The Echo Connect was designed to transform your Echo into a speakerphone that can be controlled through your voice.
Using the device, users were allowed to make any phone call that they’d like by just giving a voice command. So, if you’re looking for a similar unit, Echo Connect might just be the right fit.
However, as the product has been listed as unavailable in most online stores, including Amazon’s official store, users have been asking questions about the discontinuation of the product.
There are many pointers listed by the speculators on why it was discontinued, but there has been no official statement.
Some users claim that the profit margins weren’t that great, while others point out that this unit was discontinued because of programming and reliability issues.
However, no one can say for certain why the Echo Connect system was slowly phased out of the Amazon portfolio.
This only promoted confusion among the owners as they struggled to find a reason why the Echo connect system was no longer usable.
So, if you are also wondering if the Echo Connect has been discontinued, then here is what you should know about it:
Is Echo Connect Discontinued?
Unfortunately, the Echo Connect is no longer listed as an active product.
The reason why these products aren’t getting back in stock in stores is that they have been discontinued even though there hasn’t been any official statement from Amazon’s side.
However, users who have contacted Amazon regarding the product mentioned how Amazon treats the product as being discontinued, which is why you won’t be able to purchase the product even if you were to wait for it to get back in stock.
Luckily, being discontinued does not mean that the product will no longer work. If you still have an Echo Connect lying around in your home, then you should be able to use it without any problems.
Likewise, you might be able to get your hands on an Echo Connect if you were to buy it from a 3rd party or an off-brand store.
Although not recommended unless getting from a fully reliable source, you have to keep in mind that Amazon has officially ended support for the product as well.
So, even if you can use Echo Connect, you can potentially run into all sorts of problems when using these.
Can You Source It From Secondary Dealers?
One common question that you will notice on the market is how to source smart products that have been discontinued by the official dealers.
Now, we’ve explained already that there is no point in purchasing discontinued products as the risk is too high, and there is no support behind them.
However, these reasons are just not enough for some owners as they struggle to find a discounted unit for their house.
If you’re in the same boat and just need to get your hands on the Echo connect system, then all hope is not lost for you.
You will have to rely on secondary markets like eBay, and you will find many listings of these products.
While the majority of fresh pieces will be sold out, you can still secure a unit in good shape. Sadly, there is no warranty deal or any other claims that will be honored with the majority of these dealers.
Moreover, one of the biggest drawbacks of tiring to purchase discontinued units is that the prices behind these units will be overly inflated.
You will be spending almost three or four times as much money on these units without getting any additional value in return.
So, is it worth it to spend money on Echo Connect from the secondary market? The straight answer here is “absolutely not.”
There is simply no gain or value that you can realize while going with this unit, and it will only hold you back down the road.
There is a good chance that you will run into programming bugs, and the unit might also be damaged out of the box.
Even if you do your research on the dealer, there is still no guarantee that you will be able to make a claim and get a new unit.
So, it all comes down to how you’re planning on addressing the issue, and seeking some help from the official dealer is not a bad idea.
For this reason, we will always recommend owners try and shift their focus toward the alternatives.
While the design or the features offered by other devices are not exactly the same, you will still be able to replicate the same performance from other units.
So, you should let go of the idea of integrating an Echo Connect system into your smart home.
Here are some of the more viable options that can help you get the same value at a fraction of the cost. So, be sure to go through the details listed below if you’re aiming for peak value.
Any Good Alternatives?
As explained above, it isn’t a smart choice to end up buying an Echo Connect, especially given the fact that the product is longer being supported.
In such cases, it is much better if you were to look for other alternatives that you can opt for instead of Echo Connect.
Unfortunately, there aren’t that many options that you can choose from on the market. While you could still go for Google Home products, it boils down to what you prefer.
Let’s not forget that Amazon won’t be making a similar product like the Echo Connect, which is why your best bet would be to either go for a complete switch and purchase Google Home products or try using other Amazon devices.
Even though they won’t function the same as an Echo Connect, you could just buy an Echo Dot along with a Tracfone.
A great thing about purchasing Echo Dots is that multiple models are readily available, giving you the option of choosing from cheaper variants to expensive ones.
Not only are all these devices very simple and easy to set up, but you will also notice how these should work with AT&T like a charm.
So, if you are currently using their services, you should be able to make any phone calls with quite ease.
However, if you are really in need of the Echo Connect and don’t think the Echo Dots would do the job, then you can try finding out whether these are being sold online.
It will be a bit hard to find a unit that is in good shape, and you will have to pay a substantial premium on top of the basic price tag.
Do keep in mind that in case you run into any problem with these, you might not have much luck in getting the issue fixed.
Also, don’t expect Amazon’s support on the product, as it has been officially discontinued.
Hopefully, you will not get ripped off from the secondary dealer and will be able to find a piece in good shape.
It all comes down to how you’re going about the purchase and doing your research on the quality of the product as well as the reputation of the dealer.
Lastly, even if you do manage to get your hands on this unit, there is a chance that it will stop being of value within a few years.
You can’t expect any updates for this unit, and it will slowly get phased out of your smart system.
So, you will be paying all that money for a unit that will not serve you well in the long run, and you will have to upgrade to a better device.
You can further involve an expert in the purchase decision if you’re still confused about going with Echo Connect.
The Bottom Line:
Is Echo Connect discontinued? With the product being unavailable in every major store, which includes the official Amazon store, it is safe to assume that Amazon has officially ended support for the product.
Though if you still have the product in your home, you should be able to still use it.
But for those of you who were wondering about getting this product, you may have to look for other options on the market, as buying a discontinued product isn’t a smart move.
So, it is best to stay away, and you will be only putting your money at risk when trying to source this unit.
There are many great options from AT&T and other service providers that will help you benefit from the same features.
So, there is no need to rely on a unit that is no longer available when you can get some phenomenal devices from one of the most reputed service providers on the market.
Lastly, if you’re still confused about the purchase and don’t know how to pick the right system, reaching out to the official support members is not a bad idea.
It all comes down to how you’re planning on going about the purchase, and someone from the official support team will list the best options for you.