Battery Boots: The Alternative Power Source for Amazon Echo

The Amazon Echo is touted as a voice-activated wireless speaker and best-selling personal digital assistant. Most owners of this device use it for more than just listening to music or asking interesting questions and requests. Other applications include the ability to get a ride, order a pizza, and the ability to control smart devices built into your home.

According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), it estimates that 3 million units of the Amazon Echo were sold in the United States. The data does not take into account the sales of the new additions to the line, Tap and Echo Dot. Novelty aside, the Echo is gaining popularity daily. Reviews of the device are above average, while the benefits are even more surprising.

Amazon is one of the leaders in digital media, but I had no idea how well consumers would receive the Echo. It started out as a sleepwear item until word of mouth made it a household name, not to mention the recent appearance of commercials showcasing its stylish features.

The “skills” used by the device through the digital assistant are regularly updated and are now open to outside developers to add their list of well-intentioned and innovative skills for further technological improvement. Because the Echo is the first of its kind, so to speak, they have competitors clamoring for their share of the pie. Like Google Home, which will feature a better interactive interface, and then of course the resurgence of the Apple TV.

The number of consumers who own the Echo is quite impressive. However, some have complained about the cost and inconvenience of having to move it from room to room. To address these issues, Amazon introduced two additional Echo models.

The Tap, which is the portable version of the speaker, does not need to be plugged in unless the battery is recharging. It works the same as the Echo, but it is not voice activated. The talk button must be pressed to interact with the device, hence the name Tap. The other new member is Echo Dot. It’s as small as a hockey puck, but has the same voice activation as the Echo. A Bluetooth speaker or stereo system can be connected.

I have an Echo, but for it to work efficiently there must be a Wi-Fi connection and electricity. Without either one, it won’t work. Due to the need for electricity, some consumers have chosen to purchase one for each room in their home. It saves them the time of having to move it from room to room and waiting for it to reboot once it’s plugged into an outlet.

Some consumers debated whether to buy the Tap as it is portable. However, luckily for them, they put things off, because some third-party vendors have introduced a new accessory for the Echo, a battery charger or dock.

Now it is possible to enjoy the device in more than one room without having to be connected to an electrical outlet. However, a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection is still required. There are various battery chargers to choose from depending on the user’s needs. The most popular model has its own proprietary 18-volt power adapter that will charge for up to 18 hours.

There are other battery boots that can hold a charge for up to six hours. For these models, you can use the Echo’s power adapter cable to recharge them. The Echo can be used while it is charging. The battery will remain in the standby state, so it does not drain while it is plugged in.

The bases fit snugly into the bottom of the Echo like a mug and don’t present a bulky appearance. Both devices seem to merge once properly adjusted. The bottom of the boots is made up of non-slip materials that provide stability to the Echo.

Some of the battery bases have LED lights on the front to indicate low battery and charging status. Portability and convenience make these battery cases a welcome alternative power option for the Amazon Echo.