The Amazon Echo was the first device to utilize Amazon’s Alexa voice service, and it’s probably still one of the best, thanks to its high-quality speaker and microphone array that enables always-listening support and the ability to detect your voice from across the room.
But it’s also more expensive than the Amazon Tap or Dot, and a lot less portable, since it’s bigger and lacks a battery.
But now there’s a third-party accessory that allows you to use the Echo when it’s not plugged in: the $50 Battery Base from Mission Cables can power the Echo for up to 6 hours at a time.
The Battery Base is designed to attach to the bottom of an Echo, and thanks to its cylindrical design, it really does look like an extension of Amazon’s internet-connected speaker/voice thingamajig.
You can recharge the battery using the power supply for the Amazon Echo, and the Battery Base has status LEDs that let you know when the device is charging or when the battery is low.
On the other hand, the combined price of a Battery Base and an Echo is $230. You could save a lot of money by just purchasing a $130 Amazon Tap, which has a built-in 9 hour battery. But it lacks always-listening support, among other things. And the Battery Base could be a cheaper option if you already have an Echo and don’t want to buy a separate device.
via The Verge