Technology Get the latest on technology, electronics and software…

Amazon Echo

Thread Tools
 
Old 03-04-2016, 09:30 AM
  #41  
Q('.')=O
iTrader: (1)
 
imj0257's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: DFW, TX
Age: 40
Posts: 23,507
Received 720 Likes on 520 Posts
Are these really useful? For what? I don't get it. Can't I just ask Siri?
Old 03-04-2016, 10:10 AM
  #42  
Go Giants
 
Whiskers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: PA
Age: 52
Posts: 69,901
Received 1,231 Likes on 821 Posts
We will find out....
Old 03-26-2016, 04:48 PM
  #43  
Team Owner
Thread Starter
 
doopstr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Jersey
Age: 52
Posts: 25,329
Received 2,048 Likes on 1,135 Posts
Build your own...
Amazon reveals how to build an Echo speaker with the Raspberry Pi | The Verge
Old 03-31-2016, 04:22 PM
  #44  
Go Giants
 
Whiskers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: PA
Age: 52
Posts: 69,901
Received 1,231 Likes on 821 Posts
Got my two Echo Dots today. Just as good as the Echo and I actually wish the original once let you output to a BT speaker like the dot does. Now I need to do more automation
Old 04-07-2016, 05:53 PM
  #45  
Team Owner
Thread Starter
 
doopstr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Jersey
Age: 52
Posts: 25,329
Received 2,048 Likes on 1,135 Posts
Good idea...
Old 04-07-2016, 07:35 PM
  #46  
Go Giants
 
Whiskers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: PA
Age: 52
Posts: 69,901
Received 1,231 Likes on 821 Posts
Wife just nixed this saying we need the cupholder for coffee
Old 04-07-2016, 08:34 PM
  #47  
Chapter Leader
(Northeast Florida)
iTrader: (1)
 
gatrhumpy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Age: 44
Posts: 35,532
Received 1,651 Likes on 1,116 Posts
Originally Posted by Whiskers
Wife just nixed this saying we need the cupholder for coffee
I see who wears the pants.
Old 04-07-2016, 10:01 PM
  #48  
Team Owner
Thread Starter
 
doopstr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Jersey
Age: 52
Posts: 25,329
Received 2,048 Likes on 1,135 Posts
He'll have it in there by the end of the week. That's what she said.
Old 04-08-2016, 06:26 AM
  #49  
Chapter Leader
(Northeast Florida)
iTrader: (1)
 
gatrhumpy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Age: 44
Posts: 35,532
Received 1,651 Likes on 1,116 Posts
I love the echo. Very rich and powerful sound that we can take anywhere.

Oh, and I recently checked my shopping list on my phone (which is linked through the Echo for shopping lists), and I found 23 instances of 'guns' and 'Civil War guns' that need to be purchased, and 13 instances of different 'Baby Alive' dolls.

Stupid kids.

Edit: And one 'Civil War cannonball.'
Old 04-10-2016, 09:07 PM
  #50  
Team Owner
Thread Starter
 
doopstr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Jersey
Age: 52
Posts: 25,329
Received 2,048 Likes on 1,135 Posts
How does it authenticate purchases? You say the password?
Old 04-11-2016, 06:07 AM
  #51  
Go Giants
 
Whiskers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: PA
Age: 52
Posts: 69,901
Received 1,231 Likes on 821 Posts
There is a setting in the app
Old 04-11-2016, 01:16 PM
  #52  
Banned
 
CocheseUGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kennesaw, GA
Age: 44
Posts: 18,761
Received 960 Likes on 593 Posts
Originally Posted by doopstr
I'll admit, that video just made me order one today. Had to do it through the Fire TV app.

Shipping in August.
Old 05-12-2016, 09:01 PM
  #53  
_
 
AZuser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 18,692
Received 3,097 Likes on 1,867 Posts
Google's answer to Amazon Echo. Wonder if we'll see a demo of it at Google's I/O conference next week

Google?s answer to Amazon's Echo is code-named ?Chirp? and is landing soon - Recode

Google’s answer to Amazon's Echo is code-named ‘Chirp’ and is landing soon

A product team at Google is working on a hardware device that would integrate Google's search and voice assistant technology, akin to the Amazon Echo, Recode has learned.

Google's device will resemble its OnHub wireless router, according to several sources. We don't know if it has a name yet, but internally the project goes by "Chirp."



Google declined to comment. The Information previously reported that Google was plotting a competing version of Echo, a portable speaker with voice assistant tech.

Sources said the device is unlikely to launch next week at Google's I/O developer conference, but plans are for it to land at some point this year.

We should, however, get a peek at it and its potential next week — voice search and intelligent personal assistance will occupy center stage at the company's splash show, along with virtual reality.

Google has long had voice assistant tech in its Android phones — beckoned by the words "Okay, Google" — that many in the industry see as leading the pack. (People inside Google think so, too.) But it has yet to bake that into the home, a key growing marketing for Google and its rivals. Its OnHub router, released last summer, does not have voice recognition capabilities.

Amazon, on the other hand, has moved headlong into the home with Echo. One analyst estimated that Amazon has sold three million units.

And Echo is collecting the type of data — what consumers search for, listen to and buy, and how they talk to machines — that Google loves. Amazon has long been considered a big threat to Google's core business as web and mobile app users go to the online retailer for product searches.
Old 06-07-2016, 08:56 AM
  #54  
Banned
 
CocheseUGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kennesaw, GA
Age: 44
Posts: 18,761
Received 960 Likes on 593 Posts
So, I got my Dot yesterday.

Now what?
Old 06-07-2016, 09:31 AM
  #55  
Go Giants
 
Whiskers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: PA
Age: 52
Posts: 69,901
Received 1,231 Likes on 821 Posts
Originally Posted by CocheseUGA
So, I got my Dot yesterday.

Now what?
use and enjoy it
Old 06-07-2016, 10:36 AM
  #56  
Banned
 
CocheseUGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kennesaw, GA
Age: 44
Posts: 18,761
Received 960 Likes on 593 Posts
Just not that useful thus far. I may take it out and about in the car and see if that changes.
Old 06-07-2016, 10:40 AM
  #57  
Senior Moderator
 
thoiboi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal, CA
Posts: 46,874
Received 8,582 Likes on 6,629 Posts
Originally Posted by CocheseUGA
Just not that useful thus far. I may take it out and about in the car and see if that changes.
well if you wanna sell it,i'll take it off your hands
Old 06-07-2016, 11:02 AM
  #58  
Go Giants
 
Whiskers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: PA
Age: 52
Posts: 69,901
Received 1,231 Likes on 821 Posts
Originally Posted by CocheseUGA
Just not that useful thus far. I may take it out and about in the car and see if that changes.
You need internet
Old 06-07-2016, 11:28 AM
  #59  
Banned
 
CocheseUGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kennesaw, GA
Age: 44
Posts: 18,761
Received 960 Likes on 593 Posts
Originally Posted by Whiskers
You need internet
Oh. I've been using it as a coaster.
Old 06-07-2016, 11:42 AM
  #60  
Go Giants
 
Whiskers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: PA
Age: 52
Posts: 69,901
Received 1,231 Likes on 821 Posts
Originally Posted by CocheseUGA
Oh. I've been using it as a coaster.
Fancy
Old 06-28-2016, 12:05 PM
  #61  
Senior Moderator
 
thoiboi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal, CA
Posts: 46,874
Received 8,582 Likes on 6,629 Posts
I love that Echo keeps adding versatility.


I got a Honeywell Thermostat as part of the HVAC install earlier last year. Didn't want a Nest just yet and Honeywell has a TotalConnect Comfort app so i figured it was good enough for the time being. Alexa just added the Honeywell connection so now I can use her to turn my thermostat on

Old 06-28-2016, 12:28 PM
  #62  
Go Giants
 
Whiskers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: PA
Age: 52
Posts: 69,901
Received 1,231 Likes on 821 Posts
Its coming to Harmony, Alexia put on channel 503. Oh yeah.
Old 06-28-2016, 04:54 PM
  #63  
Team Owner
Thread Starter
 
doopstr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Jersey
Age: 52
Posts: 25,329
Received 2,048 Likes on 1,135 Posts
I saw a video yesterday of someone using Alexia to turn on and unlock a car. It may of just been a Ford demo, don't know if that is a production feature yet.
Old 06-29-2016, 09:22 AM
  #64  
Banned
 
CocheseUGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kennesaw, GA
Age: 44
Posts: 18,761
Received 960 Likes on 593 Posts
Just bought a TP-Link smart plug that works with Alexa. Have a couple of lights that I have behind my monitors, but the plugs are awkward to get to. Now I can just hide them. Testing it out tomorrow.
Old 06-30-2016, 11:41 AM
  #65  
Banned
 
CocheseUGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kennesaw, GA
Age: 44
Posts: 18,761
Received 960 Likes on 593 Posts
Originally Posted by CocheseUGA
Just bought a TP-Link smart plug that works with Alexa. Have a couple of lights that I have behind my monitors, but the plugs are awkward to get to. Now I can just hide them. Testing it out tomorrow.
Works well. You sign up for a TP-Link account, and then link that account with Alexa. Then discover any devices.

At $25, if you just need one or two things controlled (even lights), it's a good buy. If you're looking for a lot of lights, Hue might be a better route. Hope to pick up a starter set later this year.
Old 09-14-2016, 09:44 AM
  #66  
Banned
 
CocheseUGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kennesaw, GA
Age: 44
Posts: 18,761
Received 960 Likes on 593 Posts
Second gen Echo Dot announced, $50, open to everyone. Buy 5, get one free.
Old 09-14-2016, 01:15 PM
  #67  
Sanest Florida Man
 
#1 STUNNA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 43,365
Received 10,114 Likes on 6,105 Posts
I like the new ESP feature for having multiple echos in the house. When you speak to an echo and multiple echos hear you it determines which one is closest and that one responds to you. I have one in the living room and want to get one of these dots for the kitchen especially since it comes in white now.

People are selling 3D printed wallmounts for $8 on eBay I may pick one of those up too

Amazon Echo Dot Wall Mount Holder in White
Old 09-14-2016, 02:41 PM
  #68  
Go Giants
 
Whiskers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: PA
Age: 52
Posts: 69,901
Received 1,231 Likes on 821 Posts
I have two Dots and two Echo's, I dont think I need more. Or do I?
Old 09-14-2016, 02:59 PM
  #69  
Sanest Florida Man
 
#1 STUNNA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 43,365
Received 10,114 Likes on 6,105 Posts
Does the new ESP feature work with the 1st gen Dots, if not then yes you do.

I ordered a white dot for the kitchen
Old 09-14-2016, 04:22 PM
  #70  
Banned
 
CocheseUGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kennesaw, GA
Age: 44
Posts: 18,761
Received 960 Likes on 593 Posts
The 1st gen units are supposed to get a firmware update that enables it.

I don't get hanging it on a wall, though. That's just me.
Old 09-14-2016, 04:34 PM
  #71  
Go Giants
 
Whiskers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: PA
Age: 52
Posts: 69,901
Received 1,231 Likes on 821 Posts
I think I'm running out of rooms to need one.
Old 09-14-2016, 04:42 PM
  #72  
Sanest Florida Man
 
#1 STUNNA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 43,365
Received 10,114 Likes on 6,105 Posts
Originally Posted by CocheseUGA
The 1st gen units are supposed to get a firmware update that enables it.

I don't get hanging it on a wall, though. That's just me.
I'm thinking about mounting it up underneath my white cabinets in the kitchen so I can yell at it but it's not taking up precious counter space
Old 09-14-2016, 05:54 PM
  #73  
Team Owner
 
svtmike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Chicago
Age: 59
Posts: 37,661
Received 3,863 Likes on 2,030 Posts
I can't bring myself to buy a device that I have to talk to.
Old 09-21-2016, 07:52 PM
  #74  
Suzuka Master
 
mcflyguy24's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Oreland, Pa
Age: 41
Posts: 5,846
Received 24 Likes on 20 Posts
I need to get in on this Amazon echo game, my neighbor has one and along with his dots they handle pretty much all the automation in his apartment. That and maybe get a some sort of smart lock system/video doorbell monitoring system. I have a pretty decent wifi and wired home network set up, so maybe this is what's next for me.
Old 09-21-2016, 07:55 PM
  #75  
Suzuka Master
 
mcflyguy24's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Oreland, Pa
Age: 41
Posts: 5,846
Received 24 Likes on 20 Posts
Originally Posted by imj0257
Are these really useful? For what? I don't get it. Can't I just ask Siri?
If you have other smart devices, like thermostats, lights, etc they can act as a control center/hub. They have voice commands that you can program to do all sorts of things, plus they keep adding more features and functionality. Amazon hit it out of the park on this one I think, but it may also be that many people aren't ready for it yet.
Old 11-05-2016, 09:51 AM
  #76  
Team Owner
Thread Starter
 
doopstr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Jersey
Age: 52
Posts: 25,329
Received 2,048 Likes on 1,135 Posts
The following 2 users liked this post by doopstr:
#1 STUNNA (11-06-2016), Mizouse (11-15-2016)
Old 11-05-2016, 11:28 AM
  #77  
Team Owner
 
svtmike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Chicago
Age: 59
Posts: 37,661
Received 3,863 Likes on 2,030 Posts
Now that's a device I could talk to.
Old 12-08-2016, 10:14 AM
  #78  
Team Owner
 
Doom878's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Miami, FL
Age: 45
Posts: 27,883
Received 1,287 Likes on 952 Posts
Got a tap for $80 for Xmas. This is the portable one that acts like a "pill". GF plans to use it like in the shower and outdoors when we have people over.
Old 12-08-2016, 10:15 AM
  #79  
Senior Moderator
 
thoiboi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal, CA
Posts: 46,874
Received 8,582 Likes on 6,629 Posts



Actually that's a brilliant idea... Might have to pick one up for the shower
Old 12-08-2016, 11:19 AM
  #80  
Drifting
 
UlsterBoy13's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Austin
Posts: 2,355
Received 303 Likes on 243 Posts
Is echo compatible with Nest? or do i need to get the google home? i just wondered as the house im looking at has nest thermostats upstairs and down and lots of dimmer lights everywhere so would like to look into home automation if we go with that home.


Quick Reply: Amazon Echo



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:58 AM.