For the last ten years, Amazon has aimed for Alexa to go beyond just simple tasks like setting timers, constantly reimagining its Echo line to showcase Alexa’s potential. From style-rating cameras to microwaves that respond to voice commands, the Echo lineup has gone through many experimental phases, but many of these offbeat gadgets didn’t resonate with customers.

While the core Echo speaker remains popular, other Echo devices and accessories were either too niche, redundant, or ahead of their time and have since vanished from Amazon’s catalog. Here’s a rundown of some of these Echo products that didn’t make a lasting impact:

Echo Look
Released in 2017, the Echo Look was a $199.99 device with a camera and LED lights that captured full-body images and videos of users’ outfits, providing fashion advice through machine learning and fashion specialists. It sparked privacy and AI concerns and was eventually discontinued in 2020. Should it come back? Likely not, as it wasn’t essential then and isn’t now.

Amazon Tap
Amazon’s first portable Alexa device, the Tap was a Bluetooth speaker with nine hours of battery life and a docking station. Unlike other Echo speakers, it required users to press a button to activate Alexa (later updated to be voice-activated), but needed Wi-Fi to access smart features. Priced at $130, it was discontinued in 2018. Should it return? Yes—an option for manual Alexa activation could appeal to some.

Echo Buttons
Introduced in 2017, Echo Buttons were puck-shaped buzzers for playing trivia games with Alexa. Sold in packs of two for $19.99, they aimed to make Echo speakers more engaging, though smart speakers didn’t take off as gaming devices, and the Buttons were phased out. Should they return? No, there are better gaming options available now.

Echo Spot
Launched as a compact alternative to the Echo Show, the Echo Spot featured a 2.5-inch screen, making it an ideal smart alarm clock with optional video call capabilities. Due to privacy concerns, it could be used with the camera disabled. Although discontinued in 2019, Amazon brought it back without a camera in 2024. Should it be resurrected? It already has.

Echo Connect
In 2017, Echo Connect enabled Echo speakers to make phone calls to regular phone numbers by connecting to a landline, even supporting emergency calls. Although the hardware was discontinued, Amazon has added limited phone-calling features to newer Echo models. Should it come back? Yes, as it’s especially useful for older generations.

Echo Plus
The Echo Plus, introduced in 2017, was a smarter home hub with Zigbee support, enabling it to control smart home devices directly. Despite its improved sound and smart home capabilities, it lacked Z-Wave compatibility and was eventually discontinued in 2020. Should it return? No, as there are now better smart home solutions available.

Echo Wall Clock
Announced in 2018, this Echo accessory displayed the time and managed countdowns using LED indicators.