First, plug in your Echo Dot or other Alexa device and follow the on-screen prompts to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Next ...

If you are not within ear-shot of your Alexa Echo, Dot or Tap device and need to command it from anywhere in the world, you’d most likely use the handy mobile app or web interface to control it.

In its raw form, you could use a Dot as a supplementary Alexa portal, in addition to an Echo. You possibly wouldn't want to listen to music through it, unless perhaps you live in a monastery ...

Both the HomePod and Echo have their pros and cons, but if we had to pick one everyday smart home speaker to use, the answer is pretty clear.