Category: Smart Speakers and Home Automation Smart speakers have become an integral part of our daily lives. They allow us to control various devices in our homes with just a few words. In this review, we will be discussing two popular smart speakers from Amazon - the Echo Input and the Echo Plus (2nd Gen). We will also explore some other products that can be used with these smart speakers to enhance your home automation experience. Echo Input: The Echo Input is a compact and affordable option for those who want to bring Alexa into their homes without investing in an expensive speaker. It connects seamlessly with any Bluetooth-enabled speaker, allowing you to use it as a voice assistant while enjoying your favorite music or podcasts. The black color of the device blends well with most home decor and is easy on the eyes. One downside of this product is that it does not have built-in speakers like the Echo Plus (2nd Gen). However, you can use it in conjunction with other smart devices to create a fully automated home. For example, you can connect it to your AmazonBasics Microwave and control it using voice commands. You can also use it to turn on/off lights or adjust their brightness and color temperature. Overall, the Echo Input is an excellent choice for those who want to keep things simple and affordable while still enjoying the convenience of a smart speaker. Echo Plus (2nd Gen): The Echo Plus (2nd Gen) is a premium option that offers better sound quality than the Echo Input. It also has built-in smart home hub capabilities, allowing you to control various devices in your home with just a few words. The charcoal color of the device looks great and adds a touch of sophistication to any room. One of the standout features of this product is its ability to work with other smart devices in your home. For example, you can use it to control your AmazonBasics Microwave or adjust the temperature of your Nest Learning Thermostat. You can also use it to turn on/off lights or create custom routines that trigger multiple actions at once. Another advantage of this product is its compatibility with Alexa Skills Kit (ASK), which allows you to create your own custom skills and integrate them into your home automation system. This makes it easy to personalize your smart home experience and make it work for you. Overall, the Echo Plus (2nd Gen) is an excellent choice for those who want a premium sound quality and advanced smart home capabilities. It offers great value for money and can be easily integrated into any existing smart home system. Other products: In addition to these two smart speakers, there are several other products that can enhance your home automation experience. For example, the AmazonBasics Microwave is a great option if you want an affordable and easy-to-use microwave that works well with Alexa. The small size of this device makes it perfect for smaller kitchens or apartments. The SDS Murphy Cube Queen Cabinet Bed Fully Assembled (Stonewash) is another excellent product that can be used in conjunction with these smart speakers. This fully assembled bed frame allows you to easily convert your living room into a bedroom when needed, while still keeping things organized and tidy. The stonewash color looks great and adds a touch of elegance to any room. The Night & Day Furniture Murphy"Cube", Queen, Cherry is another option for those who want to create a cozy and comfortable living space. This murphy bed frame can be easily converted into a sofa or daybed when not in use, making it perfect for small apartments or guest rooms. The cherry color looks great and adds a touch of warmth to any room. The DIY Murphy Bed Kit is an excellent option if you want to build your own murphy bed frame. This kit comes with all the necessary tools and materials to create a custom-made bed frame that fits perfectly in your home. It also allows you to choose from a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to match your existing decor. The Bestar Queen Wall Bed - Pur is another excellent option for those who want a fully functional murphy bed without having to build it themselves. This wall bed frame can be easily converted into a sofa or daybed when not in use, while still keeping things organized and tidy. The purple color looks great and adds a touch of sophistication to any room. The Vertical, Horizontal Murphy Bed Plans Queen Size Wall Bed Plan DIY Bedroom Furniture Build Your Own is an excellent option for those who want to build their own murphy bed frame but don't have the necessary experience or tools. This plan comes with detailed instructions and diagrams that make it easy to create a custom-made bed frame that fits perfectly in your home. The Twinkle Star 300 LED Window Curtain String Light Wedding Party Home Garden Bedroom Outdoor Indoor Wall Decorations is an excellent option for those who want to add some ambiance to their living space. These string lights can be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, whether you're watching TV or reading a book. They are also easy to install and come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to match your existing decor. The Warm White is another excellent option for those who want to add some warmth to their living space. These LED bulbs can be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, whether you're watching TV or reading a book. They are also energy-efficient and come in a variety of wattages, making it easy to find the right one for your needs. Conclusion: In conclusion, smart speakers and home automation products have become an essential part of modern life. The Echo Input and the Echo Plus (2nd Gen) are excellent options for those who want to bring Alexa into their homes without investing in expensive devices. They can be easily integrated with other smart devices to create a fully automated home that works for you. Other products like the AmazonBasics Microwave, SDS Murphy Cube Queen Cabinet Bed Fully Assembled (Stonewash), Night & Day Furniture Murphy"Cube", Queen, Cherry, DIY Murphy Bed Kit, Bestar Queen Wall Bed - Pur, Full-Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Vertical, Horizontal Murphy Bed Plans Queen Size Wall Bed Plan DIY Bedroom Furniture Build Your Own, Twinkle Star 300 LED Window Curtain String Light Wedding Party Home Garden Bedroom Outdoor Indoor Wall Decorations, and Warm White can also enhance your home automation experience by adding functionality and ambiance to your living space. Overall, these products offer great value for money and can be easily integrated into any existing smart home system.