The Echo Spot is the only Amazon device with a tiny, round screen - and that's both the best and worst thing about using it

Amazon's Echo Spot is in an unusual position in the Echo family.

It has a screen, but not one big enough for serious video-watching.

It's small, but not as small as the Echo Dot.

It can play music, but it doesn't sound as good as the Echo or Echo Show.

So, what is it for?

After several weeks of testing the Spot, I'm still not really sure. At launch, the Echo Spot's primary purpose seemed to be acting as a smart alarm clock for your bedside table or nightstand. It can certainly do that, but it also seems a bit overqualified for the position.

The Echo Spot has Alexa.

It can make video calls.

It can play music videos.

It can make visual lists and reminders.

It can play music.

And - of course - it can display the time.

It does all the things a regular Echo can do, but it does them on a 2.5-inch touchscreen.

And in the end, it was the screen that ended up being both the best and the worst thing about the Echo Spot.