Motorola - Moto Smart Speaker with Amazon Alexa - Black

The coolest feature of the Moto Z-series is the ability to add accessory mods. Cashing in on the current trend of AI Assistants, Motorola partnered with Amazon to adapt the popular Echo to mobile, including some advantages for Amazon users and Prime members. Motorola is famous for their durability and this mod doesn't disappoint. They integrated the signature LED and fabric style of Echo into a wonderfully elegant and powerful speaker mod that feels heavy-duty without adding much weight. The asymmetry creates a sort-of stand when the screen is up, but when the screen is down, you can aim the speakers in any direction by rotating the phone. I liked the original JBL speaker mod, but according to Motorola this speaker is better and stronger. Whether listening in the shower or on the beach, it truly eliminates the need to use a separate personal bluetooth speaker. Unfortunately for Alexa, all the greatness is in the speaker. The mod features 8 microphones, yet Alexa is still hard-of-hearing. When she does respond, she displays her lack of utility, being very limited in her capabilities compared to the home version. She can tell you the weather, give you the traffic and have Jimmy Fallon tell you a corny joke. But, unless you're ordering a pound of Peet's or a bushel of kale, she can't do much else. Having to go to the phone to accomplish a task like playing Pandora defeats the purpose. The speaker is awesome. Alexa is not.

I will say the speaker itself is impressive. I think it sounds better than the JBL 2 mod, and has a better designed "standing" method. Other than that it's more of a nuisance than a helpful addition. It can't initiate music from the tidal app when using voice commands. It can't provide any sort of verbal or visual gps directions that I've been able to find. I really only use it to play music while I shower.

good sound for a small speaker.easy to install. amazon alexa is availabe with this speaker.

I know this speaker had bad reviews. I purchased this half off during a special and I am extremely impressed. I have a Moto Z3 and my Spotify music plays so well on it. I don't have to much use for Alexa But she has definitely given me a laugh or two.

Speaker works perfectly with my Motorola phone. Sound is truly clear and loud. Also easy to navigate and command with Alex.