Content analysis of consumer reviews of the Amazon Echo Dot 2nd and 3rd generations

Abstract

Voice-controlled smart speakers allow people to communicate hands-free with wireless speakers through natural speech. The Amazon Echo Dot is currently the most popular cloud-based smart speaker in the U.S. and features the virtual personal assistant Alexa. The Echo Dot performs functions natively and by accessing third-party applications or skills. It offers internet search, home automation, digital entertainment, and online shopping, but to make it as valuable to consumers as a smartphone, Alexa will need to have more capabilities. To that end, Amazon is encouraging the creation of apps to facilitate Alexa's functionality. Through content analysis of reviews of the Echo Dot 2nd and 3nd Generations, reviews of Alexa Skills, and consumer questions and answers on Amazon's product pages, this study attempts to provide insight to help developers of Alexa Skills and the next generation of smart speakers as well as technical communicators educating users about the Dot. Research questions are 1) What are the most common words in reviews of the Echo Dot 2nd and 3rd Generations? 2) What do users like about the devices? 3) What do they dislike? 4) What Alexa Skills do reviewers like and want the Echo Dot to have?