The Echo Dot Kids Edition was already cheaper, but is now available for $34.99, half the regular price of $70.

It is based on the Echo Dot 3rd generation, which has just been superseded by the new spherical Amazon Echo Dot and the 2nd generation Amazon Echo Dot Kids. While the shape is old style, there is little difference in terms of what the speaker actually does.

The Echo Dot Kids Edition looks a lot like the regular Echo Dot, one of our picks for the best smart speaker. The Kids Edition has parental controls automatically enabled, 12 months of free Amazon Kids Plus, and a more colorful design in either "Kids Blue" or "Kids Rainbow."

The Echo Dot Kids Edition can perform all the usual tasks of using the Echo, such as setting timers, checking the news and weather, and searching the web for answers to questions. It also has a microphone off switch for the same, allowing you to talk to Alexa without worrying if she is eavesdropping.

Thanks to Alexa's voice recognition capabilities, Echo can tell the difference between you and your child. From the browser-based Parent Dashboard, you can filter explicit content, set time limits, and check account activity to promote responsible use of the speaker.

One year of free Amazon Kids Plus service begins when the speaker is activated. This service includes books, songs, games, and skills from Disney and other children's brands.