Amazon is phasing out my favorite Echo model — the one featuring a dot-matrix clock.

I currently have six Amazon Echo smart speakers in my home, and among them, my top pick is the Echo Dot with Clock. I appreciate how its fabric-covered LED dot-matrix display provides a gentle white glow, effortlessly illuminating the time from my dresser in the otherwise dark environment created by my blackout curtains.

This feature certainly beats having to ask Alexa for the time!

Unfortunately, I have some disappointing news: Amazon has decided to discontinue the Echo Dot with Clock in favor of a more expensive and less visually appealing model. According to Amazon spokesperson Liz Roland, “You can check the product page for the latest device availability, but once inventory of this generation Echo Dot with Clock is sold through, it will not be restocked,” as reported by The Verge.

The reason for its discontinuation remains unclear. Initially, I speculated it might be due to hidden defects since my Echo Dot with Clock began freezing a few weeks ago, rendering it unresponsive to voice commands and leaving images stuck on the display.

After trying multiple resets without success, I managed to convince Amazon to credit me for a replacement. Fortunately, after a hard reset and several setup attempts in the Alexa app, it began functioning again.

When I looked for a replacement $60 Echo Dot with Clock, I was surprised to find that it was out of stock at Amazon, leaving only refurbished models available. Although I noticed the blue model is currently listed on Amazon and Target, I opted to try the $80 Echo Spot, which replaces the dot-matrix display with a screen.

However, I find the Spot less satisfactory for my needs despite its higher price. While the screen brightness is suitable for a dimly lit bedroom, the overall aesthetic is disappointing; it constantly reminds me of its cheap display.

Additionally, the screen is tilted upward, which is impractical for use on my tall dresser, as I don’t have any nightstands in my bedroom.

My colleague Jennifer Pattison Tuohy is working on a comprehensive review of the Echo Spot and seems to appreciate it more than I do. However, she mentions that it doesn’t quite match the audio quality of the Dot (although its sound is more directional), and it lacks basic features like touch alarm setting, which is available on other smart displays.

The Spot does have advantages, such as music playback controls and the ability to show the time, date, temperature, and weather simultaneously.

Now that my Echo Dot with Clock is functioning again, I plan to return the Spot along with the credit Amazon provided me.