Diane von Furstenberg Echo Dot - Stylish Smart Speaker

Amazon's Build It Program: New Echo Dot Designs

At the beginning of the year, Amazon introduced Build It, an engaging initiative allowing customers to preorder innovative device concepts. This functions similarly to crowdfunding platforms like Indiegogo or Kickstarter, where production proceeds only upon reaching a predetermined preorder threshold.

Amazon, unlike many fledgling hardware companies, possesses a greater financial capacity to manage potential product failures. However, this is a point for another discussion.

Collaboration with Diane von Furstenberg

The current Build It campaign isn't radically experimental. Amazon has collaborated with renowned fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg to develop unique exterior designs for its widely-used Echo Dot smart speaker.

The Echo Dot x Diane von Furstenberg is available in three distinct patterns: Midnight Kiss, Ikat, and Twigs.

This release differs from the initial Build It offerings, which included a sticky note printer, a smart scale, and an Alexa-enabled cuckoo clock.

Pricing and Availability

Each design is priced at $59, matching the cost of the Echo Dot with a clock, and represents a $10 increase over the standard Echo Dot model.

The underlying functionality of the device remains consistent with the latest generation Echo Dot.

Amazon has stated that a donation will be made to Vital Voices, a charity selected by Diane von Furstenberg, though the specific amount hasn't been disclosed.

Preorder Details

Preorders are currently open and will conclude on August 13th. Customers will not be charged if the designs fail to meet their preorder goals.

Following the campaign's closure, a limited quantity of successful designs may be offered at full retail price, subject to availability.