
Author

10 August, 2017

Anker said it will also be able to connect with and control other Eufy-branded smart home devices from Anker, including some lights and wall plugs due to be released in a few weeks.

The $10 to $15 saved may not seem like a lot up front, but those savings will quickly add up for those that want to outfit their entire house with an array of smart speakers. And while that's kind of a weird name, the product itself is pretty straightforward.

In a nutshell, the Genie is just a cheaper version of the Amazon Echo Dot.

"What we are trying to do is to turn the smart home concept into something more affordable, accessible and integrated". Most importantly, it works exactly the same. A new, app-enabled version of Eufy's RoboVac will come next in September - you'll be able to buy it bundled with the Genie for just $280, which is about as affordable as voice-connected housecleaning now gets.

Amazon, of course, welcomes third-party manufacturers adopting the Alexa API.

The $35 Eufy Genie smart speaker from Anker, available in black or white on August 16. You can still do that with Genie, but why would you wanna go through the hassle? Physically, it's a little bigger than the Echo Dot, but in operation it's hard to tell the difference, although to my ear the speaker in the Eufy Genie feels warmer and a little bassier, and the pickup from the microphones is excellent. Although the company mentioned that a $40 Bluetooth-enabled version of the device is coming in the future, the lack of Bluetooth pairing in the launch model of the device might be a deal-breaker for anyone who might prefer to use their own wireless speakers in lieu of the Genie's 2W speakers.

Anker's doing what other other smart home companies have failed to do: offer the whole package. The company will be hoping shoppers buy multiple devices, putting a bunch of Ankers in homes across the US. That is no mistake, as the Genie largely apes the functionality of the Echo Dot thanks to its inclusion of support for the Alexa AI assistant. I own several Anker products including its non-Wi-Fi version of the RoboVac and I've never had any problems.


More news


  • Mercedes teases new Vision concept auto  in short clip

    Mercedes teases new Vision concept auto in short clip

    For Mercedes , it is a Maybach convertible Vision concept that is expected to follow on from a concept coupe unveiled in 2016. For the 2017 edition of the event, the company is poised to unveil a new Vision auto , and here's a teaser of what's to come.
    15 lakh cash award for selectors: CoA

    15 lakh cash award for selectors: CoA

    Edulji further said that only 10 of 31 affiliated units have responded to the CoA's demand of submitting their members' list. In September 2013, the disciplinary committee of the BCCI gave him a life ban from the sport, effectively ending his career.
    EW release exclusive Star Wars: The Last Jedi images!

    EW release exclusive Star Wars: The Last Jedi images!

    Star Wars also wouldn't be what it is without cool-looking armor for people, and the newfound Praetorian Guard fit that bill. Check them out in the gallery below and stay tuned for even more first looks at new additions to the galaxy far, far away.
  • 49ers interested in bringing back Tramaine Brock after domestic violence charges dismissed

    49ers interested in bringing back Tramaine Brock after domestic violence charges dismissed

    Brock was cut from the 49ers one day after he was arrested on domestic violence charges, the Chronicle reported . He could, however, still face NFL discipline under the league's policy on persona conduct.
    First case of West Nile Virus confirmed for horse in Larimer County

    First case of West Nile Virus confirmed for horse in Larimer County

    A mosquito in Mitchell, Ont. has tested positive for West Nile Virus - the first this season in Perth County . Details on the severity of this year's case were not provided in a news release from the abatement district.
    Morgan Stanley (MS) Shares Sold by Banced Corp

    Morgan Stanley (MS) Shares Sold by Banced Corp

    Also, CFO Jonathan Pruzan sold 25,767 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 20th. As of the end of the quarter Chicago Equity Partners LLC had acquired 315,190 shares growing its holdings by 1,051.2%.
  • Buhari Government Planning to Truncate Nigeria's Democracy - PDP

    Buhari Government Planning to Truncate Nigeria's Democracy - PDP

    Two years down the line, it's been hard for Nigerians to decipher what went wrong with the change agenda they campaigned on. Nigerian will recall that Acting President Osinbajo was quoted as saying that Mr.
    Kenya tallies votes in high-stakes elections

    Kenya tallies votes in high-stakes elections

    If the front-runner falls short of those benchmarks, the two top contenders will contest a run-off vote . "I feel good. Odinga accompanied by my wife Ida, cast his vote at Olympic Primary School, Kibra Constituency.
    Clear the Shelters at Peninsula Humane Society

    Clear the Shelters at Peninsula Humane Society

    This is the first time that NBC Nebraska has been a part of the event which will take place on August 19th. Heartland Pet Connection will be holding an open house with many specials to be announced soon.
  • Disney to pull content from Netflix

    The movies were previously released in theaters, but these Marvel shows were released exclusively on Netflix . Disney made all of its streaming announcements Tuesday while reporting quarterly earnings .
    Trump's approval rating is still stuck in a rut

    Trump's approval rating is still stuck in a rut

    Mueller has also delved into Trump's business and financial ties, despite a very public warning from the president not to do so. Only 24 percent of Americans in the CNN poll said they "strongly" approve of Trump, down from 30 percent in March.
    Nissan Agrees To $98M Settlement Over Takata Airbag Recall

    Nissan Agrees To $98M Settlement Over Takata Airbag Recall

    Justice Department, a restitution fund of $850 million was established for the now-defunct company to compensate automakers. Ford Motor Co., and Honda Motor Co., have not agreed till date for a settlement on consumer electronic loss claims.