Alexa devices, from the very first Echo smart speaker, have been life-changing for many people with sight loss. They can support independence at home by enabling hands-free access to information, entertainment and smart home controls.
This page provides an overview of the main Echo devices available and explains key terms such as Alexa Built-in, Works with Alexa, Skills and Routines.
To set up any Echo device, you will need:
- A Wi-Fi connection
- A smartphone with the Alexa app installed
Types of devices: Echo Smart Speakers
Echo dot – a globe-shaped smart speaker. This is the most popular option; it balances price with audio quality and is able to project sound in multiple directions.
Echo pop – this is amazons most budget-friendly echo device, as the device is smaller and has a less powerful speaker compared to the echo dot. It only fires sound in one direction. Note to those with low vision – the light is much smaller.
A small hybrid device marketed as an alarm clock. Similar in size to the Echo Pop, but includes a small screen that can display basic information such as the time.
Types of devices: Echo Show devices with screens
- Echo Show 5 – 5-inch screen
- Echo Show 8 – 8-inch screen
- Echo Show 10 – moving screen that tilts and rotates to follow your voice and movement
- Echo Show 15 and 21 – large wall-mounted displays designed to look like picture frames
All Echo Show devices include:
- A built-in screen reader called VoiceView
- Built-in magnification
However, we do not generally recommend Echo Show devices for full-time screen reader users. VoiceView is still developing and can feel slow and unresponsive, with noticeable delays between gestures and actions.
We include Echo Show devices here because:
- They have built-in cameras for easy video calls
- Family members can make “drop-in” calls (with consent)
- Video calling is simple and hands-free
Echo Show devices also include a “Show and Tell” feature. This allows the camera to identify objects, such as food tins or packages. It can be difficult to use at first and relies heavily on good lighting.
In short, if you already use other methods for identifying items, rely heavily on a screen reader, and mainly want voice control, an Echo Show device may not be the best fit.
"Depending on the product, I have found in very rare cases it may also provide the cooking instructions."
Useful terms explained
Alexa Built-in
“Alexa Built-in” devices are not made by Amazon. They are products from other manufacturers that include Alexa functionality.
Examples include Bluetooth speakers from brands such as Bose or JBL that allow you to speak to Alexa directly.
Works with Alexa
This describes smart devices that Alexa can control using voice commands. These usually connect through an Alexa Skill and account pairing.
“Works with Alexa” devices include:
- Light bulbs
- TVs
- Air fryers
- Heating systems
- Smart plugs and more
Jemma explains:
“At home I have a smart bulb in my bedroom. I’ve paired its app with Alexa, so now I can say ‘Alexa, turn off bedroom light’ and it switches off – no more walking across the room in the dark.”
Alexa Skills
Skills add new abilities to Alexa and often require linking another account.
For example, to ask:
“Alexa, what’s next in my calendar?”
You would first need to link your Google Calendar account.
Routines
Routines allow you to trigger multiple actions in a set order, either at a specific time or using a phrase.
Jemma shares:
“If I say ‘Alexa, game time’, it turns on my TV, then my games console, and then sets the background lighting behind my TV to my most used style.”
Another example:
“My weekday alarm goes off at 7am. It sets the volume to level 8, turns my bedroom light on to full brightness, and reads the news headlines. If I don’t stop it, it gets louder, plays the weather forecast and then alarm sounds.”
Need support?
If you would like advice on choosing or setting up an Alexa device, or using smart home technology with sight loss, OpenSight’s Techspert Service can help.
Telephone: 023 80 641 244
Email: info@opensight.org.uk
