Your video, "First impressions of the Amazon Tap"
will start after this message from our sponsors.
Loading video...

CNET First Look

First impressions of the Amazon Tap

Here's what we know after a few hours of testing the battery powered version of the Amazon Echo. Check back tomorrow for the full review.
1:12 /
Transcript
[MUSIC] This is the Amazon Tap. It has all of the same powers as its big sister, the Amazon Echo. But it's smaller, cheaper, and battery powered. The Tap is $130, the Echo, is $180. Just like with the Echo, you can use the Tap as a bluetooth speaker, a wi-fi streamer, It can be a personal assistant, a smartphone control hub, or you can just use it for fun. And the tradeoff for the battery powered pack is that it's not always listening like the echo. Anytime you want to talk to it you have to hit this button, even when it's on it's target station. I still sometimes find myself calling this thing Alexa, which is the echos wake word Even though this one doesn't have one on it's own, you hit a button. You don't need a wake word. So, it's less useful as a smart home hub, since it's not always listening, and you need to keep it with you. As a compact Bluetooth speaker in it's own right, it's pretty good. It's just not great. You're gonna hear voices clearly, which is nice. But, the base is a little bit thin, and it's gonna distort at high volume [MUSIC] [BLANK_AUDIO]

Latest Smart Home videos

Video: Your guide to buying the right smart lock
Your guide to buying the right smart lock
1:43
Here's what you need to know to choose the right smart lock for you.
Play video
Video: 10 best smart-home gadgets for newbies
10 best smart-home gadgets for newbies
2:12
The smart home has never been more accessible, so what's the best place to start?
Play video
Video: What's the best way to pack your clothes? 3 methods, tested
What's the best way to pack your clothes? 3 methods, tested
1:54
It's folding vs. rolling vs. packing cubes. Which method will win?
Play video
Video: How to choose the right headphones
How to choose the right headphones
1:19
There are so many types of headphones...which ones are right for you?
Play video
Video: Despite Alexa, GE's Scan-to-Cook microwave isn't very smart
Despite Alexa, GE's Scan-to-Cook microwave isn't very smart
2:09
Both the app and the Scan-to-Cook feature feel as though they're still in beta.
Play video
Video: Build a gallery wall perfectly every time
Build a gallery wall perfectly every time
2:02
A few simple steps will make your art look amazing on your walls.
Play video
Video: 9 smart doorbells to try now
9 smart doorbells to try now
1:58
These doorbells will help you watch over your stoop.
Play video
Video: 7 ways smart home devices can help you sleep better
7 ways smart home devices can help you sleep better
3:16
If you're staying up all night and not getting quality rest, these smart home tips can help you sleep better.
Play video