Echo Dot gets boost with iHome Audio

IHome Audio has introduced a new product designed to augment the Amazon Echo Dot with stereo speakers and a digital clock. The iHome iAVS1 Bedside Stereo Speaker System for the Dot is the first product from the company made just for the Dot.

As the really long name says, it's designed to be a bedside accessory, so it looks a lot like iHome's other clock-radio offerings.

The smart-looking unit has a circular spot for your Dot on the center of the top. The iAVS1 gets its power from an AC cord. There are two AAA batteries in case the power goes out.

Alexa's answers to your questions will now boom with a bit more bass. There are no volume buttons, but the Dot has volume controls on top, so that's a moot point. Likewise, there are no alarm controls (or snooze button) on the iAVS1, because you can control all those functions with your voice through Alexa.

Lastly, there is a handy 1-amp USB port on the back of the iAVS1 to charge your phone or tablet.

The iAVS1 is pretty foolproof once you set it up. Ask Alexa to play some music from one of your music services such as Amazon Prime Music, Spotify or SiriusXM and the music will start and it will definitely sound better than with the Dot's tiny speaker. However, the sound is "clock radio quality."

To be honest, there are better sounding portable speakers to be had for $70, but they don't have a digital clock or a spot for your Dot.

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