Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Anker's Eufy Genie gives you Alexa and more, all on the cheap

By Parker Hall Published June 15, 2022

Mobile charging company Anker is taking a new leap into the world of smart speakers, announcing its new Eufy Genie speaker, which includes Amazon’s intelligent voice assistant Alexa.

The speaker, named in part for Anker’s Eufy smart home brand, allows users to control smart home appliances with voice commands and ask Alexa most of the same questions they can on an Amazon Echo speaker. You can verbally inquire about the latest news, traffic, and weather, as well as change music and make orders through the Amazon store online.

Recommended Videos

The main selling point of the new speaker is that it is more affordable than even Amazon’s cheapest Echo device, the Echo Dot. The Eufy Genie will retail for just $35 on Amazon.

Although it does not feature every app-integration offered by Amazon’s device at launch, it’s worth noting that the speaker will steadily feature more integrations via software updates. In terms of music, for example, Amazon Music and Pandora’s on demand streaming service will be available at launch, but the company says Spotify integration will come soon as an update.

“Eufy Genie users will be able to enjoy the majority of benefits Alexa offers at an accessible price point,” Anker Technology CEO Steven Yang said in a press release. “We’re excited to deliver a smart speaker with Alexa and high-quality sound at an affordable price point for customers.”

People willing to upgrade to a smart home are unable to do so due to price concerns.

In terms of looks, the Eufy Genie looks much like an

Echo Do

t. It is a small black puck with rounded edges and a blue LED ring around the top. The Genie features a micro USB port for power and the sound emanating from a small two-watt audio driver can be augmented with a 3.5 mm audio output.

Anker’s Eufy smart home system has been expanding considerably recently, with the company embracing Alexa integration, and setting its sights on consumers who are looking for value in the marketplace. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), 42 percent of people willing to upgrade to a smart home are unable to do so due to price concerns. Because of this, Anker hopes the new Genie will be the centerpiece of a home which is largely set up with affordable Anker Eufy products.

“Everyone deserves the chance to live in their very own ‘house of the future’; where through one simple platform, they can order pizza, turn their lights on, and direct their

robotic vacuum

to clean. At present, a connected home like that requires an investment of at least $1,000,” said Yang. “What we are trying to do is to turn the smart home concept into something more affordable, accessible and integrated. With less than $600, consumers can experience a Eufy smart home entirely controlled by Genie.”

Those interested in more information about the new smart speaker are encouraged to check out Anker Eufy’s website.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Parker Hall is a writer and musician from Portland, OR. He is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin…

Smart Home

Alexa, May the Fourth be with you

Kylo and Rey fighting in Rise of the Skywalker

Star Wars is among the most popular multimedia franchises in the galaxy, so it should come as no surprise that it's been given its own annual holiday. Celebrated on May 4 (for obvious reasons), most fans will dedicate Star Wars Day 2022 to rewatching their favorite movies, running through their favorite games, or picking up some discounted merch. But there's another way to celebrate Star Wars Day that's a bit more obscure -- having a quick chat with Amazon Alexa.

Whether you own a smart home device like the Echo Dot or just want to run the app through your smartphone, Alexa has a surprisingly robust knowledge of all things Star Wars. To access that knowledge, however, you need to know the right prompts. From chatting with Chewbacca to taking a Star Wars Trivia quiz, here are some fun Alexa commands to get you in the Star Wars spirit.

Smart Home

Amazon might be using Alexa to send you targeted ads

siri alexa feminist reboot amazon

It appears that Amazon might be using its speakers to send you targeted ads, according to a recent report published online. To collect the data required to send you personalized ads, Amazon has been sharing transcripts of your conversation with its Alexa smart assistant with third-party businesses.

This new report was produced by researchers from the University of Washington, the University of California - Davis, the University of California - Irvine, and Northeastern University. They published the information online and stated that Amazon and third parties share people's interactions with over 40 advertisers. That data informs Amazon's advertising partners about your interests and then influences ads you receive on your Alexa speakers and the web.

Smart Home

Alexa can now tell you when a package is delivered

Senior citizen using Alexa to stay connected

Amazon has always wanted to have Alexa become the end-all and be-all assistant. Thanks to a new update, it's one step closer. Alexa can now tell you if it sees a person or a package through one of your security cameras. Also, if you have an Echo Show or a Fire TV, Alexa can automatically pull up a live video feed of the subject.

Amazon recently allowed third-party companies to tap into this new feature by revealing a new API. As a result, companies such as Google, Ring, and Abode have already added person recognition to their video security doorbells. According to Amazon, all of Ring's video doorbells and cameras should be updated now, while Google's Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor, Nest Cam Floodlight, and Nest Doorbell will receive the update soon. In addition, Abode's IOTA and Outdoor Camera will also receive the update.