Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition Inspired by Wildlife, $10 Price Cut

Announced along with the new spherical Amazon Echo and Amazon Echo Dot, the Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition ditches the rainbow stripe for a tiger stripe that even Carol Baskin approves of There is also a panda version

The orb-shaped speaker for kids is now $5999 (same as the Echo Dot with clock) instead of $70 This means you're a little closer to introducing your child to an AI voice assistant, as long as you're not creeped out

For what it's worth, the previous Echo Dot Kids Edition did a good job of limiting access to features like online shopping Instead, parent-approved audiobooks and radio stations are preferred

This Echo Dot Kids Edition supports new Alexa features specific to reading time Here is everything we know about it, and everything we know about smart speakers

The Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition comes in tiger and panda designs, is available for pre-order, and costs $5999

Purchasing the Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition includes a free one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus, which includes access to content from Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, and other channel content can be accessed

Like the standard Echo Dot, the Echo Dot Kids Edition features a rounded design While the previous generation's puck-shaped Kids Edition stood out with its bright finish, the new orb shape is even bolder

Animal faces can also be placed naturally

Alexa's LED ring is placed at the bottom of the speaker rather than at the top This allows the status lights to reflect off the Echo Dot's mounting surface

The Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition has a 16" speaker It also has four microphones for entering commands, although they can be disabled for privacy As for voice recording, the Alexa Kids profile can automatically or selectively delete recordings

With any Echo speaker, parents will also be able to create voice profiles for their children This way, when Alexa recognizes the child's voice, it will shift to the child's profile and limit its responses and actions accordingly

Reading Sidekick is a new Alexa skill dedicated to helping children read When you say "Alexa, let's read a book," the voice assistant will encourage the child to take turns reading and will encourage the child when he or she is struggling

The Reading Sidekick skill works with hundreds of children's books, including popular titles such as Pinky Dinky Doo, Be A Good Dragon, and Batman: An Origin Story

Children with an Amazon Kids Plus subscription can begin using Reading Sidekick from their Echo speaker with a physical or Kindle version of a supported book in hand Alexa can also listen for accuracy, speed, and word knowledge

While some children are returning to school, many are still distance learning; the Reading Sidekick seems to emulate the classroom reading experience by giving the child an additional voice to "popcorn" the story

Smart assistants are gaining skills specific to home schooling We saw Google add home learning tools to its smart display, and now Amazon has responded with a refreshed smart speaker for kids

Amazon generally does a good job when it comes to helping parents navigate their children's relationship with technology In addition to existing parental controls, a new child voice profile in a shell covered in cartoon animals makes Alexa a more engaging playmate than ever