Amazon plays Santa this Christmas with a $20 discount on the Echo and Echo Dot speakers. The deal is must-have on shoppers' last-minute Christmas buys.

The smart speakers are both second generation builds, indicating vast improvements on hardware specs, design, and features. Like the original, the latest versions provide the same access to Amazon's Alexa Voice Service.

The Amazon Echo, for example, will permit the use of voice command "to play music, ask questions, make calls, send and receive messages, provide information, news, sports scores, weather, and more."

"All you have to do is ask," Amazon said on its product page, adding the Echo is ready to ship for only $79.99, which is $20 lighter from the usual sticker price.

The Echo Dot is packaged in nearly the same way but in a more compact form factor. The smaller sibling in the Amazon smart speaker line originally retails for only $49.99. With the mark down, the asking price is now at $29.99, or $20 cheaper.

What's In The Box

Buyers of the Echo Dot will be treated to a home assistant that is designed to respond instantly when called up using the term "Alexa." What follows is a smart home experience that functions with mere voice control.

The range of smart commands includes ordering a pizza, getting an Uber ride, and just playing one's favorite playlist. In spite of its small size, the Echo Dot proves a powerful tool that will serve as a welcome addition to any household during the holiday period and beyond.

As for the Echo, the bigger of the Amazon speakers is described as not exactly "audiophile-quality, but if you've used the Echo as a Bluetooth speaker before, you'll notice an improvement." That's because the Echo now has Dolby-powered speakers, and the step up now boasts of "improved immersive sound."

"It has seven microphones and beamforming technology so it can hear you from across the room," Amazon said. The smart device scores high both in functions and aesthetics, readily available in six gorgeous finishes — Charcoal, Heather Gray, Sandstone, Walnut, Oak, and Silver.

Amazon Prime Members Get Same-Day Free Shipping

The listed deals from Amazon are best suited for holiday shoppers already hard-pressed to complete their Christmas list. Any of the Echo smart speakers will still come out as gift idea that is well thought of.

For buyers on Amazon Prime, it's important to hustle up on the purchase decision to take advantage of the free same-day delivery offer, which is governed by a cut-off date and applied on select cities in the United States.

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