Fabriq, the Compact, Low-Cost Speaker for Amazon Alexa

AI assistants are making their way into homes around the world. Google Home and Amazon Echo/Dot have been available for a while now, but Fabriq is the first third-party hardware to feature Amazon’s personal assistant software.

The device is less like the pricier and feature-rich Echo and more like the budget alternative Dot. Fabriq is similarly compact in size and costs just $50. Unlike the Dot, Fabriq comes in a plush outer casing that looks more playful than futuristic. Some users might not like the design, but the device’s inviting look makes it more part of the home instead of an intimidating piece of gear.

#January weather may be #cold, but FABRIQ’s bringing the #heat. https://t.co/h9JC2pmYPJ pic.twitter.com/6at1CKC83p

— FABRIQ (@myfabriq) January 30, 2017

Fabriq works with Alexa by connecting to your home’s wireless network. Downloading the Alexa and Fabriq app allows users to control a variety of apps using voice control. Activities include picking songs on Spotify, hailing an Uber driver, ordering a pizza and more. The Fabriq app also allows you to choose a location for the speaker, allowing you to pair multiple devices for playing music throughout the house.

Speaking of music, the device can compete with similarly sized Bluetooth speakers. It can’t play the lowest of the frequencies, but there’s plenty of mid-range bass and highs that don’t get too harsh at higher volumes.