A:AnswerYes the tap works with the Amazon Echo system that you already have. It does require that you "tap" the button on top in order to issue a command or request and you need not use the wake up command "Alexa" or "Echo".
A:AnswerI don't have an Echo, but I have seen one at someone else's house, and I did read up on all the features of the two items before I purchased my Tap. So based on what I understand, here are the advantages of the Tap versus the Echo:
1. The Tap is less expensive than the Echo, and basically does most of what the Echo does, for less money, except for the hands free voice activation. ( The Echo probably also has more sound power, since it is larger and powered by AC instead of batteries, although my Tap has plenty of sound power for me, and I never use it with volume all the way up).
2. The Tap is portable and you can take it with you, wherever you go, and use it anywhere there is Wi Fi available as a smart speaker , or even use it as a plain Bluetooth speaker. It is smaller than the Echo, and the sound quality for the size of the Tap is pretty impressive. It has "stereo" and 360 degree sound qualities that make it sound excellent for its size, in my opinion. The round shape feels nice in your hand, and the tough fabric cover makes it non-slip and helps protect it a bit, although you can buy a Sling cover for it for further protection if you take the Tap everywhere with you.
3. Buying the Tap allows you to try the Alexa features, learn the voice activation stuff, learn about Alexa and all that can do, and make sure it is really going to work for you, with less initial investment, especially if you can catch a sale!
Main difference - If you want to use the sound activated device in the kitchen while cooking and having wet hands, or something similar, where you don't wish to have to push a button to activate each voice command, then you need the bigger, hands free Echo. The Echo is also more impressive in general, especially at parties, because everyone can yell in commands to play different songs, or ask Alexa questions. Although the Tap would also do that, you would have to hand it around to the person to hold the button while they speak their command/question.
The Echo also has swirling blue lights on the top that spin when you speak to it, so it is quite impressive. It is a "style" thing really! LOL! The Echo is ultimately more impressive, but it is also bigger, more expensive, and requires a place of its own to sit and be plugged in. The Tap gives you most of what the Echo does in function , with a couple of exceptions, for less money, and it is smaller and portable.
Ultimately, I think it is your lifestyle and purpose for having it that make the difference. Good luck!
A:Answerno fees or charges for the alexa voice service, you do need to download and setup the app but its free and my daughter had it done in about 2 minutes. along with all the free information, news weather, and nearly anything you can dream of asking, you can also play music from free sites, your own playlists and online radio stations, and also from subscription based services if you have accounts.
A:AnswerNo, they all work independently as long as you have internet. Echo is the largest with the best sound. Dot is great for a bedroom or somewhere you just want a small speaker and ask Alexa questions or control lights. Tap is a portable option, the other two need the wall plug to operate.
A:AnswerThe volume will most likely be ineffective in a loud factory setting. Also the sounds around the Tap may cause it to misinterpret a supposed command.
A:AnswerYes, they have them on demo at Best Buy and at Staples too!
Compare the sound with any other unit of lesser price or even higher prices......The Tap beats them all.
