In recent years, smart home technology has become more widespread and affordable than ever, thanks in large part to Amazon. The internet retailer has released a range of smart devices, from high-end HD screened options through to lightweight and simple smart speakers for children, offering regular deals on all of them to tempt shoppers.
Of all the gadgets available, the Echo Dot is arguably one of the most sought-after and every year soars to the top of Amazon's Black Friday deals page not just on Amazon but at other retailers who sell it, like Curry's and John Lewis. Amazon is so convinced their customers love the device that they even offer a thirty day free trial, saying anyone who doesn't love it once they've got installed it at home can return it for a full refund.
These tiny speakers can play music, radio and podcasts at a surprising volume but, despite their understated look and small size that makes them tuck easily in any nook and cranny of your home or office, you can do much more with them than that.
The Dots are - of course - home to Alexa, Amazon's famous virtual assistant, who is happy to answer questions on everything from what the weather's doing to how to complete homework, as well as controlling Alexa-enabled TVs, lights, thermostats and other smart-home tech.
But the Echo Dot 5th Generation also has a sensor that not only gives updates on the temperature in a room but can also connect to smart home products when certain situations are triggered - turning on the heating or closing the curtains as the temperature drops.
Mirror Tech Expert Harriet Morphy-Morris regularly writes about Amazon devices, explaining the differences between the different models as well as pointing out which deals are actually worthwhile when the products are reduced.
"The Echo Dot's smart speaker functionality and low price point makes it a hit with shoppers year round, with us seeing it regularly top Amazon's list of best-selling products," she explained. "But the Echo Dot is much more than that because of the features it does 'behind the scenes'.
"This is one of many reasons it's such a popular product as it can achieve a lot of high-tech functions that other brands charge hundreds for, not Amazon's £50 price range."
Harriet has come up with a list of five quirky ways the Echo Dot can help make life easier that owners may not have known of before.
As a sous chef
If you're someone who struggles with keeping track of timings while cooking then help is at hand. Harriet says: "There's nothing worse than rushing to get dinner done whilst scrambling through a last-minute recipe. This is where the Dot comes. You can use it as a handy virtual assistant as it can read out recipes, and set multiple timers for the microwave, oven and air fryer, for example."
Giving shopping list help
Remaining in the kitchen, the Echo Dot can be a handy shopping assistant. Harriet explains: "If you've run out of an ingredient at home you can simply ask Alexa to add it to your online shopping list: 'Alexa, add milk to my Amazon fresh order' and it will be noted down for when you you're sorting out your grocery list."
As a personal trainer
This suggestion is ideal for any fitness fanatics who may not yet have taken advantage of the Echo Dot's built-in at-home workouts. Harriet says: "This feature may be a lifesaver to cut down on gym costs. The next time you want to do a workout at home the Echo Dot will find a relevant one for you on the internet and guide you through step by step."
Instead of counting sheep
Outsourcing insomnia might seem like a bit of a stretch, but Harriet has a suggestion for people struggling to drop off at night. She explains: "The Echo Dot can play white noise to help you sleep. For example, you could say 'Alexa, play snore sounds' to open up its library of tranquil, soothing audio."
Help finding a lost phone
The Echo Dot's built-in Alexa is ideal for helping find misplaced devices. Harriet says: "If you've misplaced your around the house then all you need to say is: 'Alexa, help me find my phone'. Alexa will then ping it through the Amazon app, with the functionality working on any digital device as long as it has been added to the app."
