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Back to School Gift Guide 2020

By Digital Trends Staff August 25, 2020

This Fall, school might mean distance learning or a mix of classrooms and virtual, but one thing’s for certain: there will still be homework. Get ahead of whatever changes might happen by setting up a sweet, quiet spot for learning. Make sure students will have the tools they need to adapt and thrive – regardless of obstacles.

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Smart Home

Staff Picks: DT’s favorite smart home tech of 2020

At this point, smart speakers aren’t particularly new. In fact, we’ve seen countless speakers since they rose in popularity a few years ago. Amazon’s own line of Echo smart speakers helped usher in the age of the smart home, but this year’s model isn't just an incremental update. It's such a big leap that we think it's not only the best smart speaker you can currently buy, but also the best smart home product of 2020 as a whole.

Why? Well, first and foremost, the fourth-generation model Echo introduces a brand-new design that’s a refreshing change that features a spherical shape. Some folks were skeptical about the switch (including us), but the orb-shaped look of the Echo (4th Gen) was a necessary one over the cylindrical designs of its predecessors. Other speakers look blah with their predictable designs, which is why the Echo (4th Gen) particularly stands out for its odd design choice. Add to that its dazzling LED light ring, you’ll be entranced each and every time Alexa is activated.

News

This is the top-selling tech gear of Black Friday 2020

black friday 2020 deals still available featured resized

This year’s Black Friday shopping frenzy set a new record for online spending, according to data from Adobe Analytics.

As expected, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic ensured that this time around more shoppers opted to place orders from the comfort of their own home rather than risk infection by heading out to crowded malls.

Deals

Here’s why the Amazon Echo Dot is the ultimate holiday gift for all ages

amazon drops the price for ring video doorbell 2 and throws in an echo dot with 3

The Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) is a heavy hitter for Prime Day this year. On sale for $19, and down from its normal price of $39, this is a shockingly low price for Amazon's mini smart speaker, and just one of many amazing Prime Amazon Echo deals this year. With the latest (higher-priced) generation of Echo products hitting Amazon and shelves next week, there's never been a better time to nab the 3rd Gen Echo Dot. If you plan on buying for the holidays, it's best to grab it now, as availability dates currently range from early November to December.

For less than $20, the Echo Dot 3rd Gen could be one of the best Christmas gifts you give this year. Available in sandstone, charcoal, heather gray, and plum, and powered by Amazon Alexa, the entire family will love Alexa's amazing skills. Check news and weather; stream music from Spotify, Apple Music, and more; keep tabs on your Amazon notifications; and control all of your smart home gear. Adjust thermostats, set mood lighting, unlock smart locks, and more, all from the convenience of your Alexa app.