Amazon Echo 2nd Generation Voice Command Smart Speaker Who couldn’t use an assistant to manage the calendar, make shopping lists and read a book while they’re doing dishes and laundry? Meet Echo (she answers to “Alexa” or “Amazon”) the virtual assistant always ready to help. Echo hears you as soon as you say your chosen wake-up word then just speak your commands — from across the room if you want. With beam-forming technology, Echo hears you even when there’s music playing! Get sports scores, music, set reminders and so much more as you go about your day. Echo is always on and always ready; how many assistants can say that?