Term of the Moment
circuit bending
Definition: Echo Dot
A compact smart speaker from Amazon that includes the Echo virtual assistant, commonly called an "Alexa" device. For louder sound, the Dot can connect to an external speaker. Launched in 2016, the Dot changed its shape dramatically from a puck to a sphere in 2020, which Amazon dubbed an "orb." See Echo Pop and Amazon Echo.
Echo Dots
The first Dots were shaped like a hockey puck (top), and color models debuted in 2018 that included a year of entertainment and education. Along with the new sphere shape in 2020 for the 4th generation Dot, animal models were also introduced (middle). (Images courtesy of Amazon.com and Staples.)