The Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition has been reimagined with an adorable wildlife-inspired design, but the circular smart speaker itself is anything but cuddly

Jazwares is changing that and giving Alexa a plush toy

Fuzzible Friends does not have a built-in microphone, but the colorful stuffed animal comes to life via Bluetooth and the Alexa Skill for kids When the Fuzzible Skill is activated on the best Alexa speakers, playing with Fuzzible Friends nearby becomes an interactive experience

These stuffed animals speak their own language consisting of 140 phrases that Alexa can translate, with parental consent of course; even if Fuzzible Friend is out of the house or out of range of the Alexa speaker, children can still use the stuffed animal's antennae to shine and or make it speak gibberish

However, most of the benefits of turning Fuzzible Friend into a playmate come via Alexa Using the skill, children can play color-guessing games with Fuzzible or choose their own stories

Normally, I would put Alexa toys away as creepy But now that distance learning is a widespread reality, and Amazon is taking measures like Kids Voice Profile to tighten parental controls throughout the house, smart toys make more sense

Don't get me wrong - it's still odd to have your own child befriend Alexa But as long as you keep an eye on Alexa's account settings and supervise your child's relationship with the smart speaker, you may not have to worry so much about your child accidentally ordering a 30-pack of paper towels through your kitchen Echo

There are four types of fuzzy friends to help navigate the quagmire of introducing AI to your child: cubby the fox, Fluff the rabbit, Sparkle the unicorn, and Cuddles the puppy

All are priced at $1999 and can be pre-ordered on Amazoncom beginning October 1 Shipping will begin November 1, shortly after the Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition goes on sale on October 22