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<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11892740" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="google" source="Orion">Google</keyword> announced a new phone this week: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/google-pixel-6a-price-release-date-specs-features">the Pixel 6a</a>.</li><li>The <keyword id="11914675" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pixel" source="Orion">Pixel</keyword> 6a is the latest entry in Google's long-running budget-smartphone line.</li></ul><p>Google's next major smartphone, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/google-pixel-6a-price-release-date-specs-features">the Pixel 6a</a>, marks the end of an era: Like <keyword id="11894021" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="apple" source="Orion">Apple</keyword>'s iPhones and the Pixel flagship line, the 6a doesn't have a <keyword id="13915345" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="headphone-jack" source="Orion">headphone jack</keyword>.</p><p>When the new phone arrives sometime this summer, the only way to plug in <keyword id="11993258" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="headphones" source="Orion">headphones</keyword> will be through the USB-C port. You can use an adapter to plug in traditional headphones, or you can use Bluetooth headphones instead. </p><p>The budget line of Google's fan-favorite Pixel phones was one of the last holdouts with a headphone jack in a market that started phasing them out <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-7-adapter-connects-headphones-to-lightning-port-2016-9">back in 2016 when Apple dropped the feature with the iPhone 7</a>.</p><p>Over the last six years, Google repeatedly played up that distinguishing characteristic in <keyword id="11894120" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="advertising" source="Orion">advertising</keyword>. </p><p>As recently as last August — just nine months ago — Google created an entire ad for the Pixel 5a based on it having a headphone jack:</p><p>As <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/11/23067702/google-pixel-6a-headphone-jack">The Verge highlights</a>, Google has been touting the headphone jack as a key feature of the Pixel line since its inception.</p><p>Though Google eventually removed the headphone jack from its flagship Pixel phones, it continued touting the port in its more budget-friendly Pixel "a" line. </p><p>That distinction ended this week, when Google unveiled the new Pixel 6a at its annual developer conference, <keyword id="13915347" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="google-i/o" source="Orion">Google I/O</keyword>.</p><p>"We ultimately decided that including a headphone jack detracted from core product specifications and didn't align with the Google ecosystem we are striving for," a Google representative told Insider. "We significantly improved the Pixel 6a's Bluetooth performance by adding Bluetooth v5.2 and dual chain support, meaning connected devices will have great audio range and quality."</p><p>Take a look at the next <keyword id="11914678" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="google-pixel" source="Orion">Google Pixel</keyword> right here:</p><p><em><strong>Got a tip?</strong> Contact Insider senior correspondent Ben Gilbert via email (<a href="mailto:bgilbert@insider.com">bgilbert@insider.com</a>),</em><em> or Twitter DM (<a href="https://twitter.com/RealBenGilbert">@realbengilbert</a>). We can keep sources anonymous. Use a non-work device to reach out. PR pitches by email only, please.</em></p>

After spending years mocking Apple for ditching the headphone jack in iPhones, Google is getting rid of it too

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p><p class="caption">The new Amazon Echo lets you replace the outer casing with tasteful "shells."</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>The new Amazon Echo, which costs $99 normally, will be $80 on Black Friday.</strong></li><li><strong>It's way better than the first Echo, with a slimmer profile, better sound, and an auxiliary jack in the back to plug in your own speakers. </strong></li><li><strong>However, if you already have any Echo, there's not a lot of reason to upgrade. All Amazon Echo devices have access to the best Alexa features as it is.</strong></li><li><strong>While Google is also deep-discounting its competing Google Home, the Amazon Echo is a fine choice for anybody who wants a smarter speaker.</strong></li></ul><p>This Black Friday, Amazon is going to offer the newest version of its Amazon Echo smart speaker for $80, a 20% discount from its normal $99 price tag.</p><p>For those who've been on the fence about an Amazon Echo, this should be a no-brainer: I've been using the new-model Echo for about a week now, and it's an improvement from its predecessor in every single way. However, if you've already got one, you <em>probably</em> don't need to rush out to upgrade. </p><p>So what's new in this newest version of the Echo?</p><p>The sound is better and louder, with deeper bass. Aesthetically, it's a total revamp. It's now short and stubby, only a little larger than a soda can, and available in either metallic or fabric-covered finishes. New is the ability to snap on multi-colored cases to give it a personal touch. And it has an auxilliary port in the back, such that you can plug in your own speakers with a standard headphone jack. </p><p>Oh, and that <keyword id="6354851" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Retail">retail</keyword> price of $99 is a solid $80 cheaper than the original Amazon Echo.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Matt Weinberger/Business Insider</span></p><p class="caption">The new Amazon Echo fits neatly in the palm of your hand.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Here's the important thing, though. So much of what makes the Echo more than just another speaker is the Alexa voice agent that powers it. And <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jeff-bezos-amazon-alexa-quote-2017-10">Amazon has been very aggressive</a> about making sure that all upgrades to Alexa come to all Echo devices, simultaneously. </p><p>So if you already own an Echo, you've been getting a steady drip of new features - including <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-echo-calls-alexa-update-2017-5">Echo-to-Echo calling</a>, the ability to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-echo-connect-landline-phone-2017-9">call landline phones</a>, and even <a href="https://developer.amazon.com/blogs/alexa/post/8cc45487-d5fb-413b-b6c7-eeea4794d10c/amazon-announces-notifications-for-alexa-feature-is-coming-soon-sign-up-to-stay-tuned">notifications when your Amazon order ships</a>. All of those features will work with any Echo, whether you bought the old one on Day One, or the new one tomorrow. </p><p>Which is to say, unless you're a total stickler for sound, or you just like to have the most current model, there's no great reason to get the new one. But if you don't have one at all, and you want in on Amazon's grand vision for voice computing, then this is probably the right place to start.</p><h2>Okay, but what the heck is an Amazon Echo? What does it do?</h2><p>In case you're not familiar, the Amazon Echo is a smart speaker, powered by Amazon's Alexa smart agent.</p><p>Think of it like a smarter, more useful version of Apple's Siri: Alexa can play music; set timers and alarms; answer simple questions; control internet-connected lightbulbs, thermostats, and the like; control an Amazon Fire TV; and even let you shop on Amazon.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Matt Weinberger/Business Insider</span></p><p class="caption">The complete lineup of Amazon Echo gadgetry.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>It's really neat! We're big fans of the Amazon Echo product family at Business Insider. Our own Dave Smith keeps a master list of the best things Alexa can do for you, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-echo-features-tips-tricks-2017-1">right this way</a>. For many people, it should be noted, that smart home gear control is the killer app, letting the Echo act as a universal remote for a growing selection of gadgetry.</p><p>Amazon now makes a whole range of Echo speakers, including the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/using-amazon-echo-dot-in-a-car-2017-7">$50 Echo Dot</a>, the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-echo-plus-review-2017-11">$150 Echo Plus</a> for smart-home enthusiasts, and the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-echo-show-review-2017-6">$229 tablet-like Echo Show</a>. This flagship Echo is a good starting point - the Echo Dot is smaller and cheaper, but with worse sound. The others are a little more niche, for specific uses. </p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p><p class="caption">The original Amazon Echo was taller and more metallic.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>And what's the difference between this and Google Home?</h2><p>Google has offered its competing Google Home line of speakers since 2016. And this Black Friday, Google is going to be offering the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/google-home-review-2016-11">flagship Google Home speaker</a> for $80, same as the Amazon Echo.</p><p>The Google Home operates on the same principle as the Amazon Echo. Only instead of getting access to Amazon Music, Amazon shopping, and the Amazon Fire TV, you can use Google Play Music, shop with Google partners like Target and Walmart, and control Google Chromecast streaming devices.</p><p>Personally, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-i-like-google-speakers-better-than-amazon-echo-2017-11">I prefer the Google Home over Amazon Echo</a> -  not for hardware reasons, but because Google search is that much better. Still, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/google-home-review-save-your-money-2017-5">lots of people feel differently</a>, given that the Amazon Echo is leading the still-small smart speaker market. And the Amazon Echo is getting better, all the time. </p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Hollis Johnson/Business Insider</span></p><p class="caption">The Google Home speaker will also be $80 on Black Friday.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>In a lot of ways, it's a matter of taste - though I will say that while the two speakers have comparable sound, the newest Amazon Echo has a slight sonic edge over the Google Home. Still, I'd say that true audiophiles probably won't be especially happy with either, and should perhaps consider a high-end device like a Sonos.</p><p>If you're considering both, it's worth noting that Amazon offers exclusive daily deals that are only accessible via Alexa. If you're a big shopper, that could be the edge. Also, Amazon Alexa currently supports a wider range of smart home gear, though Google is closing that gap fast. </p><p>And, to bring it back around, if you're looking to see what all the fuss about the smart speaker movement is about, the new-model Amazon Echo is a great way to do it. </p> <p class="tagline">Get the latest Google stock price<a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/stock/GOOG-Quote"> here.</a></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/life-hack-amazon-echo-dot-car-infotainment-system-2017-7">Turns out the Amazon Echo Dot makes an amazing car infotainment system</a></h3>        <div>                    </div>    </div>

REVIEW: Amazon's newest Echo is better than the original in every way, but you don't need it if you already have one

You Searched For "auxilliary port" and got 2 results

After spending years mocking Apple for ditching the headphone jack in iPhones, Google is getting rid of it too

Ben Gilbert

REVIEW: Amazon's newest Echo is better than the original in every way, but you don't need it if you already have one

Matt Weinberger

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