Amazon.com has launched two new Alexa-enabled devices called the Amazon Tap and the Amazon Echo Dot. While they work in a similar way to the existing Amazon Echo, they both come with a lower price tag.

Below we show you how to order an Amazon Tap, an Amazon Echo Dot and a workaround for ordering an Echo Dot, for those customers without an Echo or Fire TV. Read our article for the full specs about the Tap and the Echo Dot.

Amazon Tap

The Amazon Tap, which looks similar to the Amazon Echo, is an Alexa-enabled portable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speaker. Unlike the Echo, the Tap is not always on, and you will need to wake it up by tapping the microphone button. After that you can ask for music, a traffic or weather report, order an Uber or pizza.

The Tap is available for preorder for $129.99

How to order your Amazon Tap

Ordering an Amazon Tap is simple, and you can complete your purchase as per normal on the Amazon website. The only limitations are that the Tap is currently only available in the U.S., and quantity is limited to three devices. The Tap will start shipping on March 31.

Amazon Echo Dot

The hands-free Echo Dot is basically the top part of the Echo and uses the same voice recognition. Connect Echo Dot to your speakers via an audio cable or Bluetooth or simply add voice control to your home stereo system. The Echo Dot can be used as a smart alarm clock and can control various smart home devices, including the lights, thermostats and switches.

The Echo Dot will retail for $89.99.

The official way to order your Amazon Echo Dot

Ordering an Amazon Echo Dot the official way is way more complicated than the simple process of ordering the Amazon Tap.

To start the order process, you need to fulfil the following requirements:

• You need to be the owner of an Amazon Echo or Fire TV; you need to buy the Echo Dot using Alexa Voice Shopping.
• A U.S. Amazon account and U.S. shipping address. The Echo Dot is currently only available in the U.S.
• An Amazon Prime membership or the 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime.
• Your 1-Click settings need to include a U.S. bank-issued payment method together with your U.S. billing address.

Ask Alexa to order your Echo Dot

Say “Alexa, order an Echo Dot,” and Alexa will use the default payment method and shipping address saved in your 1-Click settings. The Echo Dot is limited to one per order and two per customer.

Tip: To place orders using Alexa Voice Shopping you need to ensure Voice Purchasing is turned on in the Alexa app. Open the Alexa app > in the left navigation panel select Settings > Voice Purchasing > check the settings allow for Voice Purchasing.

Once Alexa finds the Echo Dot, either confirm or cancel your order. You will be able to see your order for your Echo Dot under the ‘Your Orders’ section of your account.

The unofficial way to order your Amazon Echo Dot

While the official way to order an Echo Dot requires that you use Alexa Voice Shopping, there is an unofficial workaround that will allow you to place an order without the need to own an Echo or Fire TV.

iOS users

There have been widespread reports of a workaround (reported here, here and here) that will allow iOS users to buy an Echo Dot without using Alexa. You do not even have to have a Prime membership.

• On your iPhone or iPad, open the Amazon shopping app.
• Search for the Echo Dot.
• Instead of clicking on the search result, swipe right on the Echo Dot, and it will be added to your cart.
• Proceed to checkout and buy your Echo Dot.

Android users

Unfortunately, Android users cannot use the loophole above as the Android app does not have the swipe gesture available to add items to a cart.

However, Lifehacker has reported that some Android users have had success in ordering an Echo Dot using voice commands. In the Amazon app, tap the microphone button > say “Add Echo Dot to Cart” > you should then be taken to your shopping cart.

While these workarounds may allow you to order an Echo Dot now, it is likely just a matter of time before Amazon put a stop to them, so get in early.

Screenshot: SiliconANGLE via Amazon.com