An ECHO Device is a multi-function digital communicator used by Vault Hunters across the galaxy. Once registered, these devices are connected to the ECHOnet which allows friends and foes alike to communicate with the user.
Other functions include mission tracking, ECHO recording playback, minimap and a heads-up display.
Echo Devices are primarily manufactured by the Dahl Corporation.
ECHO-1
ECHO-1
In Borderlands, Claptrap provides Vault Hunters with an ECHO-1 communicator and heads-up display, free of charge.
It features:
- Health Display Module
- Shield Display Module
- Weapon Display Module
- Skill Display Module
- Experience Point Module
- Digital Bearing Module
- Objective Indicator
These devices were archaic but reliable, and eventually phased out for the ECHO-2.
ECHO-2
- Main article: ECHO-2
ECHO-2
In Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Claptrap provides Vault Hunters with an ECHO-2 device.
On top of sporting the same basic features as the ECHO-1, the ECHO-2 offers several brand new features including:
- An upgraded UI
- Digital Map Displays
- Class-Twelve Heads-Up Display
In addition, an AR interface was adopted, allowing users to access backpack and skill management on the go instead of needing to visit a store or vending machine.
Unfortunately, the ECHO-2 was later reported to have an issue with spontaneous combustion, so it was rebranded as a grenade (see ECHO-2) and phased out for the ECHO-3.
ECHO-3
ECHO-3
A Vault Hunter customizing their ECHO-3.
In Borderlands 3, Claptrap provides Vault Hunters with a brand new ECHO-3 device upon them arriving near the CoV broadcast center located in Covenant Pass.
Slightly more powerful than the ECHO-2 and reportedly "twice as expensive", the ECHO-3 features a whole host of visual upgrades to its digital heads-up display. In addition, the Echo-3 gives the user the ability to apply various themes and customizations to the handheld device to give them a more unique and stylized design to each individual user.
The ECHO-3 maintains the AR interface first seen in the ECHO-2 albeit a bit more streamlined, with the device capable of projecting a digital image of the user as they browse through their inventory, skill trees and any additional unlockable features. ECHO-3 also features the ability to play ECHO recordings directly, as a visual animation of the Vault Hunter blowing the underside of the recordings to clear them of dust/sand/debris before inserting them into the device.
ECHO-4
ECHO-4
ECHO-4 leading the way.
In Borderlands 4, Arjay comes across an ECHO-4 Dahl Companion that originally belonged to one of his superiors; desperate to escape The TimeKeeper's rule, Arjay took it for himself while heading off on his quest to become a Vault Hunter; later on, his gifts the ECHO-4 to the Vault Hunters.
Unlike its predecessors, the ECHO-4 is a fully autonomous and digistructed robotic companion that provides users with the same baseline features seen in previous ECHO models, but with a massive upgrade in its capabilities. It was discovered that ECHO-4 is also capable of jamming malicious electronic devices, such as the Timekeeper's Bolt
New features include:
- Hacking Capabilities
- Point of Interest Marking
- Real-Time Path Navigation
- SDU Upgrade Interface
- Cosmetic Customizations
- Vehicle Digistruction
Trivia
- The practice of ECHO-3 owners blowing into the cartridges before inserting them into the player is a reference to how many owners of old game systems clear the game cartridges via this way before use.
- Strangely enough, FL4K is also seen doing this despite not having an actual mouth or lungs as a robot.
- Unlike previous iterations of ECHO devices, it remains unknown how many ECHO-4 units exist due to only one being seen; due to initially being in possession of a supervisor within The Order, it is possible that the one used by the Crimson Resistance Vault Hunters is a rare or one of a kind prototype.