Eero is set to introduce the capability for its Wi-Fi routers to utilize Amazon’s fourth-generation Echo and Echo Dot speakers as mesh extenders.
Credit: Amazon
In homes equipped with Alexa-enabled devices like Echo and Echo Dot smart speakers, Eero, an Amazon-owned mesh networking company, plans to leverage these devices as mesh Wi-Fi extenders.
This new feature will be available starting October 20 through a free software update for spherical fourth-generation Amazon Echo, recently announced fifth-generation Echo Dot, and Echo Dot with Clock smart speakers unveiled during Amazon’s fall hardware and services event. Later on, the fourth-gen Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock devices will also receive the update.
After setting up Eero, users will need to connect their home network with their Amazon account in the Eero app and activate the Eero Built-In feature. Subsequently, compatible smart speakers can amplify the Wi-Fi signal from any Eero mesh router, offering speeds of up to 100Mbps, essentially functioning as makeshift Wi-Fi range extenders.
Credit: Amazon
Nick Weaver, Eero’s co-founder, and CEO highlighted that Wi-Fi-repeating Echo and Echo Dot devices could assist in addressing connectivity issues for devices like outdoor cameras or TV streamers that struggle to stay connected. However, Weaver mentioned that users should anticipate slower speeds compared to dedicated Eero extenders.
“You’ll always get better performance from a purpose-built networking device,” noted Weaver.
Aside from Eero Built-In, Eero users should be aware of another new software update called Eero Internet Backup, a premium feature enabling households with Eero routers to pair a separate Wi-Fi hotspot with their network.
In case of an internet outage, the hotspot will take over to keep devices online. Once the internet is restored, the hotspot will deactivate, switching network traffic back to the original Eero network. This feature supports any hotspot or alternative Wi-Fi network, including mobile and 5G hotspots, according to Eero.
Credit: Amazon
Users of specific ISPs utilizing Eero hardware will soon be able to access Eero Internet Backup by subscribing to a new consolidated service named Eero Plus, replacing existing Eero Secure and Eero Secure Plus plans.
For a $10 monthly fee, Eero Plus subscribers gain access to extra services such as enhanced parental controls, network analytics, 1Password, Malwarebytes antivirus, and Encrypt, in addition to Eero Internet Backup.
