The Echo Dot gets an adorable facelift in this kids’ version of the device. You can choose from cute and colorful designs — like an owl or dragon — for the outside, but the inside is exactly the same as the latest-model Echo Dot, minus the LED clock display. The Echo Dot Kids is not just a pretty paint job, though; it also comes with a free year of Amazon Kids+, a digital subscription designed for kids aged 3-12 to access kid-friendly audiobooks, educational Alexa skills, interactive games, homework help, bedtime stories, and more — all without ads. (Though to be fair, you could always subscribe to Amazon Kids+ separately and use it via any other Echo device too.)
In addition to a built-in mic off button for privacy, the Echo Dot Kids is also packed with parental controls: Like only giving kid-friendly responses to any questions asked, filtering out explicit songs when playing music, and only allowing calls to parent-approved contacts. It also allows Alexa’s voice to be changed to that of an owl- or dragon-inspired character, making the whole experience more fun for little ones. And, it comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee that allows for replacement if it breaks (which is a huge step up from the Echo Dot’s 90-day limited warranty).
If you, however, want to treat the kiddos to the latest-and-greatest in the world of Amazon tech, click that “pre-order now” button on the Amazon Echo Pop Kids — which will be officially released by Amazon on Oct. 25. The Pop Kids costs $49.99, has all the same parental controls features we mentioned above, and grants you six free months of Amazon Kids+. Its Avengers or Disney Princess design options are giving #genderstereotypes, but they’re still a great way to add some brightness to your kid’s room and life.