The new Echo Dot is also an Eero • TechCrunch

You already know whether or not you’re an Amazon Echo sort particular person. In that case, you’re in all probability taking a look at one proper now, pondering “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have Amazon’s Eero mesh Wi-Fi product, by which case: it’s in all probability nonetheless pointless, except it’s fairly outdated. Through which case, you may get a brand new or frivolously used Dot that may now act as a Wi-Fi vary extender.

The brand new Dot and different Echo merchandise have been introduced at Amazon’s {hardware} occasion as we speak; the Dot has been frivolously 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 gadget to supply something however serviceable sound, in order that a part of the improve isn’t significantly notable. However the subsequent piece is attention-grabbing: the most recent Dot will mechanically hook up with your Eero community and prolong its vary. The 4th-gen Dots and spherical Echo may even acquire this capacity after a software program replace quickly. (To be clear, there’s a easy setup course of, however it is going to work as a part of the community.)

It gained’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} cellphone or laptop computer can’t, and which means it may possibly act as a repeater even when sign is weak. Then it may possibly move 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 cost effective Echo.

You may in all probability anticipate 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.