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Personalized Amazon Echos are 2020’s hottest corporate gifts, including the All-New Echo Dot (4th Gen)

ByLeo Victor

Custom Amazon Alexa Echo Dots, Everything You Need to Know

When you think of the name “Alexa,” you probably conjure images of Amazon’s line of Echo voice-controlled smart speakers. Alexa is the disembodied voice that acts as a virtual assistant and can answer a wide range of questions.

Custom Amazon Dot 4th GenOne of the more recent incarnations of the Amazon Echo line is the Echo Dot. It is the smaller, hockey puck-sized version of the original Echo cylinder that was first introduced in 2014. Its smaller size and more limited speaker and microphone range made it an ideal option for bedrooms or bathrooms.

It also makes it a great promotional gift or incentive. Custom Amazon Echo Dots are a present that your customers won’t soon forget. They are fun, helpful, and full of unique surprises that will keep your clients entertained for years to come.

The best part is that they will be looking at or thinking about your unique branding and logo almost every time they use it. A study by the Advertising Specialty Institute noted that 85% of people who receive promotional products remember the name of the advertiser on those products. But, promotional Echo Dots are a much more memorable gift.

“Consumers were found to be 2.5 times as likely to hold a positive impression of a company that gave them a promotional product, versus a company that showed them a digital ad.” – Entrepreneur

At iPromo, you can put your branding on every model of Echo Dots, including the All-New (5th Gen), the 4th generation., or the 3rd Gen. There are a few main differences between the two different generations that are both cosmetic and functional. We’ll give you an overview of both options below.

A Rundown of Echo Dots

Before we discuss the Echo Dots’ differences, let’s take a look at how the device works and what it is capable of doing in general. For starters, Echo Dots require an internet connection to function properly, although you can use some basic features without one.

The device is controlled by voice. It usually requires what is known as a “wake word” to draw its attention. Every Echo device’s default wake word is “Alexa,” meaning that any time you say “Alexa” the device will activate and start listening for commands. Other wake words (like “Computer” or “Amazon”) can be used instead.

The most common function the Echo Dot is used for is its calendar and scheduling features. You can literally input calendar items with your voice and later ask the device about them at any time (or even schedule reminders).

You can also ask Alexa to give you a basic overview of the news of the day. This is referred to as a “Flash Briefing” that you can customize to ensure that you get the most relevant information. For instance, if you like tech news, you can add that into your briefing. Other common Echo Dot features include:

  • Playing music (from Spotify or Amazon Music)
  • Controlling compatible “smart home” features (e.g. turning on/off lights, adjusting the thermostat, opening the garage door, etc.)
  • Setting timers or alarms
  • Using third-party apps (that may allow you to summon a rideshare or order a pizza)
  • Playing games
  • Shopping on Amazon
  • Controlling the TV (with Amazon Fire TV Stick)
  • Getting answers to a wide variety of questions (including sports scores, measurement conversions, and what day a holiday occurs on among many others)

You can also teach the device to perform other tasks, even if the task in question isn’t technically compatible with the Alexa software. This is known as an IFTTT (“If this, then that”) rule. For instance, if the lights in your house can change colors but the Echo Dot is not compatible with that function, you can simply teach it to become compatible. On top of that, if you’re uncertain what else the Echo Dot can do, you can also use the “Skill Finder” feature to find yet another skill.

For the most part, all Echo incarnations often the same basic functionality because they all employ the most updated version of the Alexa software. Again, Echo Dots are primarily used in smaller rooms and can even be connected to other Echo devices throughout the house and used as an “intercom” system.

Clearly, promotional Amazon Echo Dots provide a lot of value to the consumer, which is why they are being increasingly used as a marketing tool. But, what are the differences between the second and third generations?

Branded Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation

Amazon Echo Dot 4th Gen vs. 3rd Gen

The original Echo Dot was released in March 2016, followed by the second generation in October of that year. Both were similar in appearance to a hockey puck with firmer plastic edges around the cylindrical shape. The second generation improved voice recognition, speaker clarity, and the number of available colors (black and white).

The all-new Custom Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) comes with a brand new ball-shaped design compared to the well known hockey puck shapes of the 3rd gen and previous models. The new model comes with three unique color schemes:

  • Charcoal
  • Glacier White
  • Twilight Blue

Branded Amazon Echo Dot 4th GenerationOf course, it also has a few new interior features that you won’t find in the prior generation.

With the larger circular design, you can hear the difference in sound quality 360 degrees, in addition to less vibration and the bass sound has been improved as well.

Alexa technology remains very similar to that of the 4th generation, so your transition to the new model will be seamless.

The new 5th Gen does come with added layers of security to protect your privacy. there’s now a microphone off control that allows you to turn off the internal microphones completely.

Both generations feature a 3.5mm port and Bluetooth capability that allow you to connect an external speaker to the Dot if you so choose. At the end of the day, it really comes down to your preference in design, color choice, and security. No matter what you choose, we are excited to get started on your custom echo dots.

Which One is Better?

There is no real concrete answer to this question. It really depends on your preference and whether you think your intended audience will prefer custom third generation Echo Dots or custom second generation Echo Dots.

Obviously, there are objective improvements when it comes to the third generation’s better-quality speaker and microphones. Some may also prefer the new look of the third generation, especially with its fabric exterior and nifty color schemes.

But, when it comes down to it, both devices offer the same functional experience with the Alexa software. You can also simply attach an external speaker to the second generation to improve sound quality.

Additionally, only the 2nd generation comes with the option for completely adjustable skins, allowing you to add full-color branding to the device. And, if price is a major concern for you, then the second generation may be the way to go.

If you’re aiming for a younger and more technologically-involved demographic, then you may want to opt for the third generation. As you can imagine, having the newest item in a line of devices will appeal to the younger generation. They will also be glad they didn’t have to pay for it and will undoubtedly improve their opinion of your company because of your generosity.

But, even that demographic can find a great deal of value in custom second generation Amazon Echo Dots. The device can easily be re-gifted or sold, ensuring that the initial recipient will be happy and that your branding will continue to be seen by whoever gets it next.

In fact, it’s entirely possible that the logo on your promotional Amazon Echo Dots will be seen by multiple owners in their lifespans. So you really can’t go wrong when choosing which Echo Dot to select.

So, Why Choose Custom Amazon Echo Dots?

There are a lot of reasons to choose branded Amazon Echo Dots for your next marketing campaign, not the least of which is the device’s usefulness to whoever receives it. Because of the highly-valued and useful nature of the Echo Dot, you’re bound to increase brand favorability and loyalty.

In fact, one study by the British Promotional Merchandise Association showed that over half of people who receive promotional products improve their opinion of the advertiser. More importantly, almost 80% of respondents said they would continue or start doing business with the advertiser.

branded amazon dot 3rd generationThat’s good on its own, but it also does not take into account the value of the promotional product in question. 80% of consumers are more willing to business with a company that gives them a promotional product, even if the item in question is just a t-shirt or a pen.

Imagine how much more they will want to do business with you when you give them a custom Echo Dot. This is a high-quality gift that not everyone has.

Beyond that, word of mouth spreads. Anyone who receives a branded Echo Dot will likely tell their friends where they got it. It will also be a conversation starter when they have guests over. Your company will be talked about favorably to a multitude of people because of even one Echo Dot.

You may think all of this is too far out of your budget, but that’s not necessarily the case. The minimum order amount for both generations of Amazon Echo Dots are now available for under just 6 units. If you’re interested in ordering the all-new Custom Echo Dot 5th Gen or and of the previous promotional Echo Dots, you can get a quick quote and preview of your design to get started.