Amazon is opening up preorders for the Echo in the UK today, priced at £149.99 in the UK. However, Amazon Prime customers will be able to get £50 off Echo preorders if they order in the next two days.
*** What is Amazon Echo? ***
The Amazon Echo is a voice-controlled smart speaker, which incorporates Alexa – Amazon’s AI (similar to Google Now on Android or Siri on iOS). As you can see from the design of the speakers, they provide 360º omni-directional audio.It incorporates far-field voice recognition so that it can hear you from across the room.
Alexa can be used to answer questions on news, weather, traffic etc. The speaker can be used to play music from Amazon Prime Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn and others.
The Echo can also be used to control your smarthome, including lights, switches, and thermostats compatible with WeMo, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, Insteon, Nest, and ecobee smart home devices
*** Terms and conditions ***
- New and existing Amazon Prime members who pre-order Amazon Echo (“Promoted Product”) on http://www.amazon.co.uk during the validity of the offer will be eligible for a £50 discount on the full price (£149.99) of the Promoted Product (the “Offer”).
- The Offer is valid until 16 September 2016 at 5:00 p.m. or while supplies last, whichever is earlier.
For everyone asking what the differences between the two are, please see following link:
Kind of like apps for the Alexa, few examples of what can be activated.
- jaypee24
Top comments
Paperlantern
14 Sep 16152#11
"Alexa - do I need another gadget in my home?"
"Absolutely!"
*Ordered*
the porter to Ammo71
14 Sep 1658#3
Not yet not yet not yet not yet not yet not yetttttttttttttttt :wink:
benjai
14 Sep 1655#13
Sounds more like the missus :neutral_face:
dona3853
14 Sep 1647#28
And the bonus to this is that once all your friends and family have deserted you because they think you are a tool because all you do is show everyone who walks through the door, you can pretend it's your friend and have conversations with it and not feel quite so lonely.
All comments (988)
Ammo71
14 Sep 16#1
Any information on the echo?
the porter to Ammo71
14 Sep 1658#3
Not yet not yet not yet not yet not yet not yetttttttttttttttt :wink:
How do you get the £50 off, is it at the checkout?
Tejstar to Primed101
14 Sep 161#8
Yes, at checkout.
dcmcquade to Primed101
14 Sep 161#9
Yep. Is shown as £149.99 until you actually go through to the checkout then it shows you the discount. NOT for 1-click orders though I believe so be careful!
Tejstar
14 Sep 161#5
Thanks for the link. Instant pre-order at that price - I've been waiting for this to hit the UK for a while!
bigmike2028
14 Sep 163#6
About time it was released here
dcmcquade
14 Sep 168#7
Link live now, just pre-ordered at £99.99.
Do I need it? No. Do I want an expensive plastic gadget I can use to control my hue lights? Of course!!
ScarboroughKID
14 Sep 162#10
Ordered. Been waiting for this announcement and very pleased with the £99.99 price point.
no no no no no!!! unless this has a great speaker rivalling the other 100 pounds wireless speakers then this is just a joke that will get boring very quickly
benjai
14 Sep 1655#13
Sounds more like the missus :neutral_face:
anthony212
14 Sep 1612#14
I don't understand why you'd want to buy one of these unless you're one of the TV advert type families
Oneday77 to anthony212
14 Sep 163#16
If it is as competent as the Amazon TV voice search, then it would be handy.
Though My 4 Year old will have complete control and I won't be able to hide the remote.
CrispEditor
14 Sep 166#15
Am confused. Do they pay you 99GBP to have one, or do you pay them?
*Why* would I want one. Cant understand this at all. Do people really want every device in their house to talk to them?
Marekj to CrispEditor
14 Sep 164#59
Yes. I get lonely.
jai47
14 Sep 1617#17
Despite reading all the info about this - I still have no idea what use it would have for me.
Along with some discount codes:
Buy 5 get 1 Free > Code: DOT6PACK
By 10 get 2 free > Code: DOT12PACK
Enter codes at checkout.
Bluefusion
14 Sep 162#18
Just pre ordered the echo £99 and Dot for £49.
mikegrath
14 Sep 164#19
didn't need it...ordered anyway.
nickmorc
14 Sep 161#20
Another gadget ordered !
justonemorepie
14 Sep 161#21
I have two already. wonder if my kids would like them. at these prices they are a steal.
MonkeyMan90 to justonemorepie
15 Sep 16#561
How do you have 2 already when they aren't even released yet. This is a pre order
snugglepops
14 Sep 16#22
Drop it like it's hawt!
jaydeeuk1
14 Sep 16#23
Awesome, had built a raspberry pi version but not having to press a button to talk will be a bonus.
Will get one of these and probably a couple of dots to go with the hue and wireless sockets.
Warlax to jaydeeuk1
14 Sep 161#159
I've done the same :smiley: although check out snowboy, u can eliminate the button without constant streaming or resorting to pocket sphinx!
JustinJ
14 Sep 162#24
If you've got an ipad can't you do this by talking to Siri with iOS10?
magicpork to JustinJ
14 Sep 161#41
ipad won't be able to hear you a few meters away even in a very quiet environment... Echo can be used in a music filled room ..that makes a very big difference to me
dhod
14 Sep 164#25
I've had the US one for a while.
For anybody that isn't aware it's kind of an alernative, more natural way of communicating with Siri.
Simple questions/commands like:
"alexa, what's the weather like today"
"alexa, play the stone roses"
"alexa, play my top hits playlist"
as well as more useful commands
"alexa, decrease the temperature by 2 deg" (nest, etc)
"alexa, turn lights off" (hue)
etc
qwerta369 to dhod
14 Sep 161#110
..but you can do all this with your phone. This item serves no purpose.
papasb to dhod
14 Sep 161#224
There is going to be no jobs left for kids.
When I was young it was "hey, can you turn it over to channel 3" - which migrated to "hey, can you grab me the remote" ...
With this there is pretty much no value in children. Unless you still have issues with your chimney that is.
colin912 to dhod
15 Sep 16#486
Sounds like another gadget looking for something to do. I do not have a problem turning the thermostat down 2 degrees or flicking a light switch on or off. As for telling me the weather, what is wrong with looking out of the window? I have an alarm clock already and I play my music direct to my blue tooth enabled speakers directly from my IPhone. Not for me. I can thing of many other things to waste £99.99 on.
jaydeeuk1
14 Sep 162#26
Some good videos on YouTube on what it can do.
Combine with ifttt and it's pretty powerful.
nekoangel
14 Sep 163#27
Ok so what's the point in the full alexa? Isn't the dot just smaller, Cheaper and better if put with nicer speakers?
jaydeeuk1 to nekoangel
14 Sep 1634#29
Buy first, ask questions later.
Paperlantern to nekoangel
14 Sep 162#30
Pretty sure the Dot can't be standalone?
dona3853
14 Sep 1647#28
And the bonus to this is that once all your friends and family have deserted you because they think you are a tool because all you do is show everyone who walks through the door, you can pretend it's your friend and have conversations with it and not feel quite so lonely.
jaydeeuk1 to dona3853
14 Sep 166#32
Simple, add a raspberry pi modded to control front door lock. "Alexa, trigger front door lock on", and then they can't escape.
nekoangel
14 Sep 16#31
I probably will but you know curiosity.... Hah
wavefront
14 Sep 16#33
I’m rely tempted as I’ve wanted one for a long time but I think google home is likely to be a lot better, can anyone tell me when google home is likely to be released?
adamdevlin to wavefront
14 Sep 161#37
Apparently there is an event to announce it on the 4th of October, so hopefully not long after that. Im gonna wait and see how it looks as I would like the better integration with Chromecast.
jaydeeuk1 to wavefront
14 Sep 161#39
Trouble is, companies are more likely to work with Amazon than Google, and they have a pretty decent headstart.
DonkeyKonk
14 Sep 167#34
"Can you put porn on my TV"
Bad Actor to DonkeyKonk
14 Sep 161#217
I can with my Firestick, Kodi, and a press of the button for Navi X.
Great way to wake up in the morning :smiley:
Redfaction
14 Sep 162#35
How does the sound output of the Echo compare to the Play 1 or similar speaker systems?
mambas9
14 Sep 161#36
black or white flavour? arrrrgh!
shango
14 Sep 162#38
How loud do these get as speakers?
dhod to shango
14 Sep 163#40
the speaker is pretty decent for playing music, nice bass, tones etc. Enough to fill a room nicely without sounding horrid
dhod
14 Sep 16#42
Correct. Dot connects to the Echo and you can have your Echo in the lounge, and a dot in the bedroom, so you can still interact.
wavefront
14 Sep 16#43
Thanks for the head up.
Only a week after the amazon echo would arrive though I’m guessing that’s no coincidence amazon decided to release it ahead of the announcement. Hmmm decisions decisions…
Spakkle
14 Sep 16#44
damn it! £99 down now, but oh so excited!! :smiley:
iRomek
14 Sep 161#45
been waiting for this to finally come out in the UK... ordered!!!!! :stuck_out_tongue:
Pureego
14 Sep 161#46
What is difference between the echo and echo dot apart from style
BlueHorizonUK
14 Sep 164#47
Dot v2 (the one on the UK site) can be standalone. nothing in the requirements says you need the full size one.
magicpork
14 Sep 162#48
for people like me who has a bunch of Philip Hues and Logitech Harmony this is a godend as I can use it to control pretty much every thing in my rooms.
in the worst case, it's just an adequate BT speaker which happens to answer some very basic questions (weather, news headline, etc) ..
wavefront
14 Sep 162#49
I don’t know, amazon defiantly have the head start but google have the infrastructure behind them and for better or worse google know a lot more about me that they could leverage to make it more useful and though it’s a personal thing I’m heavily tied into the google’s echo system. I link the idea of telling google home to resume playing breaking bad and for it to switch on the TV and steam an episode to chromecast (just that little bit closer to living in startrec).
cjx
14 Sep 16#50
Had some credit so Ive ordered one. Says it will work with Hive as well so a bonus for me there.
mluton
14 Sep 16#51
Thank you bought.
Mr Hunter
14 Sep 16#52
Gonna look into this a little more. Do you need one per room?
nekoangel
14 Sep 16#53
See this is what I was thinking. apart from big alexa coming out sooner I can't see anything else I'm missing.
magicpork
14 Sep 162#54
Dot can be used stand-alone.. no Echo needed.
BlueHorizonUK
14 Sep 16#55
The Dot is basically the top section of the Echo and missing the long speaker. If not too bothered about the speaker and/or planning to hook Dot up to your own speaker setup then no need to get the full size Echo.
One does wonder if these will go down on Black Friday.
magicpork
14 Sep 16#56
Yep..pretty much the only difference is the sound quality..that won't make up for the difference of £100 (dot £50, echo £150) but at £50 (echo £100 w/ prime discount) it's a much harder choice
adsham
14 Sep 161#57
Just that it has the 2.5 inch woofer and 2.0 inch tweeter whereas the dot doesn't
Zarjaz2000
14 Sep 162#58
"Only one per Prime customer..."
Unless you order one black and one white - two for £200. Sold!
nekoangel
14 Sep 16#60
So what are people going to go for? Big or small?
Surely For 50 quid you can get a nice set of speakers to go with the small one?
Pureego
14 Sep 16#61
Why would you buy the echo £99, when you can get the dot for £49 what is difference apart from the speaker
BlueHorizonUK to Pureego
14 Sep 16#63
Only the speaker is the difference.
mluton to Pureego
14 Sep 16#64
A Noticeable lounge ornement, a show off piece of hardware. :smiley:
Babbler to Pureego
14 Sep 16#93
The dot are "extenders" for the echo - ie you need the echo for the dot to work... i think. lol
superdave14 to Pureego
14 Sep 16#328
My thought exactly, reviews say the speaker on the echo is t very good anyway but the mic pics up audio better on the echo over the dot
anthony69
14 Sep 16#62
Tempted, but think I'll save myself £100 and use the traditional methods
Pureego
14 Sep 164#65
cool thanks, i think i will order both just for the sake of it. Mrs may go mad but maybe I can tell Echo to
" switch the Mrs off " :smile:
JustinJ
14 Sep 16#66
May be a worthwile purchase then. Thanks
TonyLeMesmer
14 Sep 16#67
Got one from the states in December, the Dot looks nice for £49! Probably worth waiting to see what Google Home is like though first.
swelsbyuk
14 Sep 167#68
Alexa, don't ever play Adele.
jaypee24
14 Sep 161#69
Long shot.. but anyone know if the US version will get an update to work properly in the UK? I have one but there are certain restrictions as it is the US version (traffic updates, weather etc..)
vinty to jaypee24
14 Sep 16#74
I would imagine you will just be able to change address in the app and it will revert to UK settings. I am hoping so as I also have one from the US
vinty to jaypee24
14 Sep 16#76
I would imagine you will just be able to change address in the app and it will revert to UK settings. I am hoping so as I also have one from the US
its a good price but think i will hold off until the dot gets a discount. £35 or something like that
JustinJ
14 Sep 16#75
Are you sure you don't need an echo for a dot to work?
Ignore that.
One review said you did, but I just saw another which says you don't
mpazza
14 Sep 161#77
I cant see a 3.5mm out on the big one which is a shame as would be nice to have the option to plug it into something better sounding on some occasions.
jaypee24
14 Sep 161#78
I hope so!! I'm guessing we will need to update the version somehow. Will probably be available after release on the 28th! Ordered a couple just now either way :smiley:
SandLake
14 Sep 16#79
I got one from the US - anyone know when we can have an Alexa UK account?
CaptainSocks
14 Sep 16#80
How locked into the Amazon echo system is this?
All my music is on Google Play Music.
If it can access that I'm interested.
tek-monkey to CaptainSocks
14 Sep 169#83
Its from amazon, expect it to be tied up like a BDSM fanatic.
jaypee24 to CaptainSocks
14 Sep 16#85
cannot use google music, can use spoitfy premium and amazon music
DrHotUK to CaptainSocks
14 Sep 16#171
Youll have to wait for Google Home.. due to be announced next month! I ve already invested into google with Nest and also use Google Play... I just imagine Google Home is going to have tighter integration into android than Amazon will.
Robbo11 to CaptainSocks
15 Sep 16#357
Same here. Don't think this is for me.
austinc
14 Sep 16#81
i thought it was just the americans walk around shouting at their devices with a cheesy life's perfect smile. I would feel like a right berk if anyone was about. :man:
amour3k to austinc
14 Sep 16#84
Ahhhhhhhhhh, the Old Skool English in you cometh, huh?, hahahahaha.
It's interesting what you say though?, lol. :-)
amour3k
14 Sep 161#82
Might be time for an 'upgrade' then?, hehehehe (but, I could be wrong ..... ) :-)
silentplayer
14 Sep 161#86
That's all great, what does it actually do?:neutral_face:
yomanation
14 Sep 16#87
Awesome, now I get to be less active than ever!
To be fair, it's a nice novelty item, but I have no interest in it. Fairly affordable price, though, so heat added.
Haste
14 Sep 161#88
I'm looking for a new BT speaker...am I worth investing my money elsewhere, or is the echo good, especially for the £99 price point?
jaypee24 to Haste
14 Sep 161#91
To be honest, I have no complaints, I have had for around 4-5 months, works great as a Bluetooth speaker and the voice commands are useful!
austinc to Haste
14 Sep 161#98
Ive a feeling you are paying for the features rather than sound quality in this thing. I'm looking for a bt speaker myself, after a lot of review reading & video watching, the JBL flip 3 is looking like the one to go for for what i need. £80 on currys ebay at the minute.
Only 250 songs uploaded for free. After that you need Prime membership.
Yeah.
F that.
Think I'll stick with my free 20GB on Google Play Music thanks.
gsusx
14 Sep 161#92
Code not valid for me :S
mi5tery
14 Sep 16#94
There's also an additional £5 discount for those with Amazon Student - hence £94.99
NightHawk82 to mi5tery
14 Sep 16#99
My student discount is not being applied :disappointed: anyone else getting the discount?
Fredoo to mi5tery
14 Sep 16#118
Can you please tell me how I can use my student discount for this?
rapid111111 to mi5tery
14 Sep 16#133
Didn't get that discount and I'm amazon student
xeroc to mi5tery
14 Sep 16#180
Pretty certain Amazon branded technology products are excluded from the NUS discount scheme.
uczmeg
14 Sep 16#95
Seems they've let Spotify join the party too.
Of course you can connect to your phone via bluetooth and listen to Google Music, Apple Music or any other service too. But that's not quite the point.
iPlayer radio would be a nice one for them to add.
uczmeg
14 Sep 16#96
No the Dot v2 doesn't need you to have an Echo. It's an Echo without a speaker (well it has a small one so Alexa can talk back to you).
The Dot isn't available until October 20th.
nekoangel
14 Sep 16#97
Well I've pre order big alexa. Seeing as she has a discount now it seems the best option.
I'm more inclined by the dot Tbh so if the dot gets a reduction I'll probably sell the big one on or return it.
andysmoore
14 Sep 161#100
Sound quality is a bit poop apparently.
NitrousUK
14 Sep 164#101
Now if only it could respond to "Hello computer", I could really feel like I'm in Star Trek
TheMexicaliKid to NitrousUK
15 Sep 161#368
It can, there's an option to change the "wake up" command (definitely useful for households with somone called Alexa!)
jaypee24
14 Sep 161#102
Neither did I!.. just spoke to them on chat and they have said they will refund 5% when the order is processed.
HibaTosh
14 Sep 16#103
I have one from the US for months now, it is cool but the restriction to US only info like weather and traffic is just a bummer.
The kids love it as there are some good interactive games for it like spelling and what not. The mic is very sensitive and I don't need to shout or raise my voice for it to work. It really is cool.
Can't wait for the UK version to come out so I can use the UK app on it.
So you can control your Sonos speakers directly from Alexa once the update hits, no need to buy the full fat version with a potentially less potent speaker than your existing Sonos speaker (s) but control your music via speech on Alexa instead :smiley:
shabbird
14 Sep 16#106
can you tell it to play computer like files video etc..
mixtlupus
14 Sep 162#107
Can't afford it, don't like things listening to me, have no use for it, OOOOOOW Gadget, Bought it!
kennethsross
14 Sep 16#108
Thanks, OP! Another (hopefully useful) toy to play with!
ffa1
14 Sep 16#109
Just subscribed to Amazon prime so I could buy one for £99.99. Then I heard about the Dot available for £50 on 20 October so I cancelled the Echo and pre-ordered a Dot.
kennethsross
14 Sep 164#111
You sound just like my wife!
Point Blank
14 Sep 161#112
Didn't even know this existed until this post. Just ordered one. FML.
allowed to Point Blank
14 Sep 161#323
FML= fix my lighthouse
Rid1
14 Sep 16#113
Looks like a cheap pedal lid bin
YusL
14 Sep 16#114
Does family 16 work in conjunction with this product
Turns out that you in fact do not need Echo to make Echo Dot work, Echo Dot is the next version up. That's probably why Amazon are trying to discount the Echo, as they know the Dot is releasing not so long after.
EDIT: Maybe not - according to media sites who already have it.
theroninhunter
14 Sep 16#122
Not sure if I can justify £99 for a smart speaker. I can just stream my music to the TV through my bose speaker
ch1z
14 Sep 16#123
Ordered then thought are you joking another thing in the house which no doubt will ignore me so cancelled and will wait and see.... Like the idea but really it's a lot for a speaker and plan to stop my prime service so seems madness to buy this. Fun for ten minutes or until the kids get it saying rude things......
Solly92
14 Sep 16#124
Actor: "Alexa define annoying"
Alexa: "Me"
I really don't what anything in my house connecting everything heard to the internet.
fuzzy_logic
14 Sep 16#125
You can upload up to 250000 of your own songs for £21.99 a year. The price is the same whether or not you are a Prime member.
Abbottwaa
14 Sep 161#126
You've gotta be gullible to buy this surely. Joke product with little credible features.
... So it tells you the weather, well I'll be dammed. It plays some music via voice control.... Stop the press!
It turns on lights... Shut the front door!
benlondon to Abbottwaa
14 Sep 161#147
if you go beyond the basics they are many useful features, seems you don't know a lot about it at all, and I'm not talking about the features on the box
garbage456
14 Sep 161#127
I will be calling mine KITT.
Pondlife
14 Sep 165#128
It can't do that yet
jameshargadon
14 Sep 16#129
Get a Psyc Monic, I paid £35 and it's the best Bluetooth speaker I have heard. I can't believe it packs as much low end as it does as well as being clear and loud, but there's no voice commanding options but for the money you can't go wrong
jameshargadon
14 Sep 165#130
I was just thinking how different the comment section would be if this useless thing was made by Apple.
Pondlife to jameshargadon
14 Sep 161#145
Well it would be four times the price
furiousjammin to jameshargadon
14 Sep 165#242
That's because if it was made by apple, the last version of echo would have been forced into a crippling software update rendering it useful to make you update to the newest version for an extortionate fee deemed acceptable by them. So yes, people would be criticising if it was Apple.
But don't worry. I'm sure Apple will have a version along in 6 months time claiming they invented the idea.
CosmicTrader
14 Sep 161#131
Why did I just order one?
HedgyHoggy
14 Sep 162#132
Okay....so.....WHERE IS THE HAL-9000 VERSION OF THIS? I want the red eye and everything. And it has to be cheeky...
'Hal, skype Pizza Hut.'
'I don't think you really want to do that, Dave.'
'And what is that?'
'The toaster and I have been talking and we've both noticed some extra poundage in your midsection.'
'There's going to be some poundage in your power socket in a minute.'
'I understand completely, Dave.'
'Oh, and my name is Amelia.'
'Sorry Amy.'
'I SAID AMELIA!'
bigmo_uk
14 Sep 161#134
not that I'm paranoid.. but this means that you are paying to give Amazon the ability to listen to your house?
efem to bigmo_uk
14 Sep 161#136
so as for microsoft ( cortana ), google ( now ) , or apple ( siri )
Splashmo
14 Sep 16#135
This definitely feels like a gadget too far.
BorisBear
14 Sep 16#137
Shiny stuff.....must purchase
sjaddy
14 Sep 161#138
Does it listen in to your conversations/arguments at home and then take sides by remembering what each of you said?
HTFCLUKE
14 Sep 16#139
Have you linked your NUS card with amazon, When you go to checkout it should show the discount applied before confirming purchase,
supremejj69
14 Sep 16#140
It sounds cool, but really what is the actual point of this thing? My smartphone can do everything this can do, and it'll get it right the first time too!
stotherd
14 Sep 16#141
The release date isn't a coincidence - rumour has it Google will announce their version proper at the start of October.
Pspvita
14 Sep 16#142
I don't know about that but i think it can be hacked and do wounder full things.
HedgyHoggy to Pspvita
14 Sep 16#158
'wonderful things' possible 2010 reference...? :smile:
smarky1
14 Sep 16#143
The Dot seems like the better option. Echo is only good if you wanted a speaker anyway.
Sonos are adding support for Echo soon and I have a hue bulb in my room so this will be awesome to control it. Having to get my phone, unlock, Sonos app, search for song and then play is a pain. Just being able to use voice control is super useful as long as this works well when music playing.
However £50 is a little expensive when they just reduced the price to $50 in the US, we are starting to see some items priced at the same pound value as the dollar value, not good!
Pondlife to smarky1
14 Sep 16#146
Tech has long been around dollar=pound prices.
Sharpharp
14 Sep 16#144
Can it be used to play DAB radio stations?
jaypee24 to Sharpharp
14 Sep 161#151
I belive it can play from 'TuneIn'
gsusx to Sharpharp
14 Sep 16#155
Yes and no. It does tune in radio which is Internet radio which probably has all the stations you want.
smarky1
14 Sep 16#148
The Dot seems like the better option. Echo is only good if you wanted a speaker anyway.
Sonos are adding support for Echo soon and I have a hue bulb in my room so this will be awesome to control it. Having to get my phone, unlock, Sonos app, search for song and then play is a pain. Just being able to use voice control is super useful as long as this works well when music playing.
However £50 is a little expensive when they just reduced the price to $50 in the US, we are starting to see some items priced at the same pound value as the dollar value, not good!
Petetobin to smarky1
14 Sep 16#160
Brexit my friend, have you looked at the USD to GBP rate plus our price has 20% Vat which Amazon collect on behalf of the government in the US sales tax is added on top. US price is around £38 and ours is £42.
RUGAAL
14 Sep 16#149
I believe you have to own big echo before ordering small ones
gsusx
14 Sep 161#150
Ignore me I'm an idiot.
bigmo_uk
14 Sep 16#153
none of which I use and none of which are permanently in one's home, so?
jaypee24
14 Sep 162#154
Great news for people who currently have US version. I contacted Amazon and they called me back regarding this.
Once this goes live on 28th Sept, you will need to de-register you Echo and the re-register for it to connect to the UK version/cloud.
Happy days!
Turret
14 Sep 16#156
I'd hold out for Googles version. The Echo is going to be dumb in comparison.
I've played with one of these and it quickly becomes a gimmick. Siri and Google Now is far more capable/intelligent.
nictry
14 Sep 161#157
No you don't
pdwelly
14 Sep 16#161
Looks so cool, connects to hive also. One black and one white ordered at £99 each!!
rapid111111 to pdwelly
14 Sep 16#182
Do you think it'll work with Hive Heating 1 or does it need 2?
mikebuk
14 Sep 161#162
Can't go wrong at £99, if it sucks sell it on
DrHotUK to mikebuk
14 Sep 161#173
If it SUCKS.. ill have it!
SCOUSEKEVIN
14 Sep 16#163
Get off your **** and flick a switch LOL (that`s what my old man would say if he wasnt dead ) and as I am now a Grandfather I am inclined to agree. I read an article a while ago that said the Chinese (maybe Japanese) had designed a toilet that did everything for you, at some point one of them is bound to malfunction, SCARY
Vistrix
14 Sep 16#164
Can anyone recommend a decent speaker to go with the dot but not break the £100 mark?
Warlax to Vistrix
14 Sep 161#166
jongo s3 - then you're primed to fill ur house with them, thats what I have done, and am VERY happy with that decision :smiley: - check ebay u can pick them up for like £35-50
JustinJ to Vistrix
14 Sep 165#209
An echo?
CouchPotatoe
14 Sep 161#165
Those with US versions you can already fool them to provide UK time and location / weather / traffic etc ( but not Amazon Prime Music UK )
I've had an Echo and a Dot for some time and they are really fun gadgets - everyone in the family likes them and I have just got a couple more. Using Spotify and I also have them controlling my lighting and heating and even telling me who's calling on my telephone line (but this needs extra bits to accomplish). One of my favourite purchases.
loopie
14 Sep 16#167
Can the Echo control a Hue Led bulb directly, or do I need a hub? thanks
dhod to loopie
14 Sep 16#170
you need the philips hue bridge, if that's what you mean?
justonemorepie to loopie
14 Sep 16#197
you need a hub.
deany76 to loopie
14 Sep 16#259
can you sell @roadie and myself on this "Hue" it gets mentioned a lot whats the big deal about it - I don't get it?
Apparently I'm better with LED bulbs in the kitchen (all 4 blown). not sure if its that relevant but have wi-fi.
thanks
Plumbboy55
14 Sep 16#168
will this thing play BBC radio for free over the internet? could i come downstairs in the morning and say 'Echo, play radio 4' or something like that? been looking for a replacement radio for the kitchen/dining room. thanks in advance :smiley:
Petetobin to Plumbboy55
14 Sep 16#172
Yes you can and the voice recognition is very good and very quick.
Plumbboy55
14 Sep 16#174
Thank you very much for the quick reply. Deffo interested in this then.
GurneyFlap
14 Sep 16#175
Excellent, been waiting patiently for them to release it over here. The Prime member discount is the icing on the cake for me. Thanks OP.
Vistrix
14 Sep 16#176
Cool. Thanks! I'll check it out.
knack
14 Sep 16#177
So it's discount for customers who have linked their NUS card, not customers with an Amazon Student membership.
omgpleasespamme
14 Sep 16#178
I'd be interested in this if it didn't have to connect to the internet in order to work.
Sharpharp to omgpleasespamme
14 Sep 165#181
Without the internet, it would be cheaper to buy a tin of Pringles and paint it black and write "Alexa" on it sideways with Tipex. :laughing:. i.e. same ability
GurneyFlap to omgpleasespamme
14 Sep 16#199
So just a bluetooth speaker then?
robwdavies
14 Sep 16#179
I love a gadget as much as the next person but I'm struggling to see the point of this.
quidstretchy
14 Sep 161#183
Hey Echo, why can't I afford something with Siri?
hard123
14 Sep 162#184
After realizing that my android phone and possibly my moto 360 were recording my conversations at random points over the past year I'd probably not trust a Google device built around purposefully listening in.
I know the recordings are harmless In principle but it's still a lil bit closer to big brother than I'd frankly like
Daftfool666
14 Sep 161#185
Is this not to add the echo onto another room, rather than an equivalent product...
Petetobin
14 Sep 16#186
Correct
tighty
14 Sep 16#187
won't invest in them until they link to each other. I want this asy multiple room setup but they don't even sync. sorry amazon I will wait until they do
Magurdrac
14 Sep 162#188
As someone who lives alone, I think this would just make a creepy, depressing addition to my home.
sharkey63rd
14 Sep 16#189
would this fit in a ps4?
kruger99
14 Sep 161#190
Edward Snowden might as well give up.
suniil
14 Sep 16#191
Just ordered echo dot. I can confirm that there is no NUS discount. I hope this work with my Philips Hue, SmartThings & Hive.
justonemorepie to suniil
14 Sep 161#203
definitely works with smartthings and hue. mine does.
gledster
14 Sep 161#192
I must be among the minority who can't possibly see the need for this in my life. By the time I've said "Alexa...." I could've looked up what I wanted to know on my tablet.
Interesting technology but I can't see how it would be more than a gimmick for me personally and I'm fairly certain I wouldn't use it after the first week, if that.
thekitkatshuffler
14 Sep 163#193
Yep, that's how Echo works.
Pspvita
14 Sep 16#194
A dog is for life Alexa is fr life.
justonemorepie
14 Sep 16#195
wrong. both the v1 and v2 dots are standalone.
kg808
14 Sep 162#196
if you have ordered it, you can get a head start on configuring it here
TylerDurdenUK to kg808
15 Sep 16#536
Seems the app is not available in the UK yet.
fishmaster
14 Sep 161#198
Alexa close the curtains
Alexa bring me the rubber gloves
Alexa?
Alexa?
WTF?
Alexa send yourself back to Amazon
Pinksparkles1973 to fishmaster
15 Sep 161#409
Trust you to lower the tone! :stuck_out_tongue:
kemik
14 Sep 16#200
Can you sign up for Amazon Prime 30-day trial and buy it at this price does anyone know or does it have to be a 'full' membership?
Thanks
argosextra to kemik
14 Sep 16#229
I have Amazon prime 30 day trial and I went to checkout and got £50.00 discount so to answer your question you don't need to have a full membership if that helps
mbugsy18
14 Sep 16#201
Do Amazon Debit your credit card now or when it ships?
st2000 to mbugsy18
14 Sep 161#205
Always when it ships
deany76
14 Sep 16#202
these.are very popular in the US recently the CEO of SONOS John MacFarlane mentioned Echo and the future being this type of product
I buy mostly from Amazon due to Prime and 4 recommendations still on my account
massive SONOS fan
I'm in
No Quibble return - ordering
Thanks OP
PS
As had £40 credit got remote and WiFi plug - "Alexia turn light on in dining room" etc while in another room the later is discounted to.
Not a big fan of remotes but the Echo may be in one room and you can be in another with remote - seems like.a worthwhile 19.99 to me.
st2000
14 Sep 161#204
Sonos have already confirmed their speakers will work with Echo. However this will be done via an update in early 2017 I believe.
deany76 to st2000
14 Sep 161#210
That's great news, exciting times ahead
Cheers
mickclark to st2000
14 Sep 16#211
Any evidence to back that up.
I've looked everywhere and even messaged Sonos a few months back.
(Not doubting you) just would like a read :-)
LiGhTfasT
14 Sep 16#206
I dont use siri or google now and i've never pressed the voice search on my fire tv remote.
I guess this isn't for me.
deany76 to LiGhTfasT
14 Sep 16#212
the more I use Siri the more I like it. very gimmicky when launched now very helpful will try and find a link that helped 'win me over to Siri'
Neither did I but I love my Amazon Tap. If you just have a speaker, how do you get it to play music if you can't speak to it? Answer is you can't so you speak to it. We are tied to typing because that's all we have ever known. Voice Recognition is the future imho.
Hocus
14 Sep 16#207
Ordered and been waiting on this for ages. The cheaper dot needs to be tapped to work from what I've read. But if your a gadget guy this is awsome. Control lights as well as get reminders change your heating and get your shopping list through your voice :smiley: not to mention the play music of your choice. All voice command.
iant67
14 Sep 16#208
Any chance of uploading a pic of your transcript? Just got told the discount wasn't valid for Kindle products, and the Echo is a kindle product.
deany76
14 Sep 16#213
hope it works with Nest?
Not a deal breaker with future SONOS integration- would make life that little bit easier though
"Alexia turn heating on."
Isn't the biggest difference between the Echo and the Dot the fact that the Dot has to be pressed to start listening and the Echo is "always on"?
This also means that Echo is always listening.
/puts the foil hat on/
srw985 to mcdarius
14 Sep 16#225
Nope, the Dot is just like the full Echo and you don't have to press a button. They all have "microphone off" buttons for when you're discussing top secret stuff.
TonyLeMesmer to mcdarius
14 Sep 16#227
No the Dot is always on too, it's the Tap that need pressing.
john2020md to mcdarius
14 Sep 16#246
I was thinking that! I've ordered anyway one but I wonder if its really listening.. :smiley:
mickclark
14 Sep 16#216
Thank you mate.
That's freaking awesome.
tempt
14 Sep 16#218
On a single prime account, you can order one each of black and white versions for £99.99. Ebay, here I come!
westeight
14 Sep 161#219
Will this work if your daughter is also named Alexa?
deany76 to westeight
14 Sep 16#222
LOL
londonstinks
14 Sep 161#220
Definitely don't need one of these but definitely going to order one. Thanks op.
deany76
14 Sep 161#221
thanks so much to youself and st2000
Anyone fortunate enough to enjoy the SONOS experience if they watch the video and are 'on the fence' on pressing the button on an Echo prepare to be invest 99.99 great vid thanks
awesome as mickclark said
pidgeofcdf
14 Sep 16#223
like it but should I really spend £99.99 on it when I've got a Bose soundlink?
don't use Siri on my iPhone so can't see my using this new chick on echo
Sonos compatibility was the first thing I checked and I thought the same!
retrend
14 Sep 16#230
When do amazon pay us to have these and the dash buttons?
gsusx to retrend
14 Sep 16#239
When do tesco pay you for shopping there?
knack
14 Sep 161#231
Thanks for that link. This and Sonos is enough to make it worthwhile for me.
anonimousse
14 Sep 167#233
If you speak like you type then there is nothing to worry about ;--))
painty
14 Sep 161#235
Heat and ordered! Prime music, news, weather and integration with Hive! Oh and let's not forget the food orders!
deany76 to painty
14 Sep 161#237
Dont tell me there is "Just Eat" integration
"Alexia order the same order we had last week from Just Eat last Friday from Dine India - for delivery 7.00pm tonight, but two more pappadoms please this week "?
grtrekkie74656
14 Sep 16#236
exactly, i wouldnt trust Google not to use home to 'spy' on its users. I also dont like google. dont trust them with a barge pole
davidhanson90
14 Sep 161#238
"Alexa how do you spell deal. "
D.E.A.L
"Alexa order my coffee again"
Sure no problem.
"Alexa remind the Mrs I'm out with the boys tonight."
You got it.
"Alexa play my book"
Sold!!!!
For those saying their phone already does this, I suppose the thing to say is that the Echo does it way better!
calvinandhobbes
14 Sep 16#240
someone mentioned logitech harmony before. I have a harmony hub - can I use this with that? If so I'd be able to use this to control virtually everything in my front room. That would swing it for me.
justonemorepie to calvinandhobbes
14 Sep 161#245
yes you can use it with the harmony hub. There is a skill on the way out at the moment. currently I use an app called yonimi to interface between Alexa and the harmony. I say: "Alexa it's movie time" tv and blu ray turn on. correct input is selected in tv..lights dim and ac unit turns on. thats just a start.
roadie
14 Sep 16#241
What is Philips hue as I haven't read much about it? What's so good about it ?
xeroc
14 Sep 16#243
This is clearly a good 'price' - given it is 1/3 off the RRP - however I, like many on here it seems, am not sold on the utility of it as of yet.
It reads like it must have a pretty beefy DSP core. Any source code?
CrazyBob
14 Sep 16#257
I am tempted, but I don't know why
rmg
14 Sep 16#258
Ordered the Echo but having given it some thought I am going to go for the Dot.
Don_Mega
14 Sep 16#260
I have one. It's a bit like Siri at the moment, e.g. asking what the weather will be like or setting an alarm. I haven't set it up for Hue lights or electric blinds or anything like that, yet...
Sound quality, either via Spotify ("Echo, play Led Zeppelin" or "Echo, play 'Say it Ain't so Joe'") or through Tunein Radio is okay, but not great. Ideally, you'd connect it to your hifi, but on the main Echo unit, there's no output. I think the smaller model does have this feature. Incidentally, mine currently only wants to access Radio 5 live via Tunein, not recognising any other station...
Don_Mega
14 Sep 16#261
Would I buy one again? I'm not sure, but as others have said, maybe I need to look into what else it can do...
MBeeching to Don_Mega
14 Sep 161#263
Why not ask it? :stuck_out_tongue:
Eagerbeaver
14 Sep 1613#262
I didn't get this at first but realise it's for people who don't have a wife and are not fussed with having sex. I have a wife so don't need one of these as my wife can do everything Alexa can and gives me sex too. I will let her know about this though to keep her on her toes.
deany76 to Eagerbeaver
14 Sep 162#264
If I had a sense of humour like yours I may find your post funny.
chrisredmayne to Eagerbeaver
14 Sep 16#267
such a show off, you say you have actual sex with an actual real life lady ? well I am impressed !
TechBB to Eagerbeaver
14 Sep 168#271
Who are you kidding?! Either you're lying or you're only recently married because you're the first married man I've ever heard say "my wife" and "gives me sex too" in the same sentence! If you're recently married, I can assure you that come next year, you'll be buying Echo 2.0 and all her kids
deany76 to Eagerbeaver
14 Sep 16#284
And when you are at work I'm sure she is using her version of Alexia, so what comes around, goes around.
deany76
14 Sep 16#265
All the UK based "already have one - for my money they are not worth it" 'reviews' as they will be USA imports maybe hacked but 100% for USA accent so avoid these reviews -"have one of these already" unless they have a condo in USA but even then. UK accent. (as someone has previously and correctly mentioned).
Don_Mega to deany76
14 Sep 161#277
I assure you, my 'American import' unit recognises English accents just fine. The only thinkg that needs 'hacking' is to replace a line in the code to allow addresses outside of USA to be recognised. This enables a "What's the weather going to be like?" question to be answered for your UK address, temperatures in celsius, and a UK time zone recognised for "wake me up at 7am". I think your suspicions about these reviewers are unfounded.
_BANNED
14 Sep 16#266
Nope :disappointed:
bseal1947
14 Sep 16#268
Add this with Apple and ITunes and it would be freezing on this deal. Would cost £300 mind
TechBB
14 Sep 162#269
Have all the people flocking to buy this device thought of privacy implications? If you don't need to press a button to activate it, it's likely perpetually processing every sound in its vicinity in order to be able to decipher when you're talking to it. Even if that's not the case, the things you do intentionally say to it will most assuredly be stored and data mined.
Admittedly, I haven't looked too deeply into how these work but for those of you out there who may be a bit ignorant (I don't mean that in an insulting way) to how their data is used, it would probably be worthwhile to think twice and do your research before jumping on this gadget or any like it, for that matter.
As much as I love gadgets, this is one I don't plan to touch.
mario999 to TechBB
14 Sep 161#280
Amazon can listen all day long to me and the Mrs discussing whether to have spuds or mash for dinner. Don't give a damn.
solid
14 Sep 16#270
"Isn’t it nice to know when you get feature upgrades? Normally you have to subscribe to an email list and then actually read the email that tells you about the new features, or just look them up online when you remember. With the Echo, you can just ask:
Alexa, what new features do you have?
Whenever Amazon adds something new, they program an explanation into Alexa and she’ll give you all the details by just asking that question."
I'm another (insert name here - I'm seeing it as a negative) that went ahead and ordered.
I know it'll never be used, and with it would link with my Google play music..................
janner43
14 Sep 16#275
Scorching hot<3
I can't tell you how quick I jumped on this. Pre-ordered in White & can't wait until 29/9
Thanks OP...
Well I just started shouting Alexa at my bluetooth speaker and nothing happened at all, so I'm not sure you're right.
pedrosoares
14 Sep 16#281
I've had one for a while and I kind of agree with you. As a speaker, not worth £100. I'm hopeful that we the UK launch it will be come more useful.
philnwl
14 Sep 161#282
Ordered then cancelled. Basically a sub par Bluetooth speaker with a less intelligent SiRI built in . Only useful if you have lots of accessories like HIVE , HUE etc otherwise an expensive gadget.
Also apparently in the US the Echo shipped with a remote but here in U.K. You need to order separately for another £20 so not such a great deal in my humble opinion.
The Echo Dot at £50 is a more cost effective solution which you can connect to an existing speaker and provides same functionality but for £50 and can be controlled by voice or the app.
I personally will hang on for the time being...
justonemorepie to philnwl
15 Sep 161#361
The Dot is the better buy. the remote was only a freebie in the state's for the very first users. I had to buy mine like over here.
deany76
14 Sep 16#283
Have you tried all four major networks?
aeykeay
14 Sep 162#285
amazon gathering data for our safe future. feed amazon everything you want and like and on top of that PAY for it. No Thanks !
sm-1991
14 Sep 16#286
Oh wow, a £99.99 speaker that has a microphone on 24/7 connected to AWS? Listening in everything that is said around you, it has multiple sensitive speakers that can hear a pin dropped in a large room.
bennetm3
14 Sep 16#287
Ordered 2 echo's for £99 each and also a dot for £49. I will convert my current US echo over to uk as soon as i get them. They will be linked into my home automation system.
Don_Mega
14 Sep 16#288
Mine is down by the side of the bed. I still have to speak unnaturally loudly - it doesn't work if you mutter or just say something as an aside.
damadgeruk
14 Sep 161#289
My USA Echo understands Scottish with ease also. I'm happy with the upcoming support in the UK though mine is already in frequent use.
Razwaz
14 Sep 16#290
I currently have £20 DAB radio as an alarm/time teller as a temporary measure. I've been wanting a Bluetooth speaker and alarm and this seems like a quality deal. One question - if my WiFi goes down, will the alarm still work?
blackrat62
14 Sep 16#291
Got Sonos so dots ordered - awesome combination. Thanks for posting.
andyk
14 Sep 161#292
I have had an amazon echo in the UK for probably 9 months now which I purchased in the US. It sits in the kitchen and gets used daily for playing music and used often to set a timer. Throw something in the oven and say "Alexa, set timer for 30 mins". Also things like "Alexa, how many milliliters in a cup". I also have quite a few things around the house that the echo integrates with so found it a handy device. The speaker is adequate but not amazing, and would much prefer it to have a speaker output. I have a B&W speaker in the kitchen which sits next to to the echo which I use if I want to play something at a decent quality. I have now ordered an amazon dot and going to replace my echo in the kitchen with the dot, hook it up to my B&W speaker and take the echo upstairs. Thanks for the post!
magrawal
14 Sep 16#293
have you tried to jump first then see that you have jumped from the cliff, but unfortunately you won't be able to ask any questions... after that....
kirky666
14 Sep 16#294
Is it sold out? I keep pressing "Pre-order this item", but I just get a pop-up with some extras (remote and insurance) and when I click continue it just goes back to the original page with nothing added to my basket or orders.
kirky666 to kirky666
14 Sep 161#295
Must have been something to do with chrome - I used Edge and it worked ok
Sharpharp to kirky666
14 Sep 16#296
Try a different browser, flakey in Internet Explorer, works in Firefox :neutral_face:
CaptainSocks
14 Sep 162#297
Google Home looks like it's got this beat from what I've read.
Holding on for that!
Razwaz to CaptainSocks
14 Sep 16#301
Such as?
janner43
14 Sep 16#298
Guess it depends where you have your music etc. We have everything with Amazon - including Audible books
edcor9889
14 Sep 161#299
No,the dot does not have to work along with the Echo.Its a standalone unit in itself,the only difference being a smaller version and it can be hard wired to the speakers.
Dj CUE
14 Sep 16#300
Maybe I am being dumb but surely this is not smart, new technology! Siri has been around for years on a device that is in my pocket all day and I have used it probably a dozen times in the last year. This is similar and but for home use so has a couple of extra features like HIVE, HUE and WEMO. Surely it would be better if it could communicate with more, like fire TV, web calling (Skype), send text messages, take notes during meetings/lectures, etc. Or maybe these will come as updates. Personally I think Amazon need to try harder if they want to hear everything happening in my house!
fishmaster to Dj CUE
15 Sep 16#474
See post #302 where he/she says it works with IFTTT, if that's right then there's a awful lot you can do with it.
It's definitely correct, I'm getting this then :smiley:
1 echo and 2 dots ordered :smiley:. Been waiting for this for a while, and happy that they priced it sensibly at launch. Alexa is a surprisingly open platform and once linked up to ifttt or a similar service you can do an awful lot with it.
Got the main echo for my bedroom (replacing an aging alarm clock really), 1 dot for the Lounge to connect to my a/v amp and 1 more to go in the kitchen connected up to the cone speaker I got from a deal here a few months back. Should be a great combination :smiley:
I am regretting getting a cosy smart thermostat over a nest now but hey it should be trivial to write a suitable plugin to support it once the AVS api comes to the uk later this year so it won't be a problem for long :smiley:. I'm also hoping to find a way to get it linked into my ikettle...they idea of asking alexa to boil the kettle for me is a fun one :smiley:
Edit: and its that open extensible nature that makes this a much better proposition for many techies than Siri. You can't easily expand what Siri can do outside of apples tight control; you can with alexa (and probably with googles version next month).
WillowPAW
14 Sep 161#303
Will not buy, will not buy....... Rats, bought!
Petetobin
14 Sep 161#304
Nope, US version works fine with UK accents.
RUGAAL
14 Sep 16#305
Online review sites say you can only order it via alexa voice purchase or alexa amazon tv ,not sure why tho
knack
14 Sep 16#306
Had the same problem in Safari but Chrome worked for me.
Petetobin
14 Sep 16#307
Yes Tap is battery powered but stupidly needs to be "Tapped" even when plugged into the power. Otherwise the Tap might be the best of the devices due to it's portability.
Petetobin
14 Sep 16#308
I said that.
RUGAAL
14 Sep 161#309
That version is echo tap
justonemorepie
14 Sep 161#311
I'm in the uk with a couple of US Echod
jimbobaggins
14 Sep 16#312
The deal also works if you take the one month trial - even as a previous Prime subscriber. Mine lapsed a few weeks ago and I was waiting to see if they would offer a deal for restarting.
This will do instead!
Eagerbeaver
14 Sep 16#313
Seriously though, I really want to like this but it's not yet at the level that makes it worth dusting.
It's a step in the right direction and cheap enough but it seems to to be to home automation what the Psion Organiser was to PDAs.
kinnth
14 Sep 16#314
Can someone post up a good honest review of it as it seems superfluous
suarez777
14 Sep 16#315
How loud is the speakers compared to other mini speakers like Bose?
thecleaner
14 Sep 161#316
Wonder if the wife will notice when I swap the white BT speaker in the kitchen with an Echo?
Stoneslfc
14 Sep 16#317
Google Home should be released next month. Much more excited for it than the Amazon echo.
FunkyMonkeyDooDa
14 Sep 16#318
So the echo has a hefty pre order discount, but am I right in saying that the dot does not? Already ordered the echo, do you think it would be worth waiting til later for the dot though - thinking possibility of black friday discounts?
arbitrabbit
14 Sep 16#319
Much as I have a strong urge to part with £99.99, I do agree with others that if I look at the capabilities of my Google Now, I think Google Home should be better buy than Echo. However, if you aren't neck deep in Google's ecosystem, this might still be a good buy.
suarez777
14 Sep 16#320
google home is releasing soon and it will be much better
knack to suarez777
14 Sep 16#322
What will make it better?
Petetobin
14 Sep 16#321
You are right, I guess I meant voice will be the interface to the IOT plus the Alexa voice recognition is amazing. I can ask it to play the Mayo and Kermode podcast on Tune In and it gets it right every time.
stockdam
14 Sep 16#324
Maybe think about how much you wlll listen to if your internet is capped and you want to stream over internet at 320 Kbps. Ok you'll need to listen to a lot of music but some people may leave it on all of the time for background music and you may consume a lot in a month.
You can stream via Bluetooth but is the quality as good?
dps5pt
14 Sep 161#325
You used to be able to get the pig ignorant version of this for free with 2 packs of pringles
nascent
14 Sep 16#326
Think that was true for original Dot, but new Dot has no mention of requiring an Echo, also the buying options come with WeMo or Thermostat, n option to buy with Echo.
ukez
14 Sep 164#327
Samsung made a TV that listened in and Microsoft made an XBOX gadget that listened in the world and social media went mad.
Now Amazon (a sales and marketing company) wants you to pay them to stick a box that listens in to your friends and family 24/7 so they can:
1) Answer silly questions that you can already ask on your Windows 10 machines and mobile phones.
2) Give you the freedom to play music without having to search your track (Wooopiee)
3) Use other vocal information collected within your household to present you with more junk they can sell you. :laughing:
bseal1947 to ukez
14 Sep 162#329
I remember the Samsung debate when it would never turn off. How would you know if Amazon are listening in?
More scary. When they get hacked and criminals can listen to when you're away. Unlock your doors remotely. Or worse hear when your kids are at home.
Not for me. I'm out
CouchPotatoe
14 Sep 16#330
I believe that the Echo DSP is only loaded with enough speech recognition capability for the 'wake' word i.e. "Alexa" or "Amazon" or "Echo" and once that is recognised it lights up blue and sends the remaining portion of the request off to Amazon for recognition. If so that does preclude it eavesdropping as such. If you change the wake word it takes a little while to download and reconfigure so that's consistent with this implementation.
bseal1947 to CouchPotatoe
15 Sep 161#333
People hack and eavesdrop baby monitors for Gods sake. You think they wouldn't want to take control of something that is connected your alarm, locks, online accounts.
Oh the lights not on I'm sure the echo isn't listening. It's a setting for an LED. Wouldn't be rocket science to turn it off with the speaker on
ukez
15 Sep 16#331
Not for me either, before you know it they'll be convincing people to put black boxes in their cars next, oh wait.... they already did :laughing:
bseal1947
15 Sep 161#332
But they make you a safer driver.... No?
maxrlingham
15 Sep 163#334
Finally a woman who won't give me the silent treatment!
jrw
15 Sep 162#335
Dam it. I was on the fence with this until I saw the sonos integration coming soon.
Echo, dot and wemo insight ordered.
I hate this website sometimes.
wywywywy
15 Sep 16#336
I can't preorder - I click on the button and nothing happens. Anyone else?
knack to wywywywy
15 Sep 161#337
Does it open the pop up and when you press continue it just goes back to the product page? If so, use a different browser.
Awaken
15 Sep 16#338
I voted hot because I just bought one... I have no idea if I or anyone else will ever get £99.99 value out of it though :smile:
bseal1947 to Awaken
15 Sep 163#339
And people laugh at Apple users
gsusx to Awaken
15 Sep 16#385
I find this strange. It's like saying anyone who buys a bluetooth speaker for 99 quid wouldnt get use out of it ..... if nothing else you have a bluetooth speaker.... where's the issue.....
Conkruky
15 Sep 161#340
Anyone else thinking this would be so much cooler if you could change the name Alexa to Jarvis?
ukez
15 Sep 16#341
Since when, they don't stop you talking on your phone or crashing, they just confirm your travel, location and speed so the insurance companies can use all that (usually against you) when its time to put a claim in :laughing:
Chiptivo
15 Sep 16#342
Ordered, cheers
roadie
15 Sep 16#343
Is this for people who have fun with gadgets or is it for lazy people? Ordered nevertheless. Hehe
5Rivers79
15 Sep 162#344
Would never invest in an eco-system where the company is known for random account suspensions.
ukez to 5Rivers79
15 Sep 16#345
You saw watchdog too.. :smiley:)
me_lee
15 Sep 164#346
Completely pointless device for sheep with poor impulse control who have to have every gadget in their life.
Main difference between the Echo and the Echo Dot are:
The dot has a smaller speaker, has a 3.5mm audio out, and can connect to Bluetooth speakers
This is the new version of the dot which has 4 buttons and can work standalon . The old version couldn't.
tungle106
15 Sep 16#348
bought one
can't wait to talk to my virtual 'friend'
Schwarzenegger
15 Sep 16#349
Gimmick.
mk3
15 Sep 16#350
#1 Best Seller surely that should be #1 Best Pre-order
Awaken
15 Sep 16#351
Ah yes, but apple charge £99 for a Pencil. You think Siri in a can would be less than double this? :smiley:
DennisG
15 Sep 16#352
I'm far from a Luddite, but I know when to take a step back from modern tech and be satisfied with what i have
with social media it was Facebook - pre twitter/instagram/snapchat etc
with this sort of stuff, i'm happy to pull my phone out my pocket and check time/play a track/plan world domination
i am somewhat scared of how out of touch i will be in about 6 months or 9 years
Could I use it to get the music program on my computer to select tracks, CDs etc - Not through its own speaker but my HiFi which I have hooked up to my computer?
justonemorepie to png666
15 Sep 16#362
Echo dots a search on your network for Hue lights find them and you then use vibe to operate either individuals or groups of lights.
justonemorepie to png666
15 Sep 16#363
Echo dots a search on your network for Hue lights find them and you then use vibe to operate either individuals or groups of lights.
YusL
15 Sep 16#355
Just putting it out there. I like many people would've ordered the amazon Echo to then cancel the order and order the Amazon Echo Dot. Personally think this is the best choice. Then buy speakers for £50 or else. Honestly think this is the best way not going to lie.
StillTheFlyest
15 Sep 16#356
So this is how an android user feels when an apple deal goes hot.
I just don't understand why a Bluetooth speaker with an assistant at this price is a good deal with this much heat that's always nosy and eavesdropping.
But enjoy! Not voting cold.
Solly92
15 Sep 16#358
No it doesn't. It could stream audio 24/7 to amazon (or anyone else for that matter) and if you don't have a way of monitoring traffic on your network you would have no idea.
max84
15 Sep 16#359
nice spy box :smirk:
justonemorepie
15 Sep 16#360
ditto. my local searches work as well using Yelp.
justonemorepie
15 Sep 16#364
All three existing Echo models have always been freestanding.
deany76
15 Sep 16#365
SONOS owners question please - I have 4 zones and don't need any more speakers.
With this in mind am I best cancelling the £99.99 Echo preorder and waiting till October for the 2nd gen Dot? and save £50.00
I'm in no rush as the SONOS functionality wont be till next year.
Is the "Dot" basically an Echo sans speaker?
Thanks in advance
ps
I could maybe put the £50 saved towards another hub in another room (assuming I like the concept) and cancel the £19.99 remote as I'm not a fan of remotes. So 2nd Dot would be approx £30.00
dunwich
15 Sep 16#366
Ordered Echo and Dot.
deany76 to dunwich
15 Sep 161#367
Is the "Dot" essentially an "Echo" without the speaker?
What is the difference in the two products?
thanks
deany76
15 Sep 16#369
So you can change Hey Alexia to Hey X
X being anyword?
TheMexicaliKid
15 Sep 161#370
Yep, from amazon: Your Echo device is set to respond to the wake word "Alexa" by default, but you can use the Alexa app to change the wake word at any time
Can't decide between Echo and Dot...poor reviews for speaker on Echo and can't connect to my existing speakers when listening to music... but for Dot would need to keep it connected to speakers, so less practical...hmmm
jrw to TheMexicaliKid
15 Sep 161#375
You don't, it has an inbuilt speaker still, just a small one.
I have a 5 zone sonos. I'm getting an echo for my study and a dot to place in living room to give commands to for the sonos and the wemo I want to try.
fatreg
15 Sep 16#373
No, Alexa, Echo or some other name I forgot. but a choice of 3 only, not free reign.
jazlabs
15 Sep 161#374
The Dot will provide all the same voice control functionality, so effectively yes. The Dot does also have a speaker, so can reply to commands where appropriate, I'd imagine the speaker is not up to much though. The Dot also has a 3.5mm output, so attached to decent speakers will provide all the same capabilities as the Echo.
Basically, the extra £50 is for the 'upgraded' built-in speaker, everything else is comparable.
jrw
15 Sep 161#376
Get the dot. Has a little inbuilt speaker anyway.
None come with a remote.
As above I'm getting an echo for my study purely to try it. The dot will be for living room to control sonos and wemo depending how that performs.
michaeljb
15 Sep 16#377
the voyeur in me likes the fact she's listening for those 5 minutes I get every other Thursday night on even numbered months. kinky :stuck_out_tongue:
turbo_c
15 Sep 16#378
don't like the idea that its always listening to everything.
deany76 to turbo_c
15 Sep 161#380
I'm 100% certain that it doesn't listen to everything it "wakes up" on command. Like Siri - this has been discussed with Hey Siri a fair bit and its agreed apple are NOT listening in with Hey Siri enabled I believe tests have been done to prove this.
edit
Echo and Dot stream a fraction of a second of audio before the wake word.
Cheers
deany76 to turbo_c
15 Sep 16#395
Good article.
Also addresses your valid privacy query.
"The speakers are deliberately designed not to send data back to Amazon's servers unless there has been a wake command or button press."
cheers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-37351342
You can get BBC , Sky news, National rail info etc
These skills are being added regularly. They have developed more skills in US which come to us on the UK
Just found out there is dedicated support line for echo and dot to assist in queries around home automation.
This is a product this is being continually developed so Google and Apple will be playing catch up
Not just a dumb blue tooth speaker !
knack
15 Sep 161#383
Do you have a play 5 or connect in the room you will use the Echo in?
deany76
15 Sep 16#384
Yep, if you are unsure whether to go the Echo or the Dot route ask yourself "have I enough speakers already"
SONOS owners who don't need another speaker in a room would appear to be better off with a "Dot".
gsusx
15 Sep 161#386
Yeah i kinda agree, the google home platform is locked down with no access to 3rd party apps unlike alexa.... it's gonna be a pretty walled garden for a while... i'm very much intergrated into googles eco system but for me the big seller with the alexa is tune in, sonos and national rail apps.
deany76
15 Sep 161#387
Hi
My SONOS system:
• 2 x Play 5 1st gen - dining room
• 1 x Play 3 - kitchen
• 1 x Connect amp + Wharfedale diamond 10 - living room
• 1 x Connect amp + Wharfedale diamond 10 - main bedroom
I was going to put the echo in the living room but then thought, hold on I don't need the speaker as I've got SONOS!
Have cancelled the Echo and remote preorder and ordered a Dot (didn't realise it has a small built in speaker for "talk back") for the living room.
With money saved may get 2nd dot for dining room next year when SONOS integration occurs.
Cheers
ps
My SONOS zones were added over a number of years starting six years ago. Plus I haven't watched TV in 7 years so I guess music is my passion.
solid
15 Sep 16#388
I've been thinking about which one of these to get and I'm coming to the conclusion that the Echo offers more (than just a BT speaker) for the extra money.
The Dot is cheaper, but you have to consider the additional speakers, and the extra complication of cabling it all up.
I guess it all depends on the location. If this is to be used in the kitchen, the Echo makes sense. If you want this functionality in the living room, where you may already have something already, the Dot makes more sense.
I don't think it's just all about the base cost..
deany76 to solid
15 Sep 16#390
I can see a lot of Dot owners investing gradually in SONOS zones, really depends on your sound system at present.
ps
The Play 1s are awesome
I really hope I like the "Dot"
I must say though Alphabets Nest and Nest Protect are excellent and their outside Nest Cam just launched in the last few days and out of stock in the US launching in the UK in a few months looks really good (no subscription needed).
yeah second that play 1's are probably one of the best things ive bought in the last ten years
cajogos
15 Sep 163#393
ordered! not because I really need one now but had to considering it's a 1/3 off :wink: I would have eventually regretted it
Zatos
15 Sep 16#394
Another way for higher ups to listen in on you.
foxyuk
15 Sep 161#396
Ordered on impulse. Got 30 days to return so no brainier
Crossy to foxyuk
15 Sep 16#401
30 day unused return not used.
captainbeaky
15 Sep 16#397
Good little article. The last few paragraphs are a bit worrying.
foes4you
15 Sep 16#398
will be on ebay for a tenner next week
solid to foes4you
15 Sep 16#433
I'm waiting for Amazon Warehouse.
Loads of you who have bought it will be returning it, so I will pick up one of those :man:
Pinksparkles1973
15 Sep 16#400
Your poor missus! :wink::smile:
toonarama
15 Sep 161#402
Would this be able to connect to the Music folder of my NAS and play songs that I tell it to play or can it only play songs on Prime Music, Spotify, Tune In, etc.
abaxas
15 Sep 16#403
Does my bum look big in this....
Yes.
NitrousUK
15 Sep 16#404
Yeah, but I read the only other options are "Echo" and "Amazon"
mmuk99
15 Sep 16#405
Looks awesome - might get one!
bally12345
15 Sep 16#406
Didn't bother reading all the comments but I'm planning to use this with Philips Hue, hopefully some Fire TV integration and check out the possibilities with IFTTT and nest products. Already a long time prime member I'm sure it will be great addition especially if it makes ordering my regular Amazon Pantry quicker and easier even better.
qwertychris
15 Sep 16#407
Was considering a WiFi speaker for the kitchen, so gone for this instead to give it a try. At £50 off, should be able to get my money back if it turns out to be useless.
Jaspabt1
15 Sep 162#408
I've ordered the Dot. The Alexa part is what you're investing in here as that is future proof. The speaker on the echo doesn't seem to get great reviews and is one of the components I imagine will be upgraded more regularly. The fact I can hook the Dot in to any of my home speakers sold it for me, as it doesn't seem the echo can. I don't know why, but I think the Dot will only go up in price or stay flat. Also the Dot is only being delivered on 20th October, so hopefully after the google home announcement. I can cancel then if google home is awesome.
Wonder if automatically relays all your family and house conversations to the authorities and other agencies hired for surveillance?
toonarama to whizzkid11
15 Sep 161#413
Only if you are talking to Alexa and saying something of interest. Should be safe.
poison3k to whizzkid11
15 Sep 163#414
If it does then I feel sorry for the poor person who has to listen to our conversations about Peppa Pig and Fireman Sam all day.
deany76 to whizzkid11
15 Sep 162#418
Yes my surveillance agent would end up in a mental hospital with some of our family discussions! or die of boredom one or the other!.
cosuk625
15 Sep 161#412
Resistance was frutile :confused:
Did I need it ? Not really
Did I want it ? Oh yes
I can see potential with this device for doing lots of things (well that's my excuse) :stuck_out_tongue:
Pinksparkles1973
15 Sep 163#415
So say you have this in your living room, maybe a couple called Alex & Alexa have one, get a bit frisky and start talking dirty to each other or gettin jiggy shouting in the moment random naughty stuff.... does this amazon bird join in and it turns into some kinky threesome??!! :confused: :smile:
mergleb
15 Sep 16#416
Is it stereo?
toonarama
15 Sep 161#417
...and that's why it's called the Echo...
cicobuff
15 Sep 161#419
Not interested in a personal assistant until Alexa looks like this...
cosuk625 to cicobuff
15 Sep 162#457
Also you will need the "Special Code" :smile:
deany76
15 Sep 16#420
I would love to see the reaction from the Americans from posts on this deal about their Echo. :confused:
remainz
15 Sep 16#421
"360º omni-directional audio" = mono
ozzmosiz
15 Sep 16#422
What can this do that your Phone "Ok google" can't ?
I'll let you in to a little secret. The Sonos Play:1 actually has a microphone within it, as does the new Play:5.
In terms of the Echo, I really am on the fence with it, though only the dot is of interest.
My home is fitted with Hive and has 4 Zones of Sonos, an Arlo CCTV setup and some smart lighting, but even with that, I still find it hard to justify - most of the things I can achieve with IFTTT recipes, but also with a smartphone you just have so much more control and a much greater amount of information available.
The only feature I really liked was the story book reading for my daughters room, her being able to control that with her voice would be kind of neat, but Alexa is then replacing a role that's more about me spending time in the last light reading her and comforting her... a weird notion.
Chips4Tea
15 Sep 16#425
a couple of quick questions if anyone can help:-
1) Does this incorporate iplayer radio, if i want any DAB stations?
2) Do you need Spotify Premium or will the free version do?
Thanks
deany76 to Chips4Tea
15 Sep 16#431
Hi
1) Yes Tune In Radio (2nd row 2nd icon) not sure about BBC iPlayer
2) see post #434
ihotuk to Chips4Tea
15 Sep 16#432
you definitely need spotify premium, not sure about DAB stations, but It will play uk radio stations via tune in app or from web streams.
nascent
15 Sep 161#426
Well, if this couple has a fetish for talking dirty about ordering food, then you're amazon fresh bill is going to end up being quite high.
The_Hoff
15 Sep 162#427
Or, move 5ft in either direction and achieve the same thing.
Hibbers1
15 Sep 16#428
Rude word - ordered it no idea why? - Especially have just read Lee Childs 'Make Me' all about a nutter who hacks people by way of their own 'smart' technology in their appliances with some nasty results. Big Brother is here to stay though so what the hell..................!
reddychvb
15 Sep 16#429
Shame, there is no student discount...:neutral_face:
Cezza
15 Sep 16#430
Soooo don't need another gadget.........ordered :smile:
stedav25
15 Sep 16#434
I personally wouldn't trust any of these so called "smart" devices. Where has privacy gone. I reckon people will be able listen in anytime, maybe even spy if hidden cameras. Won't be long before the machines become aware like terminator! They will know everything!
king132 to stedav25
15 Sep 1610#439
Scotland Yard, MI5 and the FBI also regularly monitor all messages on these HUKD forums.
They are particularly interested in the people who have privacy concerns as they are usually the same people with things to hide.
Quick close your HUKD account and go hide under the staircase...
gsusx to stedav25
15 Sep 16#467
Privacy hasn't gone anywhere. But if you want to have any chance of these items working as expected they need to learn about you to tailor the best service for you. Why is everyone so paranoid nowadays that everyone is out to get them. If i have a conversation with my other half about lawn mowers and this hears it and decides to send me a mail with some of the lawn mowers they have for sale what do I care.
topsup
15 Sep 16#435
I saw this post then saw it being used in the latest episode of Mr. Robot. Crazy!
stedav25
15 Sep 16#436
Madness, not watched any of them yet, good?
topsup to stedav25
15 Sep 16#438
I personally think it's one of the best shows on at the moment. Definitely worth a try, especially if you have Amazon Prime. Reminds me a lot of Fight Club but with hackers.
reddychvb
15 Sep 16#437
Can it change the Sky or Virgin Media TV channels...:stuck_out_tongue:?
labbey
15 Sep 162#440
Hi Echo - how much can I sell you for on Ebay?
pjazzy
15 Sep 16#441
Not sure if its been mentioned. You cannot connect your phone to this to allow handsfree calling. They do offer a limited function if you use some third party service but its not native to the speaker. Its a shame as I needed this function primarily.
deany76 to pjazzy
15 Sep 16#452
Skype or similar audio only hopefully one day.
bigbak
15 Sep 161#442
It'll probably be £120 then as the normal price is £150.
I ordered it and cancelled it. I don't use my phone for all this automation so can't seen me using this.
jamesmoorers
15 Sep 162#443
Do I need it? No
Do I want it? I guess
Did I order it? Absolutely
If Amazon want to listen to me watch TV and all the other mundane stuff I get up to then they can be my guest.
topsup
15 Sep 16#444
I know they showed it prior but it's also in the latest episode (pyth0n-pt1). While it's with the theme, I don't know if it would go down with Amazon very well :smile:
Petetobin
15 Sep 16#445
If have kids called Amazon, Echo and Alexa then you have bigger problems than worrying about waking your speaker up by accident! I bet you can hack it as well.
So in a nut shell the Dot is the Echo without the speaker? Does exactly the same thing? And i can just plug it into my creation roar Bluetooth speaker?
TheMexicaliKid to sprite127594
15 Sep 162#453
Yes, Yes and Yes... Echo is currently £50 more for a crap speaker and no Bluetooth or 3.5mm output. When it goes up to £150 can't see any reason for the Echo, Dot V2 seems the way to go
dorito
15 Sep 16#450
I'm surprised this isn't a v2.0 model of Echo. It's been out since 2014 and I'm really hoping they've beefed up the innards two years later. They got the Echo Dot 2nd Gen out soon, so why would this not have had a bit of an overhaul?
mark9000 to dorito
15 Sep 162#459
Generation 2 of the Echo is supposedly due in November just after Black Friday, this "deal" is just about clearing out old stock. You will be left
Holding the bag on the echo.
deany76
15 Sep 16#451
"Alexa devices have only three words that will wake them: Alexa, Amazon or the name of the device (Echo, Dot or Tap). If you want a truly customized wake word, you're sadly out of luck."
So the options are:
Echo owners:
Hey Alexa
Hey Echo
Hey Amazon Dot owners:
Hey Alexa - I could see myself saying Alexia for some reason and thats out as rhymes with dyslexia
Hey Dot - out as I think of Dot Cotton
Hey Amazon - favorite
I'm going for "Hey amazon" on the dot as I like amazon.
thats the one the UK are getting gen 2 of the Dot in October
Cheers
hcc27
15 Sep 16#458
Are you sure their head start is 'defiant'? :-) And Google's echo system sounds wrong on so many levels.
GreatBallsofFire
15 Sep 161#460
Also, the dot has the advantage (IMO) of being powered by a micro USB connection so much more flexible as regards power supply - you can operate multiple usb-powered devices off of a single multi-usb port power adaptor.
deany76
15 Sep 161#461
So even more reason to opt for the up to date 2nd gen Dot.
And a LOT of cancelled Echo's (rightly so) after your excellent info.
MJ10
15 Sep 161#462
Soon to work with SONOS... YAY :smiley:
deany76 to MJ10
15 Sep 16#465
SONOS + DOT✔︎
SONOS + ECHO❌
ECHO ❓see post #461 if reliable source
deany76 to MJ10
15 Sep 16#490
Post #487 and a Dot may help.
GreatBallsofFire
15 Sep 161#463
I have to agree - the Echo only makes sense if you also want the bluetooth speaker capability.
The dot is much more flexible - usb powered, built in speaker for audio interaction plus bluetooth and 3.5mm audio output for higher quality.
And 1/3 the price (when the Echo discount ends).
dorito
15 Sep 16#464
:smirk:Cheers for the info... looks like I'll be putting it on Ebay before November then. :smirk:
deany76
15 Sep 16#466
Excellent point I've got micro USB in most rooms so could relocate device far easier.
deany76
15 Sep 16#468
"Echo and Dot stream a fraction of a second of audio before the wake word"
You'd have to speak faster than John Barnes!.
gsusx
15 Sep 161#469
And we all know no one speaks that quickly.
ybrett23
15 Sep 16#470
Do I need ? No
Do I own ? No
Should I buy ? No
Ordered lmao
GreatBallsofFire
15 Sep 16#471
You can get much better Bluetooth speakers for £99 (or £149 when the 2-day discount ends). And as the Dot is only £49 that means you can spend £49-£99 on a bluetooth speaker to use with it.
MaxRazor
15 Sep 16#472
Not for me as I already have a woman in the house that talks to much !!! But heat added for op.
For those that don't have a woman in the house this is a fine way of finding out what it's like after a while & you have the option of switching it off.
jonnyh132
15 Sep 16#473
I understand people saying it's expensive and you are paying for the features, but the sound quality is good unless you are wanting to really crank it up. But in a place like a kitchen this thing is extremely useful, dirty hands while cooking? "Alexa next track/volume up"
I'd you are just wanting a general speaker, then you are in the wrong place, but I'd you would use the features, it's a steal at £99.
The_Hoff
15 Sep 16#475
The key is in the word secret... The Play:1 contains a microphone (unused as yet).
nekoangel
15 Sep 16#476
Even I am considering changing my pre order to a dot and I don't have any speakers for it.
Downside is you need two plugs worth of power instead of one with echo but I was thinking about getting a 2.1 usb powered system and then using a wallplug with two outputs.
So as of right now I can't see a reason to buy the big echo at all except from its one power socket and not two.
For me that would bring the total cost to 65 and give me the chance to cancel if Google offering is better.
Gort1951
15 Sep 161#477
All fun until the adverts start.
deany76
15 Sep 16#478
Those on capped data plans the Echo and Dot according to amazon.com type bandwidth under echo question - they use minimal amount when idle.
daver77
15 Sep 161#479
So the dot does have a little speaker for the voice, just not suitable for music?
I'm interested in this for voice activating Sonos so won't need Echo to play music
it's ok for music. There bluetooth speakers for the same price that don't sound as good. obviously it's better to use a stand alone speaker though. I use mine with an LG H7 and it sounds good.
ozzmosiz
15 Sep 161#480
Can you voice activate music in your own library, for example stream it from a NAS box?
defoe188
15 Sep 16#481
Thinking of getting the Amazon Dot - can anyone recommend any good speakers that would be compatible for a budget of roughly £80 - £100?
justonemorepie
15 Sep 16#482
sonos will work with echo or dot. you will use your echo / dot as a control device not to stream too. the sonos already has that capability. amazon are simply adding voice control.
"Dots are finally shipping again (backorder is slowly clearing) and I got one this past weekend. I have it connected to the line in on the CONNECT:AMP in the master bedroom. Room settings are set to automatically route the line in to the master bedroom Sonos zone (not breaking grouping for when I have that also grouped to the master bathroom). With experimentation, I found that setting the line in sensitivity to 8 (portable speaker) made the Dot at max volume be about the same volume as when I play music directly from Sonos. Since I use the Sonos app to control volume, I figured it was easiest to just leave the Dot at max and I don't have to keep adjusting the volume depending on what service is acting as the audio source. I also configured the Dot to play its tone when voice response is activated, so that Sonos has always woken up and switched to the line-in input before the Dot says anything meaningful, so there is no clipping on the start."
Will work with SONOS CONNECT AMP and SONOS CONNECT
Also line in
Play 5 1st gen
Play 5 2n gen NOT
Play 1
Play 3
but if you have a zone with just one of these four SONOS products:
SONOS CONNECT AMP
SONOS CONNECT
Play 5 1st gen
Play 5 2n gen
and its near where you want the Dot located it will work with a Play 1 and Play 3 zone overall.
NB Above is a "work around" full SONOS integration with Dot due 2017
Wars16
15 Sep 161#487
Upon nosing through info for the Echo I've just discovered Amazon's
'Dash Button's'. Oh my god. This takes laziness to a whole new level.
Don't get me wrong I use tons of google (google apps for business & gmail) & I'm interested in home automation but Google already scan all our emails , note locations , list freinds and log all purchases & browsing , last thing I want is them in my home too :smiley:
omz89
15 Sep 16#491
Sound Bar + Iphone = Bluebooth
Sorted.
chompyrud
15 Sep 16#492
how many people got their student discount with this - mine didn't apply, so i contacted them but they said as there's already a discount on it it can't be added - Earlier in the thread people said they had it applied - what's the beef with that?
squidworth to chompyrud
15 Sep 16#521
Sadly the 5% Student Discount code finished on 31st August and is no longer valid for anything :disappointed:
Dj CUE
15 Sep 16#493
Sounds like it could be used for more but Amazon haven't advertised it so I am dubious that it would work flawlessly. Maybe if it is developed then it could be great but I think amazon are wanting the users to develop it for them.
daver77
15 Sep 16#494
I wonder if the Echo/Sonos integration is available for Sonos beta testers
Jefft
15 Sep 167#495
Someone with an iPhone complaining about wasting money. Now I have heard everything.
deany76
15 Sep 16#496
Almost certainly will be not sure when. I am signed up but my system is working flawlessly so will try the 'work around' and hold out for official release next year.
Also had bad experience on iOS 9 beta so I'm not as brave as I once was with betas!
cheers
Bastardo
15 Sep 16#497
just like having your own personal spy
dirtysnypa
15 Sep 161#498
You need an echo in every room to make this truly useful.
deany76 to dirtysnypa
15 Sep 16#499
I was thinking the same they are doing buy 5 for £200 a tad too much for an untried 'luxury' product.
Will wait and see with just the one for now.
scgf
15 Sep 161#500
That's what I'll be doing - the Dot isn't available until late October so having the Echo will be a chance to see how it works for me.
deany76
15 Sep 16#501
you okay with post #461
scgf
15 Sep 16#502
Not really, lol. Caused me to waver a bit, but I'm thinking version 2 won't be available for £99. What about you?
scgf
15 Sep 16#503
This put me off version 2:
"Amazon is making the new version chargeable via a docking station, but it'll need a button-push to respond to voice commands. Amazon ditched the always-on aspect (which some Echo owners were critically of) to preserve battery life."
I don't want to be pressing a button, and the size is said to be about the same as a beer can so I doubt it'll sound as good. Also I definitely don't want something else to be charging up all the time.
daver77 to scgf
15 Sep 16#505
Kind of defeats the object of the device, it should be hands free
deany76 to scgf
15 Sep 16#511
The dot 2nd gen with a nice blue tooth speaker sounds a better option.
The always on functionality surely was the main feature.
If you have to get up and press a button you may as well turn the lights down and thermostat down.
Thanks for posting what are amazon playing at?
ps
were the owners critical due to Privicy issues - low bandwidth cant think of any other reason
deany76 to scgf
15 Sep 16#514
you sure that there isn't just a manual over ride now for folks who may have had privacy concerns
ie
Option one always on 'Hey Alexa'
Option two switch off always on (via app) manual button now needed to activate. This seems more realistic to me, plus keeps everyone happy.
Petetobin to scgf
15 Sep 164#526
That's a description of the Echo Tap which is not being launched in the UK, completely different Use Case to the normal Echo.
justonemorepie to scgf
15 Sep 16#583
that is from an old report before the Tap came out. the Tap is what it refers to.
Sitzmark
15 Sep 16#504
Do I get this or wait until the Google Home arrives...
...which has no details by when it will be available, just so I can say, 'add almonds to my CostCo list'.
'CostCo List'.
'CooooostCo Liiiist'.
Can you change the batteries in this or is it like the Dash buttons?
BerZerk
15 Sep 16#506
Alexa... make me a cupa tea..!! or better still... Alexa call work, say i'm sick!
olly_g
15 Sep 161#507
ordered the dot instead
deany76
15 Sep 16#508
Hi
I bought an Echo yesterday and then realised that I didn't need the speaker.
As I have Sonos.
So cancelled the pre-order.
If I did need the speaker and had known about 2nd gen on November 25 I would still cancel as its a 'luxury' item that will soon be old tech.
I'm going for the Dot 2nd gen with a view to add another.
If I didn't have SONOS I'd still get a Dot now and use this speaker I got for £16.00 last black Friday https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GZC35YK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- amazing for the size. Shame its not less - price may come down between now and Dot launch with a camelcamelcamel track
edit
After reading @scgf post #506 I wouldn't have an Echo.
RCUK
15 Sep 16#509
Ordered it... to Amazon locker.
Delivers on sept 29th... locker keeps it til oct5th.... that way i can check reviews and if its not for me... just don't collect it, and amazon refund it - but if it is.. i save £50 :smiley:
Petetobin to RCUK
15 Sep 161#527
Why not read the reviews on Amazon.Com or ask me, it's very good.
sprite127594
15 Sep 161#510
Dot ordered
Will be plugging it into my creation soundblaster roar and controlling my hue lights.
Not sure if you can change the 'scenes' on the hue lights with it though.
fishmaster to sprite127594
15 Sep 16#519
You could setup a recipe to do that with IFTTT and/or possibly Zapier.
bermudaviper
15 Sep 16#512
It's that secret it's invisible?
There isn't a microphone on the Play:1 either on the chassis or motherboard.
scgf
15 Sep 16#513
Hmmm. I have a nice Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth speaker I'm not using that works while being charged so I could buy a Dot and connect it to that and have version 2 functionality and decent sound for £50. The Dot isn't out for another month after the Echo though . . . . . I don't know what to do!
omgpleasespamme
15 Sep 16#515
I specified 'working', I didn't specify cheaper.
No, I'd like voice activated controls for various devices around the home.
After 1615 degree heat, and 520 comments, this device better live up to my expectations for it!
RCUK
15 Sep 16#518
Amazon emailed me to say that the 5% student discount wont apply as the price is over £75!
Thank you for your interest in our new "Echo" device and would like to inform you that your 5% Student discount will not apply to any purchase over £75 but your £50 Prime discount will. I hope this helps.
Sounds like it might apply to the dot though.
shadow1
15 Sep 16#520
Does anyone know when the Alexa app will be available as not on Apple Uk at present?
fishmaster
15 Sep 16#522
I'm going to research this, but whilst I do that, does anyone know if Hive is better than Netatmo? I was going to get Hive installed ready for this Winter as I always get in when the house is cold, so this will allow me to control the heating whilst I'm away.
deany76 to fishmaster
15 Sep 161#589
Nest is fantastic. If you buy one get it from nest direct and get it installed by their qualified Nest installers.
I recommend the stand so you can place it indifferent rooms.
If you have a gravity feed system there is a special diagram that even my engineer didn't have - I went to amazon.co.uk nest page and typed - gravity - the diagram is there.
The Nest Protect is also highly recommended and the Nest Out door cam is already sold out after a few days in USA available in UK in next few months.
To be fair all quite pricey but as I say highly recommended - and will work with Dot etc
The above three Nest products can be viewed from the same app - and you can put your heating on anywhere in the world, arriving back to a nice warm house.
Cheers
samwiseganga
15 Sep 16#523
Probably been posted but homebrew version using R-Pi
Did some web browsing but still have some questions:
If you already have a room full of Hi-Fi are you better off just getting the Dot? What are the benefits of this over the Dot, is it just the louder speaker? Can you add the speaker to the Dot at a later date if you decide to?
deany76 to qwales
15 Sep 162#528
The Dot has a small speaker that is used for voice feed back it can be connected to a speaker via 3.5 or bluetooth. It has the benefit of being half the price and having a micro USB so if you have a few of them its more portable moving from room to room.
The Echo has a MAJOR drawback the 2nd gen is being lauched apparantly on or around black Friday so this will be 'old tech' also Echo is twice the price but you would need to factor in the bluetooth speaker for the Dot.
Have you a blue tooth speaker or a line in high fi should work as there is a work around with SONOS
justonemorepie to qwales
15 Sep 16#578
The Dot is a standalone device. If you have a room full of hifi then the dot is the one to have. Connect it via the 3.5mm lead or bluetooth and it can serve as a cheap internet radio tuner / music player with good sound. Plus you get all the other **** it can do like home automation.
deany76
15 Sep 16#525
LOL, newly available technology fascinates me when I was a kid we had empty cans and string to communicate.
nascent
15 Sep 161#529
Stop spreading flse information:
From the site you're misquoting:
UK doesn't even get Amazon Tap, the echo and the dot both are always listening, no push button required. Please read properly whatever you start sharing as fact.
RCUK
15 Sep 16#530
More a bit of thinking time than anything.
I have hive and sonos at home - all controllable off my phone, just wondering how lazy i need to be to not even want to pick up my phone now to turn music or heating on!
Love gadgets, but do wonder how often ill be using it to ask it what the weather is (BBC app on phone), order just eat (without a menu), or choose music (i like scanning through and seeing whats on offer).
deany76
15 Sep 16#531
I thought that info was misleading, just hope the Nov launch Echo 2nd gen is correct.
slliw
15 Sep 162#532
I don't know what this is but it said £50 off for two days and that was enough for me. Ordered
Petetobin
15 Sep 16#533
I would try it and knock it out on eBay if you don't like or need it. We all live in a paradigm where we think typing into a device to control a device is cool, why not just say what you want?
Petetobin
15 Sep 161#534
It's true though. I love technology and I was brought up with nothing and used cans and string to talk to my mate across the road, 50 years on I am still as fascinated as I was back then. This is a friendly forum (most of the time) and getting to know people a bit better is nice.
Exinferis
15 Sep 16#535
You know you're old when you look at things like this and say, "What's the point of that?!" :laughing:
I don't think I need to be talking to a gadget to play my music; I'm fine with pressing buttons/tapping my phone screen. This seems like £100 worth of wasted money to me. But, to each their own! :innocent:
rd3d2
15 Sep 16#537
Hello,
We have good news! One of your pre-ordered items is now eligible for release date delivery and has been upgraded at no additional charge. Your new delivery estimate is:
"Amazon Echo, Black"
Estimated arrival date: September 28 2016
tonysat to rd3d2
15 Sep 16#538
Upgraded at no additional charge? What to?
me_lee
15 Sep 16#539
No idea, other than from the huge media storm that would ensue if Amazon were to try this and were (inevitably) caught by someone.
Still, if they want to listen in to me singing along to along to Mr Boombastic then more power to them :laughing:.
twe
15 Sep 16#540
Pigeon mail
jaypee24
15 Sep 161#541
For everyone asking what the differences between the two are:
Never heard of this before, anybody know how this compares to the UE BOOM 2?
knack to threedowg
15 Sep 16#545
Looks like that's "just" a bluetooth speaker? You would use the Amazon Dot with this to add all sorts of functionality, though you would lose the portability of your speaker.
solid
15 Sep 16#543
The Echo offers the convenience of an all-in-one unit. If that is not important to you, and you don't mind having the wires and an extra speaker connected to it, then the Dot is best.
Depends on where you are using it, I suppose
qwales
15 Sep 161#544
Echo Vs Dot., 28th Sept Vs 30th Oct release, No outputs Vs External Jack, Big speaker Vs Small mobile phone type speaker, £100 Vs £50
Think I'm going for the Dot so I can leave it hooked up to my hi-fi.
david_kly
15 Sep 16#546
Don't understand the point in this. I can connect already owned speakers up to my Raspberry Pi and do the same thing. Better quality and I know Amazon aren't collecting all my family conversations and storing it for a year (see Edward Snowden and Snoopers charter)
knack
15 Sep 161#547
I'm buying this partly because it will be useful for my mum who isn't at all a gadget fan. She likes things to just work without knowing how they work and she has little desire to learn new features. Eg. f I told her I'd ordered this she would think it's a waste of money even if I explained what it does.
Last night she couldn't get Radio 4 playing via the Sonos app and had to ask me to sort it. Turned out she was controlling the wrong source (a fairly easy mistake to make). With this she'll be able to say "play radio 4 in the kitchen" and it will just work.
Might not tell her about Nest thermostat integration...
johnnyshuttle
15 Sep 16#548
Without reading all the conflicting posts is this gadget any good?? Would I be better off just buying a Bose Bluetooth mini speaker and just be satisfied with a decent playback of music?
Or is this 100% better?
ukez to johnnyshuttle
15 Sep 161#550
Its good if you want to tell it to turn the volume up, but try telling it to dim the lights and turn the volume down while you're playing loud music :laughing:
With regards to music you will end up using the remote, so if that's what you're getting it for its probably pointless. If you already have a system with a remote already or a chromecast audio setup.:laughing:
magough
15 Sep 16#549
Wow, excellent price.
I was recently in the US and saw this working. It's pretty cool and had a good sound.
A question for the techies here please.
I bought 1 in the US and not set it up yet. Should i wait for the UK version to launch so i can download the UK Alexa app or should i set up a .com e-mail addy and download the US version?
Many thanks in advance.
ukez to magough
15 Sep 16#551
If you say so...
peterdoherty to magough
15 Sep 16#556
Dont wait for app and you cant get US in UK easily - just use http://alexa.amazon.com with a US amazon account
scgf
15 Sep 16#552
Read the page I linked to again - as far as I can see it doesn't mention 'Tap' and is clearly talking about a new Amazon Echo version. Can't see I did anything wrong and am most certainly not misquoting anything - what I put between quotes was an exact copy and paste from the page.
ukez
15 Sep 16#553
But again, when she's got Radio 4 playing and keeps telling it to turn the volume down and the device cant hear her over that music then she will end up going back to the old remote control method which she probably already has.
knack
15 Sep 16#554
Note the date of the article. The device referred to turned out to be the Amazon Tap - a new product rather than an update to the Echo.
To me it's clear that you've just not noticed the date and subsequent articles about the Tap and haven't intended to spread misinformation.
scgf
15 Sep 16#555
I wonder what the Echo 2 will have that's different to the current version?
Also, I won't have the Dot right next to the speaker.
Petetobin
15 Sep 16#558
I accept your argument and find the defendant guilty of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
stedav25
15 Sep 16#559
Cool thanks, I'll give it a go.
emiratesstadium
15 Sep 16#560
I've taken the plunge. After seeing the reviews on Amazon.com it looks like a great piece of kit.
solid
15 Sep 16#562
'Merica
ukez
15 Sep 16#563
I'm waiting for Google Home, It will work better with NEST and all those damn Chromecast devices that I already own. :wink:
Petetobin
15 Sep 16#564
Most early adopters don't wait for stuff to be released in the UK and get hold of one off eBay or through another US source. I had a Fire Stick way before they were released in the UK.
Petetobin
15 Sep 16#565
As Pandora and iHeart Radio aren't going to be available in the UK, there aren't any real free music sources available maybe that is why the UK price is so good? I also wonder is they will now geo block the US services?
justonemorepie to Petetobin
15 Sep 16#577
They already do Geoblock. I cant get the US services here without a VPN. I can however get Spotify but I pay for that. If you are a Prime customer you get Amazon Prime Music or you can always upload your own music to the Amazon cloud.
MonkeyMan90
15 Sep 16#566
But we live in the UK and this is hot uk deals lol
reddychvb
15 Sep 16#567
I hope its still under development. Di you have any idea when it's going to release?
I'm pretty sure its going to have smart home features considering google owns NEST and it needs to compete with Amazon.
knack
15 Sep 161#570
But you asked how they already have two.
nb2508
15 Sep 16#571
Alexa... such a pornstar name! Watch Google release one called Tory or Roxanne
johnnyshuttle
15 Sep 16#572
I'm confused.................... :confused:
Bad Actor
15 Sep 161#573
Yes and my drone was a plastic aeroplane on the end of a piece of string I twirled around to make the propeller turn,and anyone remember the ribbed plastic sticks with the prop on the end and you rubbed a plastic plectrum up and down to make the prop turn? :smiley:
Happy days.
justonemorepie
15 Sep 16#574
That is the Amazon Kabinet - kitchen assistant. The echo is more than powerful enough to do the small amount of processing it does. Anyone buying the Echo now will get more years service out of it than the average smartphone.
TheMexicaliKid
15 Sep 16#575
I was almost sold, but the crap speaker made me decide that I could use my JBL Charge 2+ (£68 on Prime Day) with the Dot...but then what can the dot do that I can't already do with my phone? Looks cool, but bit of a gimmick £49 saved :smiley:
justonemorepie
15 Sep 16#576
I bought my first one off Amazon.com. It cost around 300 quid all in as Amazon wouldnt ship to the UK. Second one I got when the Dot was first released. This is a small world we live in and anything can be imported - or almost anything.
Petetobin
15 Sep 16#579
Odd I get the US stuff but I haven't hacked it so it has a US address, it is registered to my US Amazon account and I set it up in the US. I am not running a VPN on my router.
justonemorepie
15 Sep 161#580
Just a reminder....... if anyone owns a Tesla with autopilot you can get the car to come out of the garage using an Echo. You can also connect it to a lot of newer cars and get diagnostic info for your car - fuel, oil, power levels as well as where you parked!
justonemorepie
15 Sep 16#581
Pete does your Amazon US account have a seperate email addy to your UK one? Mine share the same address and thats apparently how they block me from accessing - so not real geoblocking thinking about it. Unlike the Fire TV devices that do use proper geoblocking
Awaken
15 Sep 16#582
Well there's no way I'd pay £99 just for a Bluetooth speaker... :smiley:
Could get a Chromecast audio and second hand hi-fi amp and speakers for less if that was all I wanted! Or just good powered speakers with a 3.5mm jack for CC
Petetobin
15 Sep 16#584
It's the same email address but I do have a work US address registered on the account but it is just a delivery address not a billing address which I believe should drive it. I say that as I setup an Amazon Prime Music trial on my US account but it won't work due to a UK billing address (so Amazon say). I wonder if it's because I set it up when I was in the US?
gsusx
15 Sep 16#585
but your chromecast audio and amp and speakers cant talk to you :wink:
justonemorepie
15 Sep 16#586
The delivery address may also be my problem then as I use a well known reshipper. That plus my UK billing address could have done me. Im going to use my new UK Echo when it arrives to see how well it works before I convert the US ones to UK accounts.
Petetobin
15 Sep 16#587
I have tweeted @amazonechouk to ask him about this? He's a guru and he gets Pandora etc on his.
gsusx
15 Sep 16#588
As i said in a post above, this is going to be heavily sandboxed which means at time of launch no 3rd party apps which is not good....
westonborn
15 Sep 16#590
I'm going to change the name of my device to Wan King ( Chinese chef )
mluton
15 Sep 16#591
Anyone watch Mr robot s2 e11 opening scene and throughout. Love it.
damadgeruk
15 Sep 16#592
The deal is 6 for the price of 5, DOT6PACK(or 12 for the price of 10). It's possible to mix colours.
tony863
15 Sep 161#593
I started reading this thread with the intention of buying an echo. now I think I'll opt for a dot and buy some sonos speakers.
for those sonos owners out there, how many speakers would i need to get started? they look very expensive but maybe worthwhile in the long run. any tips before i buy would be great ie, would u look to buy the home cinema or speaker bundle set up?
tia
deany76 to tony863
15 Sep 16#597
Hi
Good call Dot and SONOS.
I personally wouldn't go playbar route and stand alone playbar work on its own with Dot.
Just to say SONOS its very addictive - you end up wanting to fill the whole house!
Okay if you want the least expensive option its
Play 5 2nd £389.00 (I know, but you'll get another to make a stereo pair eventually) and these 2nd gen are meant to be absolutely awesome.
or
If you already have a HiFi you could purchase a CONNECT £259.00
Do you have a HiFi in the room the Dot is likely to be located with standard line out?
Cheers
Petetobin to tony863
15 Sep 16#598
I have two 5s setup as a stereo pair in the main room and then 1s dotted around the house.
adrianjowitt
15 Sep 16#594
Ordered. No idea why but I like the idea and I'm not skinny. Is this what Dom talks to in Mr Robot? I'd like her delivered with it :sunglasses:
deany76
15 Sep 16#595
sorry I must have seen 5 for 4 on .com
thanks for correcting me.
cheers
justonemorepie
15 Sep 16#596
I think a lot of people will have fallen for the Alexa V2 rubbish and will regret not grabbing this at the special price. It always pays to check any story on the tinterweb.
deany76
16 Sep 16#599
But suely if Gen 2 is lauched on Black Friday (from memory 28th Nov) it will be discounted also the item 1st gen will be considered "old tech" after 2 months - surely worth holding out....or looking at Dot.
jonnithomas
16 Sep 16#600
It's really amazing how much some people will pay to avoid looking out of the window to see what the weather is doing or look at the clock to know what time it is and not have to pick up their remote to play music. I could turn on my lights or alter my central heating ... wow !!! no, not really, actually pathetic.
knack to jonnithomas
16 Sep 166#601
I presume most people will use it for a weather forecast and not to ask about the current weather outside their window. I assume that in the past people thought spending money on a unit with a remote control to change music was pathetic since you could get up and press a button.
Times change and devices/technologies like this are going to become common place so I don't agree it's pathetic or amazing.
Paperlantern to jonnithomas
16 Sep 162#609
Pathetic?!? Thats a bit extreme. Just because it doesnt interest you doesnt others wont benefit.
I assume you use landlines and phone boxes rather than have a mobile?!?
gsusx to jonnithomas
16 Sep 16#610
such an angry man
i have a wifi kettle wondering if i can hook this up :'(
jamminshots to jonnithomas
16 Sep 16#654
This is what I don't understand. You say not picking up a remote to change music is pathetic. Turn the clock back 50 years, would you have called a remote pathetic when someone could stand up and press a button?
Gort1951 to jonnithomas
17 Sep 16#679
You won't be buying a Samsung oven or Samsung washing machine with internal cameras so that you can watch on your phone (if you have one)
justonemorepie
16 Sep 16#602
The sorry about Alexa V 2 talks about a battery powered push button operated speaker the size of a beer can. The article is from January 2016. That device is on the market already - the Tap.
jonnithomas
16 Sep 16#603
I'm old enough to remember remote controls being introduced and I don't think anyone I knew thought that they were a bad idea.
I'm sure intelligent devices will appear with proper voice activation however this is pretty mickey mouse and simply superfluous. I can tell it to increase volume or I can move my arm and pick up the remote. I can ask it what the weather will be like tomorrow or I can pick up my phone.
deany76
16 Sep 16#604
yes 100% I will learn from the mistake.
So no V2 Echo on or around Black Friday, thank you NOT the person that started that false rumour.
So the Echo is a good deal at £99.99 if someone would benefit from the speaker for esp. music. and comparing the price on .com
The more speakers you have the more compelling the Dot becomes esp. for SONOS owners.
cheers
deany76
16 Sep 16#605
@mark9000 please can you share with the forum where you got your "Generation 2 Echo supposedly due end November 2016" information from. As it apprears to be incorrect and misleading.
Thanks
Awaken
16 Sep 16#606
Exactly! Why I sprung for this :stuck_out_tongue:
Now all I need is a cloud connected teasmaid for "tea, earl grey, hot!"
rd3d2
16 Sep 16#607
Day one delivery I can only assume (thought I had that anyway but there you go ...)
SuperMariosDad
16 Sep 16#608
Got mine ordered with a dot and thermostat. Looks like it'll be quite useful (but mostly I just like gadgets :laughing: )
ublewit
16 Sep 16#611
My biggest problem is choosing the white one or the black one! Someone is buying me this for my birthday and I just need to pick the colour. I like the white one but the holes are better blended in on the black one and slightly less noticeable. First world problems indeed.
AndiTails to ublewit
16 Sep 161#612
I was thinking the same! Went for black in the end as I thought it would 'hide' the speaker holes better. They seem a bit too prominent in the white. Just my view!
Thought this was only supposed to be until 5pm yesterday, Amazon? Still live now.
I was bored, browsing at 1am this morning and saw it was still available. Took it as a sign I must own one.
Pspvita
16 Sep 161#613
If anyone want to see Alexa in action look at the latest episode of MR ROBOT Alexa plays her part in the latest episode.
justonemorepie
16 Sep 16#614
if your kettle can use IFFT then yes.
zermattbusby
16 Sep 16#615
Will Dot work with a stereo pair of Sonos P1's? Cheers
sallyforth
16 Sep 161#616
Another step towards becoming the "wall.E" fat people in floaty chairs. Only a matter of time until you'll be drooling in anticipation for the device that speaks to your device to tell your other devices to speak to the device to turn the light off 2ft from you. Salesman's dream you lot.
damadgeruk to sallyforth
16 Sep 16#631
I gather your argument was used when washing machines and all manner of devices were introduced. Maybe you'd be happier living in a cave, I'll carry on embracing technology that enhances my life.
jamminshots to sallyforth
16 Sep 16#653
Do you still wash clothes on a washboard? Or is it only selected technology you ridicule?
robdougall
16 Sep 16#617
Amazon is turning into Skynet !!!
Just ordered :smiley:
solid
16 Sep 16#618
Deal ends 16th at 5pm, so folks still have until later this evening to buy the echo at the discounted rate
westonborn
16 Sep 162#619
They created a company using the same technology and called it Three
cosuk625
16 Sep 161#620
After ordering the Echo, I did a bit of searching on Youtube for reviews and found a few on the Echo vs the Dot.
One thing which came up, which could make me change my mind over the Echo, is the way the Dot could connect to a Bluetooth speaker which I was impressed with.
deany76 to cosuk625
16 Sep 16#622
I like the micro USB aspect of the Dot too as during trial period I can see myself moving the Dot to different rooms so if you have inexpensive micro USBs dotted around the house the Dot may be much more convenient than the Echo.
ykhan16
16 Sep 16#621
Sounds cool, but i'll wait till I have a decent open plan, new and contemporary home before i start introducing these kinds of modern innovations! I'm sure they wont have the same impact in my grubby terraced house! :[
tonysat
16 Sep 161#623
Or even a decent powerbank, if you just need to move for shorter periods, or to move room to room.
OldEnglish
16 Sep 161#624
:laughing:
AndiTails
16 Sep 16#625
Ha, I'm such an idiot. Of course it clocked over to the 16th this morning, not yesterday.
I was tired, ok?! :smiley:
AndiTails
16 Sep 16#626
She'll respond to that by saying "That beverage has not been programmed into the replication system".
Alexa is full of Easter Eggs.
My wife doesn't need one of these as she already has a voice-controlled smart husband.
tiggerloveslife
16 Sep 16#629
I know this sounds like a bit of a strange question seeing as everyone is talking about Bluetooth speakers etc. but I just wondered if anyone knows the answer to the following...if you have an old stereo system (pre DAB/pre Bluetooth/pre Wi-Fi/basically prehistoric) can the dot be used to stream music to play through the speakers or do you need to have an up to date system to be able to do this. If you can do this with an old Hi-Fi system how would you go about it? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I can't seem to find an answer despite looking so I'm not sure whether to take the plunge or not...thank you in advance :innocent:
OldEnglish to tiggerloveslife
16 Sep 161#632
I did have an old Denon amp & Sony separates that i used, you could get one of THESE & it will make it bluetooth. It works a treat. :smiley:
Thank you ever so much...take it if I used this (funnily enough it's Sony equipment I was wondering about) to make the Hi-Fi Bluetooth then I really wouldn't have that much need for the Dot anyway as I could just use Bluetooth to send whatever music I wanted to the Hi-Fi...not interested in asking about what the weather is like/ordering food/controlling lights etc.
OldEnglish
16 Sep 16#634
Yes, if you only want to listen to music off your phone, tablet or PC maybe it's not for you.
You can get cheaper versions off ebay ect, but the Logitech one i used worked flawlessly, & it was the model before the one in my link mate. Off the top of my head i think the new one you can have more than one device connected at the same time.
epic mushroom
16 Sep 16#635
I finally decided for the black one as i wasn't too keen on the grey top on the white one. First world problem sorted :smiley:
I have ordered one of these for downstairs but I was just wondering about getting one also for upstairs while its on offer, can anyone advise if this would be beneficial or not.
deany76 to cheekytweety
16 Sep 16#641
Hi
Have you a HiFi / music system in either room?
deany76
16 Sep 161#640
Hi
If the amp - HiFi is going to be in the same room as the Dot my understanding is you could hard wire with a 3.5mm male to phono male "Y" adapter into your amp.
These sort of cables can be more than standard now I have a 5 m but the shorter the cable the less chance of "buzz" I'm almost certain this would work.
ps
bluetooth can be a tad flakey as well
cheekytweety
16 Sep 16#642
No we don't, just a small battery operated radio in the kitchen
deany76
16 Sep 16#643
do you think amazon Prime music is something you would enjoy?
gr8t1
16 Sep 162#644
mine is on order and tonight im going to buy Hive bulbs and plugs to go with my hive heating.
Do I need any of this? NO
But I want them :smiley:
the porter to gr8t1
16 Sep 16#667
When the bulbs work they are great unfortunately they don't work all the time
gianlucaglac89
16 Sep 16#645
is the price for the dot fixed or will that go up with the echo?
jonnithomas
16 Sep 16#646
how does ridiculing something make me 'angry'. I'm quite mellow but cannot see any benefit in this for £99. It's a case of the emperor's new clothes in my view.
jonnithomas
16 Sep 16#647
No, of course not. I also have a car that connects up to my iphone on bluetooth and continues my phonecall automatically when I get in it. it also switches on my headlamps automatically and brakes automatically if I'm going to hit something.
My point was that for £99 this does virtually nothing. It's a fad. when proper voice actuation arrives i will get it.
cheekytweety
16 Sep 16#648
I do use prime music through the iPad and iPhone so I was just thinking instead of moving it around the house then get another one
mcintg
16 Sep 16#649
Integrates with the Hive heating controller and I have prime membership...damn, sold
Petetobin
16 Sep 161#650
And of course it makes a lot more sense to buy a £1700 driver assist package on a Mercedes to do things you will never need if you drive properly. PS extra points for use of the word Actuation.
deany76
16 Sep 16#651
Hi
If you use Amazon Prime Music are happy and dont have SONOS or a HiFi a second one sounds ideal.
I would say though that stereo is important to me I never watch TV so music is my passion.
If you are okay with 360 degree MONO then I'd buy one for bedroom as well at this price.
Are you okay with Mono v Stereo?
Cheers
jonnithomas
16 Sep 161#652
lol, it came on my model and was just included in the spec. I must admit I won't use it for auto parking as I can actually park and won't (hopefully) ever see the automatic braking or raising of the bonnet when hitting a pedestrian. however, things developed on merc end up on virtually all cars eventually such as sat nav and electric windows.
AJ92
16 Sep 16#655
Expired now
sprite127594
16 Sep 16#656
Never heard of it. How's it work?
ukez
16 Sep 16#657
expired
anthony69
16 Sep 16#658
I've heard there's a new generation of talking kettle coming out soon. You can tell it exactly what temperature you want your tea, and it will even read the news out while you wait. Amazing.
ukez to anthony69
16 Sep 16#659
iKettle does that , you can boil your kettle via your mobiles app and also get your news on your mobile too.. :laughing:
the gooner
16 Sep 162#660
Haha you completely contradicted yourself! Never mind pathetic, this is embarrassing :laughing:
anthony69
16 Sep 161#661
As Harry Hill would say... "FIGHT!"
jonnithomas
16 Sep 16#662
see response 650. I have already answered that point.
jonnithomas
16 Sep 16#663
gooner, there is really no need for you to be embarrassed. :wink:
I'm not a Luddite and do enjoy technology as it advances. However, this is (in my opinion) an expensive toy that does very little for £99. as I said earlier, when proper voice actuated control comes along I will get it. so no, I haven't contradicted myself... this is mickey mouse.
adrianjowitt
16 Sep 16#664
Internet of things innit
snow18
16 Sep 161#665
Call me ignorant, but I assume this Echo will be online all the time and is connected to Amazon's servers? Then wouldn't all your conversations at home will be (maybe) recorded by it to Amazon's servers? I understand that you have to say something like Alexa to activate it (similar to Star Trek's "Computer..."), but what's to say it doesn't record everything? Just a thought. :neutral_face:
gsusx
16 Sep 16#666
Hi All, Was wondering if someone might know the answer to this. So I have three Sonos Play 1's and I'm buying 6 Echo Dots. Now for three of these dots I am going to have them in the same room as my Sonos P1.
Here's my question.
Can I pair my dot to that particular Play 1 speaker so that everytime I ask Echo a question (read news, weather, how tall is a tall person) etc that the audio is routed through the Play 1. Or will the play 1 only work if I tell alexa to play music through it ???
Not sure if i've made sense here... do this make sense or am I being stupid ??
justonemorepie to gsusx
16 Sep 161#669
you say "Alexa connect to speaker" and she will then find and connect to your speaker. From then all audio is output via the main speaker. I do find that she does drop the connection once a day but it could be all the interference in my room. I also use that particular speaker to channel my Smartthings audio do that could also be responsible for the occasional drops.
adrianjowitt to gsusx
16 Sep 161#672
just out of interest why would you have three dots in one room?? Don't you just need one per room??
deany76 to gsusx
17 Sep 161#681
Hi
In my Post #487 it says that a Dot wont "talk" to a Play 1 or Play 3 SONOS due to lack of 3.5mm output
My brother also has SONOS (I talked him into to by lending him a Play 1 I had - its now his!) - he has a Stereo Pair of Play 1s now.
• Pair two of your Play 1s as a Stereo pair - again you wont regret this. My brother Play 1 stereo pair is simply awesome I would have this zone in the room you use the most.
• Have the third Play 1 as your third zone
The 6 dots in the rooms you have decided to place them will connect to the Play 5 zone which in turn will be connected to the other two zones
I am assuming here that your three zones are "grouped" together maybe they aren't are you okay if they are or are they separate zones at present?
Managed to get an extra tenner off with a coupon I forgot I had so it's all good to save £60. :smile:
scgf
16 Sep 161#670
It depends how you approach it and what you are buying it for. I like the idea of a small speaker which can play radio stations and podcasts and a bit of music too. Just for that £99 isn't too bad. The fact I can ask it questions, set timers and alarms and so on is a bonus.
gsusx
16 Sep 16#671
excellent thanks mate
deany76
16 Sep 161#673
@jonnithomas
amazon.com
Echo:
53,409 sales
86% 4 or 5 star
I think you are out voted.
jonnithomas
16 Sep 16#674
lol, by the people that bought it. true. thing is how many prime members in usa didn't when it was 'cheap'
deany76
16 Sep 16#675
No such thing as 'cheap' - inexpensive please!!
I think you meant did buy when on offer - sorry cant answer but in anyones book impressive figures IMHO.
jonnithomas
16 Sep 16#676
well sorry but not in my book. I guess that you think jeremy corbyn's support is huge too and that he will consequently be the next PM ?
it had a major advertising campaign among the USA's prime members and a very small percentage actually bought it. of that small number the vast majority of them like it. it still remains that a huge number in the USA didn't and don't.
I know it's an unnecessary luxury but I don't see why using technology to make our lives more efficient is a bad thing. It's not like picking up a remote is more beneficial to us than using a voice command.
As long as we don't get a Wall-e situation, then I for one can't wait to give this a go!
gsusx
17 Sep 16#678
Sorry. Should have clarrified. 1 dot in each room to go with the p1 that is in said room.
solid
17 Sep 161#680
A camera in my oven? That allows me to check how the baking is doing, while I'm out? Sounds like a fantastic idea!!
gsusx
17 Sep 16#682
Haha. You're killing me killing me here man. I've gotta stop spending money.
deany76 to gsusx
17 Sep 16#683
Well you asked the question!
tiggerloveslife
17 Sep 161#684
Just wanted to say thank you to you both for your replies and help as I do appreciate it although I also apologise for the delay in saying thanks...had a bit of a thunder and lightning situation here yesterday but all good now :wink:
Still having a think about whether to get the Dot...no rush in buying as it wasn't discounted like the Echo was and I wasn't interested in the Echo as think even at £99 it's quite pricey for what it is especially as I wouldn't use most of its features...might wait and see if the Dot is in the Black Friday Deals but thanks again for all your help and input as it certainly helped as wasn't sure whether I could just wire the Dot into my amp.
deany76
17 Sep 16#685
My pleasure, glad I could help.
scgf
17 Sep 16#686
I have a hifi system in my living room but to use a dot with it I'd have to leave the amp switched on all the time. Not sure I'd want to do that.
deany76
17 Sep 16#687
Hi
Sorry I cant remember whether you didn't want Echo for a reason? and Echo has gone up in price.
for bathroon but got it on Black Friday for £16.00 (Standard USB charger required)
So for Dot: SONOS (not play 1 or play 3 initially)
or
do a camelcamelcamel for say £20.00 on that bluetooth speaker for music (Prime music).
A lot depends on how much you want to invest.
Hope this helps
damadgeruk
17 Sep 16#688
Or you could buy a wemo plug (or similar) and tell Alexa to switch the amp on. :smiley:
matedodgy
17 Sep 161#689
This deal will be back for Black Friday I am sure.
scgf
17 Sep 161#690
Hi mate. Thanks for your detailed reply. I have in fact ordered two echos at the prime price. I live in an old terraced house so it's a bit compartmentalised with rooms, so one echo won't do. I'll have one in the kitchen and the other in the dining room where I spend a fair bit of time on my computer. Then there's the front room . . . this is where a Dot might be useful. I have a Sonos Connect connected to my HiFi system which is also a surround sound system for the TV and is integrated already with a Harmony (infra red) remote - if I start trying to incorporate a wemo switch it's going to get horribly complicated! The Harmony controls an HDMI switchbox and the amp itself, as well as the TV and the various sources - switching to the correct inputs for the selected source. Maybe I should be looking at upgrading my Harmony remote to one with a hub which can be controlled by Alexa. I'm spending money like water!
deany76
17 Sep 16#691
Hi
Finding the perfect solution for yourself is an interesting challange.
You are heavily into your music and surround and getting two Echo speakers.
There is a solution but its fairly pricey!.... but could be done in stages.
solid
17 Sep 161#692
In case anyone was wondering, here is a simple video that compares the speakers in both the Echo and the Dot
For me, the Dot's speaker is fine for voice - its loud and clear enough.
However, if you intend on playing music, the Echo is pretty good. It's more bassy and louder than the Dot
Jazz1972
17 Sep 16#693
Argh ! How did I miss this? :disappointed:
Please don't try to explain this situation for cheap laughs.
anonimousse
17 Sep 163#694
Alexa, explain cheap laughs
scgf
17 Sep 162#695
Indeed. I've just ordered a Harmony Hub & remote. Amazon Echo can talk to the hub using Yonomi so once set up I will be able to say 'Alexa watch TV', 'Alexa Listen to Sonos' or whatever and it should all work. Got the remote & hub for £72 so a bit of a bargain. I suppose it doesn't all have to be done at once and things can be added over time. My next project will be Philips Hue lighting.
Hi
I had never heard of the Harmony Hub before - good on you for finding an inexpensive solution to the challenge.
I'm loving this home automaton.
The Philips Hue I was looking into yesterday and also this - https://yale2you.com/linuslock
Do you have a Nest thermostat?
I have a very old house with oil heating and the boiler in 20+ years gravity fed.
My thermostat was broken - the Nest is incredible - highly recommended.
Turning the heating on anywhere is awesome to come home to a warm
house in the Winter plus switches off when you leave the house geofence as is the hot water in the mornings (hot water functionality not available on Gen 1 or Gen 2) only Gen 3.
Also Nest protect awesome.
Outdoor Nest Cam available soon in UK - already sold out iin USA
exciting times we live in.
Shame this tech isn't from UK!
deany76
17 Sep 16#700
Hi
@scgf is the one to ask looks like a bargain please see post #697 at £72
Cheers
Jazz1972
17 Sep 16#701
It just gets worse , seen it in an episode of Mr Robot.
Bendown
18 Sep 16#702
I have pre ordered this, not sure if I will cancel however. controlling things in the house seems a good idea. I just have the feeling it will be one of those gadgets that once the novelty wears off will just sit there?
ublewit
18 Sep 16#703
I'm looking forward to the company. Stuck at home all day with kids, me and Alexa are soooo gonna have some interesting conversations. :smile:
Bendown
18 Sep 161#704
I wonder what would happen if you asked Alexa to send a bit of company round, do you think that would work?
scgf
18 Sep 16#705
I got mine from Amazon Warehouse. I have an NUS card (how to do this here) and signed up with Amazon Prime Student, which gives me a 20% discount on Amazon Warehouse deals. Even at the full price of £95 it's a bargain since the hub by itself is £95 and this bundle comes with a remote as well as letting you use a mobile phone. Full price bundle here.
scgf
18 Sep 16#706
Hey deany76. I researched what was available a year or so ago and decided to buy a Tado system - works with your phone so it knows when you are on your way home, or have left the house and switches your heating to a pre-determined temperature. Online access too. Looks like Tado works with Alexa, but it is already so automated I can't see I'd need to use voice control.
deany76
18 Sep 16#707
Hi
The Tado, Nest and Hive (I think there are other) all seem similar.
Cheers
deany76
18 Sep 16#708
I posted this way back in the thread so I thought I'd post it again for anyone who missed it:
Can anyone tell me if Alexa can accept two commands at once? Say I had light 1 and light 2, could I say "Alexa turn off light 1 and light 2" or would I have to use two separate commands?
justonemorepie
18 Sep 162#710
@ublewit you can group lights. so in my flat light one and two are separate fittings in the living room. I can control them separately by calling via their respective labels or via a group called "living room". If I say "Alex living room off" both lights go off.
ublewit to justonemorepie
18 Sep 161#711
That's perfect for my needs then. Thanks for the reply.
Bingstroller
18 Sep 16#712
Many thanks for the reply
Cheers
tonysat
19 Sep 16#713
Just a thought here. I've ordered the Dot, myself, but I wonder if this is a ploy, to make it more of an issue to leave Amazon, if they increase the cost for Prime?
justonemorepie to tonysat
19 Sep 16#714
Conspiracy theory. I've had 2 Echos for almost two years in all. my US prime fees have remained more or less the same.
deany76 to tonysat
19 Sep 16#715
I think you can easily order products from amazon via Echo (as long as its a previous order) but no doubt this will improve so its a win win for Amazon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJopb09ieV8
I tend to shop "No Rush" so this functionality unless I can say "send no rush" I probably wont use.
Got my Wemo £29.99 switch today and its awsome, very easy to setup.
I have ordered another on a few week delay.
But a question I would like a Motion Sensor Wemo
where light comes on after detecting movement at night and then goes of after say 5 mins
It looks like some of these Wemo sensors have been discontinued or in expensive bundles - so what do folk (want to stay with Wemo) recommend?
Also the seemless Nest integration in the app is ace!
Cheers
justonemorepie
19 Sep 16#718
@deany76 I would never recommend Wemo kit. I find it very unreliable. The app isn't great either and everyone recommends using 3rd party apps. At the very least make sure you have the latest firmware for your devices.
deany76 to justonemorepie
19 Sep 16#719
Hi
Thanks for the reply - as you said did the up to date firmware straight away.
This device is simply amazing you press a button on your smartphone and the Wemo light comes on in a Nano second! - amazing.
Made up so far, and of course have the amazon 30 day "No Quibble"
I will be sticking with Wemo, I sense.
Cheers
mbugsy18
20 Sep 161#720
Have used Wemo kit for about 18 months for my garden lights and have been rock solid. Also regular app updates and firmware.
jrw
20 Sep 161#721
Had mine a few days. It's so simple, I'm not sure how it can be unreliable.
ublewit
20 Sep 161#722
From what I've read the earlier Wemo stuff wasn't all that reliable but the newer models seem better. No idea how accurate that is.
gsusx
20 Sep 16#723
I have the cheaper WIWO version and i cannot recommend this. That is the definition of unreliable.
gavp
20 Sep 161#724
Wonder if someone can help me with this (I think I know what the answer is but throwing it out there).
I have a prime account via the friends and family that used to exist before household. Therefore I get prime next day, but not music or video. As a prime customer I could order the echo at £99.
I use prime music using the login of the primary account holder.
Is there a way to use the app (its not available for download yet) to tell the app to use the primary account but the echo to use my account.
I've searched and can't find the answer, but there must be people who do the same, IE use prime from friends and family from previously but as they are close family use the primary account for video / music?
adrianjowitt to gavp
21 Sep 16#725
not sure why you need a prime account?? Anyone can buy this device, you don't need a prime account (those that do just got it cheaper like me) I will be linking mine to deezer when it arrives. In other words I think yes you should be fine as being a prime member is not a pre requisite to owning an echo!!
deany76 to gavp
24 Sep 161#730
I think @adrian is missing the central point to your question.
I also would like to know the answer but I think there is only one way to be sure......!
cheers
justonemorepie
21 Sep 161#726
@adrianjowitt. The Echo will not work with Deezer at this time unless you stream from another device?
adrianjowitt
22 Sep 16#727
Apologies I meant spotify not deezer lol
bermudaviper
23 Sep 16#728
I think the prime requirement was only for the discount which has passed anyway.
You do not need a prime account for the echo to work, just a standard amazon account.
adrianjowitt
23 Sep 16#729
That's exactly what I said...
justonemorepie
24 Sep 16#731
The app and the Echo are tied to the same account. whatever account you use in the app is the account that the Echo uses.
Petetobin
24 Sep 16#732
Just checked and the Amazon Music account appears to be tied to the Amazon account you register the Echo under. I can edit my Spotify account but the Amazon Music account is not editable.
gsusx
25 Sep 162#733
Alexa app now available in ios App Store
nabbers25
26 Sep 161#734
alexa app also out on android google play
mluton
26 Sep 16#735
URL: http://alexa.amazon.co.uk/ takes you to the config also, looks like you can control the same setup and features through your browser.
gavp
26 Sep 16#736
Thanks, perfect that answers my question.
justonemorepie
26 Sep 16#737
you can use either the web page or the app. However you configure the app is mirrored on the web page and vice versa.
mickclark
26 Sep 16#738
So far I have ordered wemo sockets, zwave light switches, nest heating and smartthings hub. Roll on Wednesday
justonemorepie
26 Sep 16#739
@mickclark what z-wave switches have you ordered?
ramit
26 Sep 16#740
So the amazon alexia app in U.K. Seems to be missing a whole load of stuff such as ifttt and OurGroceries - I thought it was going to have the same capability as the us echo - it looks to be significantly less - which I don't get for an apps such as above where they are not location or country specific in functionality
gsusx to ramit
27 Sep 16#741
I think a lot of stuff is coming on release day ... could be wrong ... thats the impression i got
Could give it a go? Worse it'll happen if you'll just have to pair it back to the US site again.
justonemorepie to magough
27 Sep 16#748
I've got two us sourced one's. both are correctly addressed in the UK so I'm not in a hurry to register them. I will however be registering my new one in the UK to see if the UK services match the yank ones.
robdougall
27 Sep 161#746
I had mine delivered yesterday :smiley: anyone else got there's earlier?
knack
27 Sep 16#749
Same here. Not impressed as thought I was ordering this to receive on release date and product page still shows order within xx for delivery tomorrow. Called and the woman was confident it will arrive tomorrow. I'm not but we will see..
Petetobin
27 Sep 16#750
One day to go and my Fire TV has just started to broadcast a Direct Wifi SSID. It's like a scene out of Independence Day!
adrianjowitt to Petetobin
27 Sep 16#753
haha that made me giggle
Petetobin
27 Sep 16#751
You will definitely lose Pandora and iHeart Radio if you re-register it in the UK.
adrianjowitt
27 Sep 16#752
Mines arriving tomorrow as promised. Seriously though does it really matter if it arrives on 28 th or 29 th?? The world will keep on turning regardless. Oh and good for you if you ordered two... Like anyone else cares lol
At the end of the day for 99 quid it seems a nice toy and if it doesn't live up who cares at price
knack to adrianjowitt
28 Sep 16#755
Obviously relative to other things going on in the world it doesn't matter that it will be a day late. Fact is I ordered it with the expectation it would arrive on release date and it's not going to.
m4558
27 Sep 16#754
Ordered one of these - can't wait to see what it's like...
Bendown to m4558
28 Sep 16#756
Me too. I wonder how good speaker quality is
carltonbp
28 Sep 16#757
Got mine.
Little things, the box is sealed in three places but amazon have made it easy to open. So no breaking nails, hunting down a knife etc. Why can't all companies do this.
Also on Ebay you can get bases with lithium batteries for about £15 to make it portable.
nabbers25 to carltonbp
28 Sep 16#758
have you set it up yet, how is it?
sm-1991
28 Sep 16#759
If it's the same as the American one then it's poor.
bigup
28 Sep 16#760
any initial thoughts yet guys?
mine arriving today at some point
adrianjowitt
28 Sep 16#761
Mines arrived and it's dreadful. Can't do anything I ask it too despite my speaking clearly. I will give it 24 hours test and if still the same its going back. All it seems to be able to do is tell me the date... I've linked my Amazon prime music account radio etc but it can't recognize anything
ceebs to adrianjowitt
28 Sep 161#763
Mine was easy to set up and recognises my voice very well. No problems at all so far getting it to play my amazon music, Tunein radio, answering questions, setting alarms etc. Have you tried speaking to it in a human voice???
foxyuk to adrianjowitt
28 Sep 16#765
Don't think u can return once opened
mluton
28 Sep 16#762
Works really well, Very impressed and I have a Brummie Accent.
Petetobin to mluton
28 Sep 163#784
Sorry?
bigup
28 Sep 16#764
How's the sound quality?
bigup
28 Sep 161#766
Does the echo come with this special condition? Cos you should be able to return it if you open and use it Within 30 days
stevem999
28 Sep 16#767
Just got an email saying mine won't be delivered today and might be another 3 days despite having a despatch notice from Amazon. Poor for a Prime customer special.
knack to stevem999
28 Sep 16#768
Did it dispatch yesterday?
LaterUK to stevem999
29 Sep 16#803
I had the same email. I knew something wasn't right as the tracking hadn't updated. I had the exact same issue with my PS4 on launch day. It's put me off ordering anything else off amazon for release day delivery
chompyrud
28 Sep 16#769
Mines arrived but it's having problems, won't link to my prime account to play music keeps advising me to sign up, won't recognise my location for the weather despite the app saying the correct area, can't link Leeds United as my sports team for scores etc seems to only do premiership clubs, goes to a blank screen when trying to add my Spotify account so can't complete the linking of the account. However it has told me 2 terrible jokes! I think Amazon are having problems, seems others are in the same boat... Not a great start.... May return it and get Google home so at least I can listen to my Google play music without having to pay Amazon to upload my songs
adrianjowitt to chompyrud
28 Sep 16#770
same issues as me. I'm wondering if their servers are struggling. I will see how it behaves in next two days
adrianjowitt
28 Sep 16#771
yes you can. Distance selling regulations. I've never ever had an issue returning anything to Amazon.
stevem999
28 Sep 16#772
Yes, received email and notification on my Amazon app.
foxyuk
28 Sep 16#773
Perfect I got it based on that if was poor would return and was advised on this post returns only accepted if unopened
dodgyd
28 Sep 161#774
Mine arrived today, very pleasantly surprised. It's amazing how much more likely you are to experiment with different music genres when it's just a voice request. I'm so impressed that I reckon I'll get at least another one, perhaps a Dot or two.
qwertychris
28 Sep 16#775
Cannot get mine set up with Spotify.
Tunein Radio works well. I'm happy with the sound quality for the kitchen so far.
carltonbp
28 Sep 16#776
It's good but hopeless when recognising what music you want especially if it's classical is a nightmare. You can't specify what track number you want, it struggled with Dvorak symphony no7 when that's exactly what the album is called as well (I say struggled I couldn't get it to work) also it was very flakey on things outside your library in Prime music. I gave up a lot. My dog has just been spayed so I asked it to play dog calming album, but you have to get the title precisely right even though it's in my library anything other that perfect was a no go. If you're happy with to be vague then it will do, but amazon need to improve this.
I asked about traffic and despite knowing where I live I need to go to app and plot a route. Which isn't what I wanted to do, it was just about a couple of key roads I wanted info on. So I can't ask it what's the traffic like on Ripon road for example.
It's good at the time, weather conversions, alarm, but I need to find it do other useful things to make it worth while. There's also shopping list which might be handy.
Today's been a busy day so I'll look at it later but I do think Amazon can do more to make it so you get it and think I want to do that. You received some scrappy bits of paper and an app that the video didn't work on and isn't very inspirational. Also the music frustration means I've had enough for the day,
mluton
28 Sep 16#777
Have a mess with Easter eggs. Took 2 hours of my time up today. Lol
gsusx
28 Sep 16#778
its good but not quite as good as i hoped. doesnt answer all question .. stuff i think it would know. the to do list is HILLARIOUS. "Phone my wife" Came out as "Find me a wife" :'( "Call Kev" Came back as "Clear Call" Whats weird though is it's really good with spotify and tune in.... good so far, just not quite as brilliant as I woulda hoped
geforce
28 Sep 16#779
Currently getting various server errors/cannot complete request/update settings etc. Anyone else getting the same?
Batch
28 Sep 16#780
Echo whats' the score in the Man City game....Manchester City are not playing right now....hmmmm not that impressed with it so far. Was also hoping that IFTTT would work.
curr
28 Sep 16#781
Mine won't connect to bt home hub 5. Will with my hub 2. Anyone worked out hub 5 issue please?
carltonbp to curr
28 Sep 16#783
Mine connected to my Home hub 5 but I did mine earlier today before it got busy which seems to be a problem for some.
qwertychris
28 Sep 16#782
To get spotify linked up I had to use my desktop and login via layla.amazon.com to access the settings.
bigup to qwertychris
28 Sep 16#785
Ipad worked for me
Chrome on mobile didn't work linking Spotify with Amazon
mickclark
28 Sep 16#786
Absolutely brilliant bit of kit for the money.
Yeh, it's bugged out a few times but I'll put that down to server overload.
Controls my lights, tv and nest heating perfectly.
Spotify is flawless.
Shame IFTTT is not working but I live in hope.
Oh and HURRY UP SONOS.
mbugsy18 to mickclark
1 Oct 16#849
How/what do you use for controlling the TV please? Yonomi app works with my harmony hub but echo does not recognise any of the Yonomi routines.
mbugsy18
28 Sep 16#787
Do you need Spotify premium?
mluton to mbugsy18
28 Sep 16#788
Yep
Batch
28 Sep 16#789
If you have a homehub and have the 2.4 and 5gig wifi split, connect it to the 2.4. Mine worked once I switched over.
KCooperman
28 Sep 16#790
Mine is working well with Spotify, tunein, hue bulbs and Logitech harmony (via Yonomi). Im impressed so far does exactly what I was expecting it to do.
bigup
28 Sep 16#791
Google says the Alexa app should have a voice training option in settings. Can't seem to find it on mine. Anyone else got it ? Wonder if this is only a US only option
justonemorepie to bigup
28 Sep 161#793
In the app go to "help and feedback--Alexa--quick fixes--Alex doesn't understand me."
Aiadi
28 Sep 16#792
What is the story with IFTTT in the UK? Anyone got it to work here yet?? As for the echo itself, an amazing piece of technology today giving a glimpse of what future of home gadgets will be.
justonemorepie to Aiadi
28 Sep 16#794
Ifttt imho isn't great.. I've tried to not have to use it as far as possible. Responses can be extremely slow at times.
slliw
28 Sep 161#795
Had mine sent to an Amazon locker as I wouldn't have been at home to accept delivery. Got a message from Amazon saying all the lockers were full so they sent it back.
You would think having preordered ages ago they would have at least had one locker free.
adrianjowitt to slliw
29 Sep 16#814
to be fair they were likely full with day one release echos :sunglasses:
tungle106
29 Sep 16#796
spent nearly one hour setting up my echo with harmony hub
only to find out that ifttt doesn't work :disappointed:
Aiadi to tungle106
29 Sep 16#798
Set up a Yonomi account which is a skill that works with the Echo and add harmony hub and routines to it. works really well.
Chiptivo to tungle106
29 Sep 16#799
Has anyone contacted Amazon about ifttt. That is the only reason I am getting it. I have already setup ally light wave sequences with it??
tungle106
29 Sep 16#797
consider getting smart things now
merlinthehappypig
29 Sep 16#800
Got it early yesterday and we think it's brilliant. Voice recognition is extremely good - there is the odd thing it doesn't understand at first, but it's getting better already. Sound quality for music is way better than we thought and we've had no issues at all with it selecting every track, group, playlist or genre we want. Voice control volume and pause works perfectly. No issues with our location - news, weather, traffic all local.
Basically it's just loads of fun and worth every penny of the £99.99 we paid. Considering what you get for under £100, it's awesome.
Scazza
29 Sep 161#801
Received mine yesterday and set it up last night.
No issues with voice recognition. Managed to ask questions, set timers when cooking ect...
Spotify works via my iPhone, I'm not a Premium Subscriber so not used it properly with the Echo but I will sign up for that. Really impressed with Sound Quality for my flat, I have an open plan kitchen/living room and the echo sounds great in there.
happy with my purchase £99.99, now to invest in some smart gear like sockets ect...
Have you tried using Yonomi? Works fine for me with my Harmony hub and although I can't try ifttt people are saying Yonomi is better anyway...
Chiptivo
29 Sep 16#805
Does not support lightwaveRF, but thanks for the reply.
wonneil
29 Sep 161#806
Sorry should of been a reply to tungle106 who is using Harmony
mbugsy18
29 Sep 16#807
Just opened mine and when I plugged it in the power led doesn't light up, plug gets very warm. Waited a minute but no blue ring spinning. Also rim seems to be dented.
ceebs to mbugsy18
29 Sep 16#810
Seems to be dented???
nickmorc
29 Sep 16#808
Spent ages trying to get mine to connect, if it don't work soon its going back !
jrw
29 Sep 16#809
Mine arrived yesterday and set up fine. Connects to my WeMo just fine and recognises my voice most of the time with my brummie accent.
It actually records all your voice requests too which you can play back through your phone. slightly concerning!
mbugsy18
29 Sep 16#811
On the volume ring it is indented for about an inch or so not completely circular. It's on it's way back so no photos. Not sure if that is normal will see when my new one arrives.
wonneil
29 Sep 16#812
I remember trying to connect was taking ages, think I cancelled then tried again a few times, seemed every time it went a bit further until it was done lol
adrianjowitt
29 Sep 16#813
Mine won't recognise my amazon music prime account despite it being the same email as my normal stuff. It won't play any radio unless I start it in the app. The voice command claims it can't find any stations at all. I emailed amazon. They emailed back saying they need to talk to me. Went to contact me by phone and it only accepts us phone numbers!!
It's currently a 99 quid digital radio I can only control from my phone and with no capacity to play my prime music.
I did manage to get her to bark like a dog though
Bendown
29 Sep 16#815
Trying to play smooth radio on mine, comes back with cant find station
justonemorepie to Bendown
29 Sep 16#817
If the station is listed in the app set it as a favorite. That way she should find it easier.
bigup
29 Sep 16#816
There's an artist called Adam Saleh that the kids listen to.
Alexa doesn't recognise the last name and it should be pronounced "Sar - Lay", Alexa thinks it's "Sar-Lar"
Did the feedback thing in Alexa app and got a reply today from Amazon saying they are going to fix this, lets see how long it takes
adrianjowitt
29 Sep 16#818
Mine can't find any radio stations anywhere on earth...
Petetobin
29 Sep 16#819
So is anyone ok with Tune In? I can only find a station through the App, the Echo itself can't connect to Tune In.
slliw
29 Sep 16#820
They did deliver it today but now I can't be assed to pick it up. Maybe Saturday.
tempt
29 Sep 161#821
Radio works great for me. It responds to "Alexa, play BBC Radio One" and connects to Tunein by default. No issues so far.
adrianjowitt
29 Sep 161#822
OK for anyone with same issue as me above its because we have both us and uk Amazon accounts. The echo by default is set to us Amazon so it's linking to our us accounts and the device thinks it's us based yet all our prime settings are on our UK accounts even if both Amazon accounts share the same email as in my case
The Only way to resolve is a manual transfer by an Amazon tech so you need them to call you. I'm going to do mine tomorrow. It's just affecting those of us who were on amazon before they launched in the UK many many years ago... So much for being at the fore front of technology...
Petetobin to adrianjowitt
30 Sep 16#833
I just registered this one to a different Amazon account and it is now British. Didn't want to lose Pandora and iHeartRadio. Now it's being awkward about changing the Default Music service.
the porter
29 Sep 161#823
Lol how cool is this echo I love the future :smiley:
blister
30 Sep 16#824
Mine was delivered Wednesday - but not to me, and Amazon are being cagey about who signed for it.
I was in the house at the time the tracker says it was delivered and no one else was there.
I've now got to wait till midday on Friday to get a phone call to confirm I haven't received it.
Once I do that they'll order me a replacement.
Bizarre Amazon don't know where my echo went (or the other order delivered at the same time).
phil64 to blister
1 Oct 16#845
Courier turned up on Wednesday holding a pepa pig jigsaw, which I refused, then received an email stating the echo had been delivered?? Well dodgy! After spending 1/2 hour on the phone spoke to a supervisor, they sent out another & received it noon Friday and they extended my prime membership by 30 days.
Really enjoying the speaker, all the family love it, great fun and better sound quality than I expected.
solid
30 Sep 16#825
Has anyone opened, setup, used and then returned their echo? I assume that Amazon's usual and excellent returns policy still applies to the echo?
Jefft to solid
30 Sep 161#840
Yes I have. No problems. I was disappointed to discover that I cannot access my network file server music with it and currently there are no workarounds. With Prime music, asking for a particular track doesn't seem possible. I had to ask for an artist and then give a series of "Alexa" "Next" commands to wade through to find what I wanted. Not too many problems with radio stations though but you have to be specific.
Petetobin
30 Sep 16#826
Tune In on mine only works through the App. Alexa recognises what I have said but can't connect to Tune In even though my US model works fine. It also isn't able to give me local weather even though the App accepts the location. This may be part of the US/UK dilemma described above as I do still have access to iHeartRadio and Pandora. Effectively I have a US Echo minus Tune In.
bally12345
30 Sep 16#827
Had mine delivered when expected no issues. Setting up was simple and quickly connected to my Philips Hue lights. Havent done much with it but as a it's more than adequate for our kitchen. My 3 year old shouting Alexa tell me a joke but Alexa seems to ignore her lol. Music with Prime is good. Had to change a few settings using the app so weather etc is now set to metric. Sky new flash is good in the morning just before work. Have to say I think it's a keeper. Especially when compared my original plan was which was a sonos play 1 speaker in the kitchen.
Chiptivo
30 Sep 16#828
I think it is brillient.
Plays Spotify stuff really well. Radio is also good as long as you know the exact station name.
Jokes are pretty funny.
Weather is good.
Commute to work is ace.
News when I'm making breakfast is good.
It will control my lightwave stuff when they get IFTTT working with it (Disappointed it is not at the moment)
I'm tempted to get another, or work out a way of playing to a bluetooth in the shower room. This is potentially possible??
justonemorepie to Chiptivo
30 Sep 161#829
Only with a Dot. the full fat echo can't connect to another speaker.
Chiptivo
30 Sep 16#830
So the dot can permanently connect to a Bluetooth speaker?
Petetobin
30 Sep 16#831
Or wait for the Tap which you can carry around the house.
justonemorepie
30 Sep 16#832
yes. obviously dependant on distance etc. but that is the main reason why I think the Dot is currently the better buy.
BigBry
30 Sep 161#834
So far found Radioplayer is more accurate than Tune In, I was getting all sorts of strange radio channels (Australian etc) but Radioplayer is spot on each time.
Bendown to BigBry
30 Sep 16#837
I have gone for this, how do you tell alaexa to use this rather than tunein?
bargainnicka
30 Sep 16#835
My echo has almost no bass. Is this normal ? How can I check if the unit is faulty? Maybe I'm expecting too much but I was hoping the sound quality would be better.
Chiptivo to bargainnicka
30 Sep 16#836
It's obviously not going to be Sonos quality for the price, but it is pretty good considering for me.
Bass is well balanced on mine.
Aiadi to bargainnicka
30 Sep 16#843
I thought that I could change the bass on mine by asking Alexa during one of the random tests for different commands. I'll check again tomorrow.
curr to bargainnicka
1 Oct 161#850
Say alexa turn up bass
bally12345
30 Sep 16#838
Agreed. Mines on kitchen worktop and sounds nice and balanced. It's never going to be on full blast for me. It's more suitable for music in the background
adrianjowitt
30 Sep 163#839
If your radio and music won't work on your UK echo and you have both amazon. Com and. Co. UK accounts with same email log on to. Com and change your manage device settings for kindle to UK from us
This has fixed my echo which now knows I have prime music and radio also works.
If you need help doing this message me and I will talk you through it on the phone or you can contact amazon helpdesk and they will talk you through it
chompyrud to adrianjowitt
1 Oct 161#846
Awesome - you've managed to fix in 1 sentence what Amazon tech couldn't do in 3 days, finally got some music working, cheers. it's just a shame we have to pay to upload our own library when google play is free. Fingers crossed they allow access to play music in the future - but i doubt it being a competitor
BigBry
30 Sep 161#841
I just ask Alexa 'ask Radioplayer' (and the name of the station)
Petetobin
30 Sep 16#842
Anyone changed their default music player to Spotify. Mine stubbornly still looks for Amazon Music.
Chiptivo
30 Sep 16#844
For me it is becoming my gadget of the year.
Loving it, had friends round for the Everton match tonight and they are amazed with it, and what was thrown at it...
One asked, "Alexa, Who is your daddy"
Nice response.. haha
"Alexa, I Love you" - cute
Anyway, once they get IFTTT working as I can control my heating and lighting sequences, I will be so excited. Music quality is much better than expected as well. No issues with bass.
Shinoke
1 Oct 16#847
No access to free spotify, only spotify premium.
Was quite impressed at first, but finding it frustrating to use.
You can pause podcasts etc but then it forgets after a while and resume fails.
The there's no way, including using any of the skills, to fast forward the podcast as far as I can tell.
And no podcast skills?
It's really poor for podcasts basically, and pretty limited with music.
I think Google home will be much better.
It's also annoying only having one command - response.
No conversation flow - which Google will allow. It makes it so much easier to do stuff.
It's not picking up my "Echo" voice prompt either very well, so I have to face it and say it rather loud and cleary and forced. Not at all relaxed.
Perhaps "Alexa" works better as a prompt.
And riddles - why no back and forth? It tells the answer immediately.
It's lack of conversation tree/flow is really apparent and annoying after a while.
adrianjowitt
1 Oct 16#848
glad I helped someone :wink:
Petetobin
1 Oct 16#851
I called the Routine in Yonomi "telly". Then you need to say "Alex Turn On the Telly". Obviously you need to install the Yonomi skill and import the Routines into the Alexa App but I assume you have done that.
justonemorepie
1 Oct 16#852
When the Wright brothers unveiled the Kitty Hawk I'm sure there were complaints that they had made no provision for passengers, in-flight movies or catering. :smile:
mbugsy18
1 Oct 16#853
Thanks, yes my routines were not being imported. Disabled yonomi and Logged out of yonomi. Logged in and enabled yonomi in the Alexa app and then did discovery and they were found. All working now.
solid
1 Oct 16#854
Anyone using their echo with smart things?
ukez
2 Oct 16#855
Hi everyone, has the novelty worn off yet ? :laughing:
Jefft to ukez
2 Oct 16#856
Yes, after less than 2 days.
Aiadi
2 Oct 16#857
Hopefully adding IFTTT might re-ignite that passion.
bigup
2 Oct 16#858
There is going to be a load of these on Amazon warehouse deals soon lol
Like mine but don't really use it as much as I hoped
It's going back
Bendown to bigup
2 Oct 16#859
Mine as well, just another item that will just sit there doing nothing, so far all mine does is give me the weather and news
Chiptivo
2 Oct 16#860
I love mine, but I would not bother if you have not got Spotify or smart features.
scgf
2 Oct 161#861
It's a pretty good bluetooth speaker too. Pair it with your phone by selecting bluetooth on the phone and saying 'Alexa pair'. You should see the Echo in the list of bluetooth devices on your phone. Select it and Alexa will tell you when done.
Play something on your phone and say 'Alexa play bluetooth' and whatever you're playing will transfer to the Echo. You can even pause it by saying 'Alexa pause'. To disconnect, just say 'Alexa disconnect'. I'm finding it very useful to play content from iPlayer Radio and podcasts. My Squeezebox radio is redundant!
I'd have paid 100 quid just for a voice controlled bluetooth speaker!
Shinoke
2 Oct 16#862
Thanks, that gets round the podcast issues I guess. And means you can easily continuing listing to podcasts when not near the echo - out and about etc.
Still no idea why there's no proper podcast skill. It's been out for a couple of years in the US
plumberman01
2 Oct 16#863
im not bored yet :smirk: this could largely be due to the fact they delivered it to a neighbour and ive been unable to retrieve it and they have had to send a replacement!
Got it yesterday and love it so far but need to work out what else it does...shes soo clever tho i hope they have them in warehouse deals soon cos id love to get some for the kids!
slliw
2 Oct 16#864
Dang still ain't picked mine up from the Amazon locker. Been sitting there since Thursday. Have till Tuesday before it gets sent back. Will try tomorrow
mickclark
3 Oct 16#865
I'm using a smartthings hub mate.
welshblob
3 Oct 16#866
She is a bit dumb and misunderstands what is said a fair bit. I'm not happy with having to upload all my music collection to the Amazon cloud just to get her to play it. Also no multiroom sync will be an issue for me as was hoping to buy a few of them for listening throughout the house. One thing it is proving is that I have no idea what music is available on prime so I'm just playing roulette with songs from my memory. In fact I find knowing what content prime has is a general problem as it's so tricky to browse.
I have a feeling that Google could blow Amazon out of the water if they get theirs right as they have had ok google for longer which appears to have more integrated info services. They also have experience of multiroom audio from Chromecast. I expect they would force you to use their cloud for music as well and I don't like cloth speaker grills. Nothing is perfect I guess.
How long do I have to return the echo?
Chiptivo
3 Oct 16#867
They are now £149, so you will probably be able to sell them and make a profit rather than return them. I think I want another, or maybe just a dot to see how the speaker is in it.
Great little devices.
mad.dog
3 Oct 161#868
I'm falling out with Alexa - she responds to her name and then sometimes listens to my commands and then does nothing or just shuts off again halfway through my command
When she works, she works well once you remember the right words - my 3rd old loves asking her questions, even if he doesn't understand the answers
Going to wait till Google's announcements tomorrow - if they are releasing google home over here before the year end I may return her. I have a vision of being able to tell Google Home to play a certain film/show on your chromecast, and voice casting to Sonos speakers should just work as I can currently manually cast to my sonos speakers
Chiptivo
3 Oct 16#869
That's really odd. I can call mine from 20 meters away and she is fine.
The way she works is pretty simple. She ONLY listens to her activation word, and uses NO internet for that.
Once she hears her word, (Alexa, Echo or Amazon depending on what you have selected) she then sends what you say after that to Amazon UK servers. It is the servers via your account settings that sort the rest out.
Maybe it is losing WiFi/Internet connectivity or something??
Aiadi
3 Oct 16#870
I find using the Echo in the kitchen as a timer, shopping list organiser, prime music player and radio player alone to be more than worth its value. In addition I use it to control my harmony hub and wemo switches. I sorely miss multiple echo or dot syncing capabilites but cannot claim not to be getting my money's worth of the device.
mad.dog to Aiadi
3 Oct 16#872
How are you doing your harmony hub? IFTTT doesn't seem to work for Harmony in the UK, which sucks big time
mad.dog
3 Oct 16#871
Based on the lights on top - she's hearing me talk (light blue seems to indicate the microphone in use) and apparently the lights change colour if there is no WiFi connection. I'll give the router a kick tonight to see
Doesn't help that the wife keeps unplugging it - and then my boy gets confused - he's now getting to grip with boot-up times now :-)
Aiadi
3 Oct 162#873
Just use Yonomi App and link Alexa to it. works really well and even faster than IFTTT.
mbugsy18
3 Oct 16#874
I have been struggling with Yonomi app and my harmony elite. The routines to change channels are discovered but the echo doesn't seem to carry them out it appears to do but then I don't get the OK.
Any help or guidance on an example would be great.
scgf
3 Oct 16#875
Just choose the name of the routine carefully. I have things like 'watch TV' 'XBox' and so on. I tried a routine called 'youview' and Alexa just couldn't do it. She just didn't hear it correctly at all.
I take it your routines work when launched directly from the Yonomi app?
mbugsy18 to scgf
3 Oct 16#876
Yes routines from yonomi app work fine.
silversurfer
3 Oct 16#877
Hi Im not sure if this is allowed but have a look at my blog at
The most important thing is that you should
(a) disable the yonomi skill in the Alexa app and then
(b) Readd it in the Alex app
(c) Scan for new devices in the alexa app (which will pick up your new routines as new devices)
Some may tell you, that you need to keep your phone on by using Yonomi or that it has to be in the house but its not true as I have turned off my phone completely and everything works fine.
The video shown in the blog only uses the Echo,Yonomi and Logitech Hub. No IFTTT or Smartthings in sight (although someone has posted a deal on the smartthings kit and I plan to use it)
Good Luck :smiley:
BigBry
3 Oct 16#878
Your link asks for a login! I'm keen to have a read please. Thanks
As others said, Alexa seems to be funny about the names of the routines. For example, the routine name "watch kodi" did not work from the echo but "watch xbox" did (yet all the routnes worked in yonomi without using Alexa
So check that the routine works in yonomi first and if it doesnt work in Alexa, change the routine name in yonomi, ,delete all smart devices in the Alexa app, rescan for smart devices in the Aleaa app (so it picks up the new routine names) and then try again.
It took me about 30 minutes from start to finish and wife was laughing as I kept shouting "watch tv" while setting it up :smiley:
ublewit
4 Oct 16#880
Me and Alexa are best buds now. I love it/her. :smile:
I nearly wet myself last night though when I was watching Grey's Anatomy and Alexa suddenly piped up 'sorry, I didn't understand'. Obviously something on the telly had sounded like 'Alexa' to her.
Also whilst watching the video on silver surfer's link, my Alexa was doing what he was telling his Alexa to do ("Alexa, play music" resulted in Katy Perry's Roar btw). The pc sound was down quite low so the pick up on my Echo is very good.
The speaker quality isn't up for a loud thumping disco but it's more than good enough for everyday normal use, imo.
I'm going to build much more automation into my home as and when funds allow but for now I'm very pleased I got this.
I also have several Z Wave sockets that are presently controlled by a Vera Lite. If anyone knows of an idiot's guide to setting these up with Alexa or Samsung Smartthings hub, I'd be grateful for your tips.
Chiptivo
4 Oct 16#881
Enable the meow meow skill and have some fun. Especially if you have cats.
solid
4 Oct 162#882
I wonder how many of us will be returning their Echos when Google announce Google Home later this afternoon...:man:
silversurfer
4 Oct 16#883
Not me:)
4 weeks ago, I convinced my wife to buy a logitech hub (without the remote) as it would replace all the remotes allowing you to turn everything on/off from an app on the ipad/phone. I set it all up and her first comment, was "Im not going to get my phone out every time I want to turn on the TV". So then I bought, the logitech touch remote to add to the hub, giving her a physical remote (which she liked). A week later. Amazon released the Echo and now we have gone to voice activation with no remote.
I plan to add the smartthings hub but thats the limit of chasing technology for me.
(and at the risk of getting flamed the google speaker looks plain ugly to me) :smiley:
justonemorepie
4 Oct 16#884
And definitely not me. I've been using my Echos for well over a year now. Google home would need to be absolutely mind blowing for me to change. besides, will Google Now have integration with Smartthings, Harmony, etc from the word go?
solid
4 Oct 16#885
I think for many who already use Android, and are already invested in Google Now (nee Google Assitant/Google Magic) Gmail, Music and so on, the Google Home will be pretty compelling enough, even without any 3rd party integrations. Its an interesting time, for sure.
carltonbp
4 Oct 16#886
At the moment it's proving very useful as a timer for things in the dryer. Also in the US they get Audible books as part of their prime now. And I still can't get alexa to understand Dvorak.
Please keep it coming with what you're doing with her, all tips gratefully received.
Discovered an App called Roger which allows you to connect to a virtual Echo. At the moment can't see much use for it unless I can get it linked up to the Yonomi stuff then it might be fun.
justonemorepie to Petetobin
4 Oct 161#892
Peter try the app "Alexa Listens." Much better than Roger. And as a bonus you can change the trigger to anything you like.
foxyuk
4 Oct 16#891
Think mines going back I'm bored with it already
justonemorepie
4 Oct 16#893
are you already using Smartthings?
ublewit
4 Oct 16#894
Yes, Smartthings kit.
ukez
5 Oct 16#895
Glad i didn't buy this Amazon thing and waited for Google Home. Theirs been an announcement and release date given now finally and apparently its next month.
There is no release date for the UK version. If it's anything like the echo you could be waiting up to a year for it to come over here
welshblob
5 Oct 162#897
Google home definitely ticks more boxes for me as it builds on the existing, very capable, OK Google assistant and sounds like they have multi room sorted with multiple home speakers or Chromecast audios. Like the top having some touch and gesture control as well. I doubt it will play from my local music collection though. I'd expect it to be £129 over here once released and can see it being quite in demand in the US which is probably why they are having to stagger the release.
Of course one thing to question on these things is how long they will be supported before the manufacturer wants to force you to replace them all with the new versions.
Mr Hunter
5 Oct 16#898
Just had my delivered (put it on hold until i got a few things sorted)
What are the tips/tricks Alexa can do that are not that well known?
Thanks
Chiptivo to Mr Hunter
5 Oct 16#901
Ask her "Alexa, Who's the Daddy"
damadgeruk
5 Oct 16#899
It was just short of 2 years for the echo to reach here.
gr8t1
5 Oct 16#900
Bit late - sorry. Yes it does work with hive 1. I have it setup
welshblob
5 Oct 16#902
It was a soft, limited launch as well as this was a new type of device so I guess they needed to test the market. 3m sold later, which I assume is US only, shows there is a demand for this along with the dot. I did read that part of the delay with rolling it out worldwide was due to having to improve the voice recognition for regional accents. If that is true then I'd say Google have already sorted that on their phones so the worldwide release will be a bit shorter. I expect the reason for the delay is limited manufacturing volumes and probably a need to iron out some initial bugs. As I have said before this is Google's market to take given how much of the ecosystem and infrastructure they already have. I can see me buying 3 or 4 of them if they are any good and will probably challenge the current multi room speaker systems for those that don't need high end audio. I wonder if we'll see Google licence the tech to other manufacturers so we'll see if being built into TV's and their own speakers?
I think what Amazon need to do now is to get their multi room strategy sorted, especially audio and maybe look at a permanent price drop. I assume all these devices are there to sell and lock you into the subscription services and in addition for Amazon, make it easier to order stuff from them. In which case they should be sold at minimum profit or even at a subsidy.
nickmorc
5 Oct 161#903
Didn't think the voice on Google Home was as good as the Echos, shame there was not an actual time span for the UK. In my opinion, we are about a year away from a UK launch.
deany76
5 Oct 16#904
My money is Google Home for sale in UK in next 2 months.
The reginal accent is not a problem they are the experts at data mining and the Pixel is on sale in the UK soon.
I think the day the Pixel is lauched is the day Home will be launched.
Am cancelling my Dot preorder.
mickclark to deany76
5 Oct 16#905
Doubtful.
Pixel get released in 15 days and pre orders are being taken.
No mention for Google home for uk peeps unfortunately.
christopherrevell
5 Oct 16#906
I have to agree. Google are so bad at supporting or releasing anything outside the US and it's getting worse.
You might get the same apps and products, but the features are limited as not support in the other countries other than US.
Also Google products/apps tend to fail because of the above and they focus on the US market more and we're just an after thought.
shame really....
adrianjowitt
5 Oct 16#907
I like my echo. Sits in my front room where I work from home. Have classic FM and radio 2 playing through it all day so I look at it as a very nice digital radio for 99 quid. Anything above and beyond that is a bonus. Well worth 99 quid in my book and looks good too
welshblob
5 Oct 161#908
I agree they've had some failures in their time but this is a market which someone else has opened up rather than Google trying to blaze a trail. I've never really felt they have focussed on the US market in my use of their services. They tend to do their phone and tablet launches in the main global markets concurrently as that's a well trodden path. I expect they will stagger this as it's new type of device and market for them. I also doubt they will leave Amazon to have the UK market to themselves for too long.
Also I wonder if Amazon or Google are planning on turning them in to a VoIP speaker phone? It makes sense if both parties have these devices and it's a simple case of voice dialing the other user.
Just tried to get Alexa to play Texas 'Halo'. She can't understand Halo, she thinks I'm saying 'Hairball'. :smile:
Can someone else try it? Just wondering if it's my Scottish accent.
Petetobin
6 Oct 164#911
Settings > Music > Filters > Allow Scottish Bands > Set Texas to "Y" but make sure Proclaimers are still set to "N".
slliw
7 Oct 16#912
All these echo vs Google home posts. It's not like you can't have them both? Google will
Probably win the war due to the amount of integration it has plus it's acess to data. Worse case scenario I'll get the Home when the time comes and Echo will serve as a decent wireless speaker in the kitchen. Either way £100 won't break the bank.
plumberman01
7 Oct 161#913
worked for me lol
Mr Hunter
8 Oct 16#914
any advice be most welcome before it goes back.
I cannot get Alexa to do any commands if i say 'Alexa' but if press the speaker button it all works fine.
Is there a setting or something that changes this?
Chiptivo to Mr Hunter
8 Oct 161#915
Yes. There are three keywords that make the echo wake up.
Alexa
Echo
Amazon
It is likely you have changed it from Alexa.
Try one of the three above as the wake word.
Check your settings and select and save another wake word.
mbugsy18
8 Oct 16#916
Just asked the echo for the soccer score for England game and she doesn't understand. Asked for a sports update and it's all American football, basketball games it reels of. Any help in getting soccer results for the UK.
solid to mbugsy18
8 Oct 161#918
Check the app, I think I saw somewhere you can serve which teams to follow
Mr Hunter
8 Oct 16#917
Thanks I'll try that
roadie
10 Oct 16#919
Are there shortage's with the echo again?
deany76
10 Oct 16#920
Thinking about getting one for a small office if £99 is available again in the future.
Q: If a member if staff said "Alexa remind me to phone Mrs Jones at 1.00pm"
I guess you get the okay.
At 1.00pm does Alexa say "just a reminder for you to phone Mrs Jones"
What happens if you just popped out the office. Does Alexa repeat the "just a reminder for you to phone Mrs Jones" ad infintium until you say okay. and if so what is the 'snooze' time delay.
thanks in advance
KCooperman
10 Oct 16#921
Its not able to do that. The best it can do is add items to a to-do list but there are no reminders or anything like that. You would have to check you to-do list on the app. I guess if you link google calendar you could create a calendar entry for the reminder, but not sure if it would notify you. Guess you would need to ask "what's on my calendar for today" or something along those lines.
deany76
10 Oct 16#922
Hi
Thanks for your reply.
Its a shame that alarms cant be set and will repeat.
We work in horticulture so questions like "Alexia what is the weather like tomorrow" is impotant to us and could see the product (thinking more the Dot) would be very helpful to us.
Hopfully Google Home may offer what I'm looking for
Yes you can set an alarm at a specific date/time, but you can't say set an alarm at x to do y, which is what deany76 was asking... seems abit of a missed opportunity really..perhaps it may happen in the future. Would be good to be able to say things like "alexa set reminder at 10pm to put the bins out..." and then she prompts you. Currently you can only say "alexa add put the bins out to my to-do list".
nascent
11 Oct 161#925
I agree that would be a nice feature, but even android/Google assistant doesn't support that
deany76
11 Oct 16#926
so Google Home wont offer this?
thanks
solid
11 Oct 161#927
I'm sure this can/will be added as a software update - this is a feature that I would I Would find very useful, too
deany76
11 Oct 16#928
Yes really look forward to that I would find reminders which continue so you dont miss them to be invaluable. Almost having a PA for a one off payment of £100 or so instead or £20K plus a year.
Many small businesses would benefit greatly and improve productivity and very handy at home like @Kcopperman example for 'bin day' etc
I could see this really catching on and become a must have for home and small to medium size businesses.
solid
12 Oct 161#929
I also think that the fact that the Echo uses an Amazon account (which is far more likely to be a shared, family account, and therefore better suited to being used in by the family) is a strength.
In contrast to the Google Home, where it'll be difficult to manage multiple accounts (not to mention how personal Google accounts are. Google can't reliably manage multiple accounts on Chrome, so can't imagine how they'll manage multiple accounts on Home).
The only thing, imo, that Home has over Echo, is the sheer data that Google has at its disposal, and how that data will result in a better experience (ie having a conversation, rather than a series of separate questions).
However, since that's essentially a software thing, I'm sure that'll be added to Echo soon enough.
solid
12 Oct 161#930
Case in point:
I've just asked Alexa to set an alarm, five minutes after sunset, but all she/it can do, is start a five minute timer immediately...
Context is pretty much non existent on the echo
Zool
12 Oct 16#931
Can anybody tell how well the echo controls Philips hue lights? Does it simply do on/off or more advance things like colour change, brightness etc
nascent
12 Oct 161#932
I'm not sure Google home will be able to fulfill this request either.
This can be done with IFTTT though.
Petetobin
12 Oct 161#933
You need a Watson. That way you could say "set a birthday reminder for one of my relatives with the same name as a famous serial killer nicknamed Bible John who was born 3 days and 400 years after a famous British Sailor who set sail to fight the Spanish from Plymouth Ho".
Probably should ask this elsewhere but is there an easier way of controlling a TV/Sky/Home Cinema setup without having to build every command as an activity in Harmony and then exposing each one to Alexa through Yonomi? It's a pain in the **** to do.
KCooperman
15 Oct 16#935
As far as I'm aware you can only turn them on/off and set brightness. You can not change scenes or colours
damadgeruk
16 Oct 16#936
Yonomi can.
mbugsy18
16 Oct 16#937
Any Yonomi experts tell me how to get the harmony activities to work once in Alexa? I have discovered them and from Yonomi they work but Alexa ignores them. Is there any example I can follow?
KCooperman
16 Oct 16#938
You need to say "Alexa turn on [routine name]" E.g. Create routine called TV which triggers the harmony routine watch TV. Then all you have to say is "Alexa turn on TV"
mbugsy18
16 Oct 16#939
I have managed to do that with the watch TV activity but changing channels it doesn't seem to want to turn on BBC1 etc.
KCooperman
16 Oct 16#940
It can only trigger activities. It's not going to give you voice control for each command such as volume, channels etc.
ficosaneil
16 Oct 161#941
the remote control?
Petetobin
16 Oct 16#942
You need to setup an Acivity for every command you want to issue. It's a pain but it works. There is talk of direct Alexa/Harmony integration coming soon, maybe they will have a little love child called Captain Scarlett!
mbugsy18
16 Oct 16#943
[quote=ficosaneil][quote=Petetobin] Probably should ask this elsewhere but is there an easier way of controlling a TV/Sky/Home Cinema setup without having to build every command as an activity in Harmony and then exposing each one to Alexa through Yonomi? It's a pain in the **** to do.[/
Yes I have created several activities for each of the main channels I watch which are the HD ones and BBC1 at first didn't work but having problems with BBC2 now, Alexa doesn't seem to understand turn on BBC2 also didn't like Channel 4 but renamed to TV channel 4 now works. I tried to do the same for BBC2 but still not having it. So Yonomi seems to not be so robust. I agree when true Alexa/Harmony integration happens it will be much better.
normal
17 Oct 16#944
What am I doing wrong? I'm trying to use Yonomi to control my Harmony Hub. I have Yonomi set up as a skill. I have the Harmony App set up on my phone. I have Yonomi set up for activities. I tell Alexa " Alexa, turn on watch TV" (watch TV is the name of the Harmony/Yonomi command). Nothing happens. Same for all other activities.
Very frustrating that. Plus annoyed that IFTTT and Harmony still not working. What's the delay?
Chiptivo
17 Oct 161#945
IFTTT twitter has replied to say it is unlikely to be available by the 25th Oct at the earliest (I think)..
zermattbusby
17 Oct 16#946
Not sure if it helps but Allo (Google Assistant) will carry out that task
Does the Harmony activity work in Yonomi? Try rediscovering the devices in Alexa once you know everything works in Yonomi.
normal
17 Oct 16#949
Harmony Activities work on Yonomi, but Alexa can't see the Harmony Hub. In the Alexa app I go > Smart Home > Discover devices. It shows Yonomi skills but doesn't find the Harmony. What am I doing wrong?
mbugsy18
17 Oct 16#950
It should show all the activities (devices) from yonomi including the Harmony Hub (via Yonomi). There is no specific skill to enable for the Harmony hub.
Maybe a screen shot of your devices in the Alexa app might help.
Petetobin
17 Oct 16#951
Seems odd I would try delinking and relinking Alexa to the Yonomi account. I find it all quite buggy still, I also have to say Hall in an American accent i.e. Harl which people find very funny.
Petetobin
17 Oct 16#952
By the way, how do you address the Harmony Hub directly, I had to create a routine in Yonomi for each Harmony Activity.
Petetobin
17 Oct 16#953
Don't use 1 or 2 use one and two.
mbugsy18
17 Oct 16#954
Thanks worked a treat.
normal
17 Oct 16#955
We're making progress! I delinked Yonomi and Alexa, and relinked. Now it sees the harmony activities, but I still can't get Alexa to activate them.
pete_101
17 Oct 16#956
I found Alexa/Yonomi to be a bit awkward to trigger until I started saying 'Alexa turn on' + yonomi routine name.
KCooperman
17 Oct 16#957
You have to say "Alexa turn on " and then the routine name. E.g. "Alexa turn on watch tv". So you might want to rename your routines so it makes a bit more sense. E.g. If you named the routine just TV you could say "Alexa turn on the TV"
Petetobin
17 Oct 16#958
If you set up a routine called TV On and TV off in Yonomi pointing to the start and end of Watch TV in Harmony, then Alexa combines them into one so you can say Turn On the TV and Turn Off the TV even though it appears in Alexa as just TV.
Mr Hunter
17 Oct 16#959
Recently got a Harmony Ultimate and now find out it talks to Alexa too. Need to start playing around with it later
solid
18 Oct 16#960
Anyone else found their echo can't hear any commands if its playing music at vol10?
I have to walk, rotate the vol down, and then it can hear me
:|:confused:
mbugsy18
18 Oct 161#961
Yes, now that I have set it up to control my TV and placed it where I want it I have to really shout to get it to hear me over the TV volume. While setting it up it was sat next to me.
Chiptivo
18 Oct 161#962
I fine this when it is close to a wall at volume 10, but the manual says 3ft or something away from walls. When away from a wall it is fine.
Mr Hunter
20 Oct 16#963
Dot arrived.
My Echo is going back, it's not hearing me at all and i have to scream at it to activate. Tried a reset and changing it to Echo. As soon as it listens my normal speaking voice is fine and understands it 9/10.
Hopefully the replacement will do the job
slliw
20 Oct 16#964
Echo constantly picking up stuff from TV shows from Netflix. It's more of 'Alexa Stop' then any other command in our crib.
OldEnglish
20 Oct 16#965
I decided to cancel mine in the end, all this messing about would have got on my t!ts after a bit. :stuck_out_tongue:
nascent
20 Oct 161#966
Got my Dot today. My god this thing is awesome. The speaker quality is surprisingly good considering it's not a full dot. Can play music through it and not cringe which is cool Have decent speakers to stream too too but didn't expect the dot's speakers to actually be listenable.
Also I can't believe how freaking easy it was to get working with my lights etc.
I have a bunch of Wemo switches connected to lamps and so forth, and Alexa just worked with it without any effort. You just hit discover devices, and from that point you can turn them on and off by name without any configuration. I wanted to group all the lights together so I could just say "Alexa turn off the lights" - so I expected there to be a bit of effort with this, but nope. Hit Smart Home in the app, then Groups, create group, call it whatever you want ( I wanted "Lights" tick the boxes next to all the devices it's already detected", and from that point on you can turn on and off the whole group.
Well chuffed so far. My next goal is going to be saving for a Logitech Harmony Hub so I can control the TV, and if there's ever a sale, some Philips Hue Kits to control dimmer lights.
Also for anyone that has some cash to spend, I really recommend a Ring doorbell.
tonysat
21 Oct 16#967
Got mine yesterday and finding it very frustrating so far. At first it heard and performed simple stuff like the weather and playing music from Amazon, but then it kept losing internet connection. I have not had any issues with internet before, have 150MB BB, but last night my Internet was as slow as anything. Unplugged the Dot and reset router and back to normal. May have just been a coincidence and there may have been an issue with my broadband at that point, but not sure. More testing this weekend before it goes back, which would be a shame!
ficosaneil
21 Oct 16#968
This seems like such a pointless piece of technology. I'd be laughing my head off if I saw someone speaking and arguing with one of these in their house... when they could do the same command with a button on a remote contol.:laughing:
deany76
21 Oct 16#969
I think this is an example of tech in its infancy, just watching a Google Home video gives an idea of what the future holds.
I'm sure these will be as popular in homes as smartphones have become in the last nine years.
Petetobin
25 Oct 16#970
I see that direct Harmony integration has just been announced but it appears that it is not yet available in the UK.
pammyr123
22 Nov 16#971
Hi anyone know where I can get a cheap echo?
Chiptivo
22 Nov 161#972
Lightwave integration is in place and works really well.
justonemorepie
22 Nov 16#973
@Chiptivo as a Smartthings user i would probably consider moving to Lightwave now that it works with Alexa - if it wasn't for the fact my home automation is in Spain. I do think that Alexa working with Lightwave will make it even more popular in the UK.
tiggerloveslife
22 Nov 161#974
Hi anyone know where I can get a cheap echo?
There you go and I haven't even charged you so totally free...lol...
Sorry just couldn't resist the temptation :innocent:
pammyr123
22 Nov 16#975
Ha ha ha tiggerloveslife
Chiptivo
22 Nov 16#976
All my lamps, lights and heating are lightwave.
Alexa with the light wave skill deals with groups of lights, and events really well.
Yes, good move by lightwave to get it integrated to a good standard I think.
bally12345
22 Nov 16#977
I have already invested too much into Hue to change but originally wanted lightwave because of the switches available.
solid
23 Nov 16#978
Are there any cheap deal for light wave switches? They sound great
Chiptivo
23 Nov 161#979
Some B&Q's have them reduced and rebadged as Siemens.
Other than that, eBay have them, but they are not cheap.
I like as they work with existing wiring and bulbs, so I can take them with me if I ever move house.
Saw this earlier in the week - but in my opinion, the strength of a screenless Echo is that you don't have to touch it or look at it. Voice control has its issues, but for this particular type of product, voice control is a definite strength. Otherwise, just get a bog standard tablet, and use Google Assistant.
deany76
3 Dec 16#982
I agree, I was surprised when I read the article. edit
Possibly Skype (or a new amazon VoIP) for phone calls.
I see a big market for phone calls with the Echo and Dot.
ozzmosiz
4 Dec 161#983
new screen version is so they can watch amd listen to you....
nascent
4 Dec 16#984
Just to educate you a little. A screen does not equal a camera.
deany76
4 Dec 16#985
I personally hope the next gen does include a camara and amazon launch a VoIP service or at least integrate with Skype.
Album art would be nice too.
Have two dots and SONOS at present. Very happy
nascent
6 Dec 16#986
Anyone got a basic guide to setting up logitech harmony with yonomi and alexa? I've managed to conenct yonomi to alexa, and have conecnted yomoni to harmony on the phone. it seems to import the routines into alexa, but trying to activate them with the echo doesnt work. if I use the routine "watch tv" alexa just asks "for when?" and doesnt actually do anything. I've tried different routine names and renaming the harmony device to tv etc. I've even followed the faq on yonomi.com which recommend creating a routine called tv and another called tv off, but alex adoesnt want to active these either
I have created two routines in Yonomi, one called Telly On which points to the Harmony "Start Watch Smart TV" and another called Telly Off which points to "End Watch Smart TV". In Alexa I have one Yonomi skill called Telly which points to the two routines On and Off. I then say Alexa Turn On the Telly, or Alexa Turn Off the Telly and it works fine. Sounds like you may be saying the wrong thing to Alexa as the Yonomi command is Turn On .
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
![[Xbox One] Q. u. b. e: Director's Cut on Deals with Gold](/images/topics/208716_1.jpg)
Opening post
*** What is Amazon Echo? ***
The Amazon Echo is a voice-controlled smart speaker, which incorporates Alexa – Amazon’s AI (similar to Google Now on Android or Siri on iOS). As you can see from the design of the speakers, they provide 360º omni-directional audio.It incorporates far-field voice recognition so that it can hear you from across the room.
Alexa can be used to answer questions on news, weather, traffic etc. The speaker can be used to play music from Amazon Prime Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn and others.
The Echo can also be used to control your smarthome, including lights, switches, and thermostats compatible with WeMo, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, Insteon, Nest, and ecobee smart home devices
*** Terms and conditions ***
- New and existing Amazon Prime members who pre-order Amazon Echo (“Promoted Product”) on http://www.amazon.co.uk during the validity of the offer will be eligible for a £50 discount on the full price (£149.99) of the Promoted Product (the “Offer”).
- The Offer is valid until 16 September 2016 at 5:00 p.m. or while supplies last, whichever is earlier.
For everyone asking what the differences between the two are, please see following link:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202009700
- jaypee24
Skills Guide:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/b/ref=br_imp?_encoding=UTF8&node=11242734031&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=desktop-sidekick-2&pf_rd_r=6N611B1F6XAM4AGYXQDY&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=a62a0411-de5b-43d3-9eb7-021895d03b5c&pf_rd_i=desktop
Kind of like apps for the Alexa, few examples of what can be activated.
- jaypee24
Top comments
"Absolutely!"
*Ordered*
All comments (988)
Do I need it? No. Do I want an expensive plastic gadget I can use to control my hue lights? Of course!!
"Absolutely!"
*Ordered*
no no no no no!!! unless this has a great speaker rivalling the other 100 pounds wireless speakers then this is just a joke that will get boring very quickly
Though My 4 Year old will have complete control and I won't be able to hide the remote.
*Why* would I want one. Cant understand this at all. Do people really want every device in their house to talk to them?
Also found there will be a cheaper version (£49.99) out soon (20th October) called Echo Dot:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01DFKBG5Y/
Along with some discount codes:
Buy 5 get 1 Free > Code: DOT6PACK
By 10 get 2 free > Code: DOT12PACK
Enter codes at checkout.
Will get one of these and probably a couple of dots to go with the hue and wireless sockets.
For anybody that isn't aware it's kind of an alernative, more natural way of communicating with Siri.
Simple questions/commands like:
"alexa, what's the weather like today"
"alexa, play the stone roses"
"alexa, play my top hits playlist"
as well as more useful commands
"alexa, decrease the temperature by 2 deg" (nest, etc)
"alexa, turn lights off" (hue)
etc
When I was young it was "hey, can you turn it over to channel 3" - which migrated to "hey, can you grab me the remote" ...
With this there is pretty much no value in children. Unless you still have issues with your chimney that is.
Combine with ifttt and it's pretty powerful.
Great way to wake up in the morning :smiley:
Only a week after the amazon echo would arrive though I’m guessing that’s no coincidence amazon decided to release it ahead of the announcement. Hmmm decisions decisions…
in the worst case, it's just an adequate BT speaker which happens to answer some very basic questions (weather, news headline, etc) ..
One does wonder if these will go down on Black Friday.
Unless you order one black and one white - two for £200. Sold!
Surely For 50 quid you can get a nice set of speakers to go with the small one?
" switch the Mrs off " :smile:
Ignore that.
One review said you did, but I just saw another which says you don't
All my music is on Google Play Music.
If it can access that I'm interested.
It's interesting what you say though?, lol. :-)
To be fair, it's a nice novelty item, but I have no interest in it. Fairly affordable price, though, so heat added.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Hz9qjTDfw
Pretty much forces you to use Amazon Music.
Only 250 songs uploaded for free. After that you need Prime membership.
Yeah.
F that.
Think I'll stick with my free 20GB on Google Play Music thanks.
Of course you can connect to your phone via bluetooth and listen to Google Music, Apple Music or any other service too. But that's not quite the point.
iPlayer radio would be a nice one for them to add.
The Dot isn't available until October 20th.
I'm more inclined by the dot Tbh so if the dot gets a reduction I'll probably sell the big one on or return it.
The kids love it as there are some good interactive games for it like spelling and what not. The mic is very sensitive and I don't need to shout or raise my voice for it to work. It really is cool.
Can't wait for the UK version to come out so I can use the UK app on it.
http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2016/8/30/12709452/sonos-amazon-alexa-announced
So you can control your Sonos speakers directly from Alexa once the update hits, no need to buy the full fat version with a potentially less potent speaker than your existing Sonos speaker (s) but control your music via speech on Alexa instead :smiley:
http://www.howtogeek.com/249342/how-to-change-the-amazon-echos-wake-word/
EDIT: Maybe not - according to media sites who already have it.
Alexa: "Me"
I really don't what anything in my house connecting everything heard to the internet.
... So it tells you the weather, well I'll be dammed. It plays some music via voice control.... Stop the press!
It turns on lights... Shut the front door!
But don't worry. I'm sure Apple will have a version along in 6 months time claiming they invented the idea.
'Hal, skype Pizza Hut.'
'I don't think you really want to do that, Dave.'
'And what is that?'
'The toaster and I have been talking and we've both noticed some extra poundage in your midsection.'
'There's going to be some poundage in your power socket in a minute.'
'I understand completely, Dave.'
'Oh, and my name is Amelia.'
'Sorry Amy.'
'I SAID AMELIA!'
Sonos are adding support for Echo soon and I have a hue bulb in my room so this will be awesome to control it. Having to get my phone, unlock, Sonos app, search for song and then play is a pain. Just being able to use voice control is super useful as long as this works well when music playing.
However £50 is a little expensive when they just reduced the price to $50 in the US, we are starting to see some items priced at the same pound value as the dollar value, not good!
Sonos are adding support for Echo soon and I have a hue bulb in my room so this will be awesome to control it. Having to get my phone, unlock, Sonos app, search for song and then play is a pain. Just being able to use voice control is super useful as long as this works well when music playing.
However £50 is a little expensive when they just reduced the price to $50 in the US, we are starting to see some items priced at the same pound value as the dollar value, not good!
Once this goes live on 28th Sept, you will need to de-register you Echo and the re-register for it to connect to the UK version/cloud.
Happy days!
I've played with one of these and it quickly becomes a gimmick. Siri and Google Now is far more capable/intelligent.
I've had an Echo and a Dot for some time and they are really fun gadgets - everyone in the family likes them and I have just got a couple more. Using Spotify and I also have them controlling my lighting and heating and even telling me who's calling on my telephone line (but this needs extra bits to accomplish). One of my favourite purchases.
can you sell @roadie and myself on this "Hue" it gets mentioned a lot whats the big deal about it - I don't get it?
Apparently I'm better with LED bulbs in the kitchen (all 4 blown). not sure if its that relevant but have wi-fi.
thanks
I know the recordings are harmless In principle but it's still a lil bit closer to big brother than I'd frankly like
Interesting technology but I can't see how it would be more than a gimmick for me personally and I'm fairly certain I wouldn't use it after the first week, if that.
Alexa bring me the rubber gloves
Alexa?
Alexa?
WTF?
Alexa send yourself back to Amazon
Thanks
I buy mostly from Amazon due to Prime and 4 recommendations still on my account
massive SONOS fan
I'm in
No Quibble return - ordering
Thanks OP
PS
As had £40 credit got remote and WiFi plug - "Alexia turn light on in dining room" etc while in another room the later is discounted to.
Not a big fan of remotes but the Echo may be in one room and you can be in another with remote - seems like.a worthwhile 19.99 to me.
Cheers
I've looked everywhere and even messaged Sonos a few months back.
(Not doubting you) just would like a read :-)
I guess this isn't for me.
This may help with Siri
Cheers
http://www.howtogeek.com/229308/26-actually-useful-things-you-can-do-with-siri/
Deany
Not a deal breaker with future SONOS integration- would make life that little bit easier though
"Alexia turn heating on."
https://nest.com/support/article/Learn-how-to-control-your-Nest-Thermostat-with-Amazon-Alexa-on-Echo-and-Fire-TV
and now to listen to the new Beatles album FREE on Google Play Music via SONOS
hey life isn't too bad after all!
This also means that Echo is always listening.
/puts the foil hat on/
That's freaking awesome.
Anyone fortunate enough to enjoy the SONOS experience if they watch the video and are 'on the fence' on pressing the button on an Echo prepare to be invest 99.99 great vid thanks
awesome as mickclark said
don't use Siri on my iPhone so can't see my using this new chick on echo
Can promise but may help for Siri to move you towards Echo
http://www.howtogeek.com/229308/26-actually-useful-things-you-can-do-with-siri/
Cheers
"Alexia order the same order we had last week from Just Eat last Friday from Dine India - for delivery 7.00pm tonight, but two more pappadoms please this week "?
D.E.A.L
"Alexa order my coffee again"
Sure no problem.
"Alexa remind the Mrs I'm out with the boys tonight."
You got it.
"Alexa play my book"
Sold!!!!
For those saying their phone already does this, I suppose the thing to say is that the Echo does it way better!
interestingly MORE expensive in USA than OP's deal - even allowing from amazon.co.uk "early uk (dont forget well tested product) adopters - cracking price as confirmed by link below.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X4WHP5E/ref=cm_cr_othr_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KpLHdAURGo
Sound quality, either via Spotify ("Echo, play Led Zeppelin" or "Echo, play 'Say it Ain't so Joe'") or through Tunein Radio is okay, but not great. Ideally, you'd connect it to your hifi, but on the main Echo unit, there's no output. I think the smaller model does have this feature. Incidentally, mine currently only wants to access Radio 5 live via Tunein, not recognising any other station...
Admittedly, I haven't looked too deeply into how these work but for those of you out there who may be a bit ignorant (I don't mean that in an insulting way) to how their data is used, it would probably be worthwhile to think twice and do your research before jumping on this gadget or any like it, for that matter.
As much as I love gadgets, this is one I don't plan to touch.
Alexa, what new features do you have?
Whenever Amazon adds something new, they program an explanation into Alexa and she’ll give you all the details by just asking that question."
http://lifehacker.com/the-seven-best-things-you-can-do-with-an-amazon-echo-1766989219
I know it'll never be used, and with it would link with my Google play music..................
I can't tell you how quick I jumped on this. Pre-ordered in White & can't wait until 29/9
Thanks OP...
Also apparently in the US the Echo shipped with a remote but here in U.K. You need to order separately for another £20 so not such a great deal in my humble opinion.
The Echo Dot at £50 is a more cost effective solution which you can connect to an existing speaker and provides same functionality but for £50 and can be controlled by voice or the app.
I personally will hang on for the time being...
Holding on for that!
It's definitely correct, I'm getting this then :smiley:
https://ifttt.com/amazon_alexa
Got the main echo for my bedroom (replacing an aging alarm clock really), 1 dot for the Lounge to connect to my a/v amp and 1 more to go in the kitchen connected up to the cone speaker I got from a deal here a few months back. Should be a great combination :smiley:
I am regretting getting a cosy smart thermostat over a nest now but hey it should be trivial to write a suitable plugin to support it once the AVS api comes to the uk later this year so it won't be a problem for long :smiley:. I'm also hoping to find a way to get it linked into my ikettle...they idea of asking alexa to boil the kettle for me is a fun one :smiley:
Edit: and its that open extensible nature that makes this a much better proposition for many techies than Siri. You can't easily expand what Siri can do outside of apples tight control; you can with alexa (and probably with googles version next month).
This will do instead!
It's a step in the right direction and cheap enough but it seems to to be to home automation what the Psion Organiser was to PDAs.
You can stream via Bluetooth but is the quality as good?
Now Amazon (a sales and marketing company) wants you to pay them to stick a box that listens in to your friends and family 24/7 so they can:
1) Answer silly questions that you can already ask on your Windows 10 machines and mobile phones.
2) Give you the freedom to play music without having to search your track (Wooopiee)
3) Use other vocal information collected within your household to present you with more junk they can sell you. :laughing:
More scary. When they get hacked and criminals can listen to when you're away. Unlock your doors remotely. Or worse hear when your kids are at home.
Not for me. I'm out
Oh the lights not on I'm sure the echo isn't listening. It's a setting for an LED. Wouldn't be rocket science to turn it off with the speaker on
Echo, dot and wemo insight ordered.
I hate this website sometimes.
Bought and heated :neutral_face:.
Main difference between the Echo and the Echo Dot are:
The dot has a smaller speaker, has a 3.5mm audio out, and can connect to Bluetooth speakers
This is the new version of the dot which has 4 buttons and can work standalon . The old version couldn't.
can't wait to talk to my virtual 'friend'
with social media it was Facebook - pre twitter/instagram/snapchat etc
with this sort of stuff, i'm happy to pull my phone out my pocket and check time/play a track/plan world domination
i am somewhat scared of how out of touch i will be in about 6 months or 9 years
Could I use it to get the music program on my computer to select tracks, CDs etc - Not through its own speaker but my HiFi which I have hooked up to my computer?
I just don't understand why a Bluetooth speaker with an assistant at this price is a good deal with this much heat that's always nosy and eavesdropping.
But enjoy! Not voting cold.
With this in mind am I best cancelling the £99.99 Echo preorder and waiting till October for the 2nd gen Dot? and save £50.00
I'm in no rush as the SONOS functionality wont be till next year.
Is the "Dot" basically an Echo sans speaker?
Thanks in advance
ps
I could maybe put the £50 saved towards another hub in another room (assuming I like the concept) and cancel the £19.99 remote as I'm not a fan of remotes. So 2nd Dot would be approx £30.00
What is the difference in the two products?
thanks
X being anyword?
Anyone who wants to know the difference between the Echo and the Dot this may help esp. SONOS owners who don't need speakers.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202009700
I've got one of these for the bathroom I snagged on a special Black Friday for £16.00
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/css/summary/edit.html/ref=dp_iou_view_this_order?ie=UTF8&orderID=204-4674135-5949141
looks like "Dot" needs something like this until maybe SONOS when integrated will connect to Dot
I have a 5 zone sonos. I'm getting an echo for my study and a dot to place in living room to give commands to for the sonos and the wemo I want to try.
Basically, the extra £50 is for the 'upgraded' built-in speaker, everything else is comparable.
None come with a remote.
As above I'm getting an echo for my study purely to try it. The dot will be for living room to control sonos and wemo depending how that performs.
edit
Echo and Dot stream a fraction of a second of audio before the wake word.
Cheers
Also addresses your valid privacy query.
"The speakers are deliberately designed not to send data back to Amazon's servers unless there has been a wake command or button press."
cheers
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-37351342
Cheers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVYcOi8R8dg
So Alexa, Echo, Amazon
I will probably go for Amazon as I'm pre-orderering the Dot now.....and Alexia sounds like my Dyslexia!
Cheers
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/r.html?C=OG4RRSMVKVAC&K=A1OJEE6HZMIORD&R=3MC5NBU33ONGZ&T=C&U=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fb%3Fnode%3D11242734031%26ref_%3Dpe_572741_40935641&A=EPW9CL6OQKSLUBYG4F8WMYAXTFGA&H=ASXALMOSAIM5RPIAZUUQPNEUQXYA&ref_=pe_572741_40935641
You can get BBC , Sky news, National rail info etc
These skills are being added regularly. They have developed more skills in US which come to us on the UK
Just found out there is dedicated support line for echo and dot to assist in queries around home automation.
This is a product this is being continually developed so Google and Apple will be playing catch up
Not just a dumb blue tooth speaker !
SONOS owners who don't need another speaker in a room would appear to be better off with a "Dot".
My SONOS system:
• 2 x Play 5 1st gen - dining room
• 1 x Play 3 - kitchen
• 1 x Connect amp + Wharfedale diamond 10 - living room
• 1 x Connect amp + Wharfedale diamond 10 - main bedroom
I was going to put the echo in the living room but then thought, hold on I don't need the speaker as I've got SONOS!
Have cancelled the Echo and remote preorder and ordered a Dot (didn't realise it has a small built in speaker for "talk back") for the living room.
With money saved may get 2nd dot for dining room next year when SONOS integration occurs.
Cheers
ps
My SONOS zones were added over a number of years starting six years ago. Plus I haven't watched TV in 7 years so I guess music is my passion.
The Dot is cheaper, but you have to consider the additional speakers, and the extra complication of cabling it all up.
I guess it all depends on the location. If this is to be used in the kitchen, the Echo makes sense. If you want this functionality in the living room, where you may already have something already, the Dot makes more sense.
I don't think it's just all about the base cost..
ps
The Play 1s are awesome
I must say though Alphabets Nest and Nest Protect are excellent and their outside Nest Cam just launched in the last few days and out of stock in the US launching in the UK in a few months looks really good (no subscription needed).
Loads of you who have bought it will be returning it, so I will pick up one of those :man:
Yes.
I think if GCHQ or the FBI really want to hack an Echo and Dot they will just like the plug and play indoor camaras http://paleofuture.gizmodo.com/the-fbi-can-neither-confirm-nor-deny-wiretapping-your-a-1776092971
But there are benefits on the medical question that the americans seem to be using Echo and Dot for-
search for medical on amazon.com echo page:
History questions can be deleted from amazon server-
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602230
point "4"
Did I need it ? Not really
Did I want it ? Oh yes
I can see potential with this device for doing lots of things (well that's my excuse) :stuck_out_tongue:
:smile:
:confused:
cheers
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-37356534 1st video
http://bgr.com/2016/05/25/amazon-echo-vs-siri-voice-recognition/
plus you can control ones of these
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B009SA9Z6S/ref=ya_st_dp_summary
Nest thermostat
Hue
and many other home automation products.
New functions are being added all the time ie control SONOS in 2017
In terms of the Echo, I really am on the fence with it, though only the dot is of interest.
My home is fitted with Hive and has 4 Zones of Sonos, an Arlo CCTV setup and some smart lighting, but even with that, I still find it hard to justify - most of the things I can achieve with IFTTT recipes, but also with a smartphone you just have so much more control and a much greater amount of information available.
The only feature I really liked was the story book reading for my daughters room, her being able to control that with her voice would be kind of neat, but Alexa is then replacing a role that's more about me spending time in the last light reading her and comforting her... a weird notion.
1) Does this incorporate iplayer radio, if i want any DAB stations?
2) Do you need Spotify Premium or will the free version do?
Thanks
1) Yes Tune In Radio (2nd row 2nd icon) not sure about BBC iPlayer
2) see post #434
Or, move 5ft in either direction and achieve the same thing.
They are particularly interested in the people who have privacy concerns as they are usually the same people with things to hide.
Quick close your HUKD account and go hide under the staircase...
I ordered it and cancelled it. I don't use my phone for all this automation so can't seen me using this.
Do I want it? I guess
Did I order it? Absolutely
If Amazon want to listen to me watch TV and all the other mundane stuff I get up to then they can be my guest.
Holding the bag on the echo.
So the options are:
Echo owners:
Hey Alexa
Hey Echo
Hey Amazon
Dot owners:
Hey Alexa - I could see myself saying Alexia for some reason and thats out as rhymes with dyslexia
Hey Dot - out as I think of Dot Cotton
Hey Amazon - favorite
I'm going for "Hey amazon" on the dot as I like amazon.
Cheers
And a LOT of cancelled Echo's (rightly so) after your excellent info.
SONOS + ECHO❌
ECHO ❓see post #461 if reliable source
The dot is much more flexible - usb powered, built in speaker for audio interaction plus bluetooth and 3.5mm audio output for higher quality.
And 1/3 the price (when the Echo discount ends).
You'd have to speak faster than John Barnes!.
Do I own ? No
Should I buy ? No
Ordered lmao
For those that don't have a woman in the house this is a fine way of finding out what it's like after a while & you have the option of switching it off.
I'd you are just wanting a general speaker, then you are in the wrong place, but I'd you would use the features, it's a steal at £99.
Downside is you need two plugs worth of power instead of one with echo but I was thinking about getting a 2.1 usb powered system and then using a wallplug with two outputs.
So as of right now I can't see a reason to buy the big echo at all except from its one power socket and not two.
For me that would bring the total cost to 65 and give me the chance to cancel if Google offering is better.
I'm interested in this for voice activating Sonos so won't need Echo to play music
SONOS integration 2017 there is a work around mentioned earlier thanks @Knack https://en.community.sonos.com/components-228996/using-echo-dot-with-sonos-line-in-6735691 - go for Dot with SONOS
Thanks @Knack
https://en.community.sonos.com/components-228996/using-echo-dot-with-sonos-line-in-6735691
"Dots are finally shipping again (backorder is slowly clearing) and I got one this past weekend. I have it connected to the line in on the CONNECT:AMP in the master bedroom. Room settings are set to automatically route the line in to the master bedroom Sonos zone (not breaking grouping for when I have that also grouped to the master bathroom). With experimentation, I found that setting the line in sensitivity to 8 (portable speaker) made the Dot at max volume be about the same volume as when I play music directly from Sonos. Since I use the Sonos app to control volume, I figured it was easiest to just leave the Dot at max and I don't have to keep adjusting the volume depending on what service is acting as the audio source. I also configured the Dot to play its tone when voice response is activated, so that Sonos has always woken up and switched to the line-in input before the Dot says anything meaningful, so there is no clipping on the start."
Will work with SONOS CONNECT AMP and SONOS CONNECT
Also line in
Play 5 1st gen
Play 5 2n gen
NOT
Play 1
Play 3
but if you have a zone with just one of these four SONOS products:
SONOS CONNECT AMP
SONOS CONNECT
Play 5 1st gen
Play 5 2n gen
and its near where you want the Dot located it will work with a Play 1 and Play 3 zone overall.
NB Above is a "work around" full SONOS integration with Dot due 2017
'Dash Button's'. Oh my god. This takes laziness to a whole new level.
Being thrifty its not for us HUKDers as we want the best prices
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/amazon-prime-want-1-for-nothing-get-free-1-digital-credit-for-each-amazon-dash-purchase-2504072
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/durex-dash-button-4-99-amazon-prime-members-2509169
Sorted.
Also had bad experience on iOS 9 beta so I'm not as brave as I once was with betas!
cheers
Will wait and see with just the one for now.
"Amazon is making the new version chargeable via a docking station, but it'll need a button-push to respond to voice commands. Amazon ditched the always-on aspect (which some Echo owners were critically of) to preserve battery life."
I don't want to be pressing a button, and the size is said to be about the same as a beer can so I doubt it'll sound as good. Also I definitely don't want something else to be charging up all the time.
The always on functionality surely was the main feature.
If you have to get up and press a button you may as well turn the lights down and thermostat down.
Thanks for posting what are amazon playing at?
ps
were the owners critical due to Privicy issues - low bandwidth cant think of any other reason
ie
Option one always on 'Hey Alexa'
Option two switch off always on (via app) manual button now needed to activate. This seems more realistic to me, plus keeps everyone happy.
...which has no details by when it will be available, just so I can say, 'add almonds to my CostCo list'.
'CostCo List'.
'CooooostCo Liiiist'.
Can you change the batteries in this or is it like the Dash buttons?
I bought an Echo yesterday and then realised that I didn't need the speaker.
As I have Sonos.
So cancelled the pre-order.
If I did need the speaker and had known about 2nd gen on November 25 I would still cancel as its a 'luxury' item that will soon be old tech.
I'm going for the Dot 2nd gen with a view to add another.
If I didn't have SONOS I'd still get a Dot now and use this speaker I got for £16.00 last black Friday https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GZC35YK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- amazing for the size. Shame its not less - price may come down between now and Dot launch with a camelcamelcamel track
http://uk.camelcamelcamel.com/Anker-Portable-Wireless-Bluetooth-Microphone-Black/product/B00GZC35YK
cheers
edit
After reading @scgf post #506 I wouldn't have an Echo.
Delivers on sept 29th... locker keeps it til oct5th.... that way i can check reviews and if its not for me... just don't collect it, and amazon refund it - but if it is.. i save £50 :smiley:
Will be plugging it into my creation soundblaster roar and controlling my hue lights.
Not sure if you can change the 'scenes' on the hue lights with it though.
There isn't a microphone on the Play:1 either on the chassis or motherboard.
No, I'd like voice activated controls for various devices around the home.
Thank you for your interest in our new "Echo" device and would like to inform you that your 5% Student discount will not apply to any purchase over £75 but your £50 Prime discount will. I hope this helps.
Sounds like it might apply to the dot though.
I recommend the stand so you can place it indifferent rooms.
If you have a gravity feed system there is a special diagram that even my engineer didn't have - I went to amazon.co.uk nest page and typed - gravity - the diagram is there.
The Nest Protect is also highly recommended and the Nest Out door cam is already sold out after a few days in USA available in UK in next few months.
To be fair all quite pricey but as I say highly recommended - and will work with Dot etc
The above three Nest products can be viewed from the same app - and you can put your heating on anywhere in the world, arriving back to a nice warm house.
Cheers
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/amazon-echo-homebrew-version/
If you already have a room full of Hi-Fi are you better off just getting the Dot? What are the benefits of this over the Dot, is it just the louder speaker? Can you add the speaker to the Dot at a later date if you decide to?
The Echo has a MAJOR drawback the 2nd gen is being lauched apparantly on or around black Friday so this will be 'old tech' also Echo is twice the price but you would need to factor in the bluetooth speaker for the Dot.
Have you a blue tooth speaker or a line in high fi should work as there is a work around with SONOS
From the site you're misquoting:
UK doesn't even get Amazon Tap, the echo and the dot both are always listening, no push button required. Please read properly whatever you start sharing as fact.
I have hive and sonos at home - all controllable off my phone, just wondering how lazy i need to be to not even want to pick up my phone now to turn music or heating on!
Love gadgets, but do wonder how often ill be using it to ask it what the weather is (BBC app on phone), order just eat (without a menu), or choose music (i like scanning through and seeing whats on offer).
I don't think I need to be talking to a gadget to play my music; I'm fine with pressing buttons/tapping my phone screen. This seems like £100 worth of wasted money to me. But, to each their own! :innocent:
We have good news! One of your pre-ordered items is now eligible for release date delivery and has been upgraded at no additional charge. Your new delivery estimate is:
"Amazon Echo, Black"
Estimated arrival date: September 28 2016
Still, if they want to listen in to me singing along to along to Mr Boombastic then more power to them :laughing:.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202009700
Depends on where you are using it, I suppose
Think I'm going for the Dot so I can leave it hooked up to my hi-fi.
Last night she couldn't get Radio 4 playing via the Sonos app and had to ask me to sort it. Turned out she was controlling the wrong source (a fairly easy mistake to make). With this she'll be able to say "play radio 4 in the kitchen" and it will just work.
Might not tell her about Nest thermostat integration...
Or is this 100% better?
With regards to music you will end up using the remote, so if that's what you're getting it for its probably pointless. If you already have a system with a remote already or a chromecast audio setup.:laughing:
I was recently in the US and saw this working. It's pretty cool and had a good sound.
A question for the techies here please.
I bought 1 in the US and not set it up yet. Should i wait for the UK version to launch so i can download the UK Alexa app or should i set up a .com e-mail addy and download the US version?
Many thanks in advance.
To me it's clear that you've just not noticed the date and subsequent articles about the Tap and haven't intended to spread misinformation.
Also, I won't have the Dot right next to the speaker.
How Google Home will try to beat Amazon Echo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM6fpBepd14
Google Home Demo - Google IO 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KpLHdAURGo
I'm pretty sure its going to have smart home features considering google owns NEST and it needs to compete with Amazon.
:smiley:
Happy days.
Could get a Chromecast audio and second hand hi-fi amp and speakers for less if that was all I wanted! Or just good powered speakers with a 3.5mm jack for CC
for those sonos owners out there, how many speakers would i need to get started? they look very expensive but maybe worthwhile in the long run. any tips before i buy would be great ie, would u look to buy the home cinema or speaker bundle set up?
tia
Good call Dot and SONOS.
I personally wouldn't go playbar route and stand alone playbar work on its own with Dot.
Just to say SONOS its very addictive - you end up wanting to fill the whole house!
Okay if you want the least expensive option its
Play 5 2nd £389.00 (I know, but you'll get another to make a stereo pair eventually) and these 2nd gen are meant to be absolutely awesome.
or
If you already have a HiFi you could purchase a CONNECT £259.00
Do you have a HiFi in the room the Dot is likely to be located with standard line out?
Cheers
thanks for correcting me.
cheers
Times change and devices/technologies like this are going to become common place so I don't agree it's pathetic or amazing.
I assume you use landlines and phone boxes rather than have a mobile?!?
i have a wifi kettle wondering if i can hook this up :'(
I'm sure intelligent devices will appear with proper voice activation however this is pretty mickey mouse and simply superfluous. I can tell it to increase volume or I can move my arm and pick up the remote. I can ask it what the weather will be like tomorrow or I can pick up my phone.
So no V2 Echo on or around Black Friday, thank you NOT the person that started that false rumour.
So the Echo is a good deal at £99.99 if someone would benefit from the speaker for esp. music. and comparing the price on .com
The more speakers you have the more compelling the Dot becomes esp. for SONOS owners.
cheers
Thanks
Now all I need is a cloud connected teasmaid for "tea, earl grey, hot!"
Thought this was only supposed to be until 5pm yesterday, Amazon? Still live now.
I was bored, browsing at 1am this morning and saw it was still available. Took it as a sign I must own one.
Just ordered :smiley:
One thing which came up, which could make me change my mind over the Echo, is the way the Dot could connect to a Bluetooth speaker which I was impressed with.
I was tired, ok?! :smiley:
Alexa is full of Easter Eggs.
New Version-Smatree AE9000 Intelligent Battery Base for Echo-9000mAh/33.3Wh https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IB2RMNG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_f282xbBH6ZERP
You can get cheaper versions off ebay ect, but the Logitech one i used worked flawlessly, & it was the model before the one in my link mate. Off the top of my head i think the new one you can have more than one device connected at the same time.
Also i see that on the US amazon there's quite a few Skins that you buy for the Echo
https://www.amazon.co.uk/b/ref=br_imp?_encoding=UTF8&node=11242734031&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=desktop-sidekick-2&pf_rd_r=6N611B1F6XAM4AGYXQDY&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=a62a0411-de5b-43d3-9eb7-021895d03b5c&pf_rd_i=desktop
http://www.howtogeek.com/235653/how-to-set-up-and-configure-your-amazon-echo/?tag=823814-20
Have you a HiFi / music system in either room?
If the amp - HiFi is going to be in the same room as the Dot my understanding is you could hard wire with a 3.5mm male to phono male "Y" adapter into your amp.
These sort of cables can be more than standard now I have a 5 m but the shorter the cable the less chance of "buzz" I'm almost certain this would work.
ps
bluetooth can be a tad flakey as well
Do I need any of this? NO
But I want them :smiley:
My point was that for £99 this does virtually nothing. It's a fad. when proper voice actuation arrives i will get it.
If you use Amazon Prime Music are happy and dont have SONOS or a HiFi a second one sounds ideal.
I would say though that stereo is important to me I never watch TV so music is my passion.
If you are okay with 360 degree MONO then I'd buy one for bedroom as well at this price.
Are you okay with Mono v Stereo?
Cheers
I'm not a Luddite and do enjoy technology as it advances. However, this is (in my opinion) an expensive toy that does very little for £99. as I said earlier, when proper voice actuated control comes along I will get it. so no, I haven't contradicted myself... this is mickey mouse.
Here's my question.
Can I pair my dot to that particular Play 1 speaker so that everytime I ask Echo a question (read news, weather, how tall is a tall person) etc that the audio is routed through the Play 1. Or will the play 1 only work if I tell alexa to play music through it ???
Not sure if i've made sense here... do this make sense or am I being stupid ??
In my Post #487 it says that a Dot wont "talk" to a Play 1 or Play 3 SONOS due to lack of 3.5mm output
My brother also has SONOS (I talked him into to by lending him a Play 1 I had - its now his!) - he has a Stereo Pair of Play 1s now.
This is what I would do-
• Invest in a Play 5 https://www.amazon.co.uk/SONOS-PLAY-Smart-Wireless-Speaker/dp/B015MWS9NU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1474095018&sr=1-1&keywords=play+5 (read the reviews!) follow my post #487 so that one Dot will be hard wired to the Play 5 (via a simple 3.5mm male male cable you can get differing lengths on amazon if you dont want the Dot next to the Play 5 HOWEVER a standard cable is better to avoid "buzz" I think the 5 comes with the cable my Play 5 1st gen did) and then look forward to the official Dot SONOS integration due 2017.
• Pair two of your Play 1s as a Stereo pair - again you wont regret this. My brother Play 1 stereo pair is simply awesome I would have this zone in the room you use the most.
• Have the third Play 1 as your third zone
The 6 dots in the rooms you have decided to place them will connect to the Play 5 zone which in turn will be connected to the other two zones
I am assuming here that your three zones are "grouped" together maybe they aren't are you okay if they are or are they separate zones at present?
Hope this helps
ps
only if you really want to splash out https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NA7SAC0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
my brother has them and they are gorgeous
amazon.com
Echo:
53,409 sales
86% 4 or 5 star
I think you are out voted.
I think you meant did buy when on offer - sorry cant answer but in anyones book impressive figures IMHO.
it had a major advertising campaign among the USA's prime members and a very small percentage actually bought it. of that small number the vast majority of them like it. it still remains that a huge number in the USA didn't and don't.
I know it's an unnecessary luxury but I don't see why using technology to make our lives more efficient is a bad thing. It's not like picking up a remote is more beneficial to us than using a voice command.
As long as we don't get a Wall-e situation, then I for one can't wait to give this a go!
Just wanted to say thank you to you both for your replies and help as I do appreciate it although I also apologise for the delay in saying thanks...had a bit of a thunder and lightning situation here yesterday but all good now :wink:
Still having a think about whether to get the Dot...no rush in buying as it wasn't discounted like the Echo was and I wasn't interested in the Echo as think even at £99 it's quite pricey for what it is especially as I wouldn't use most of its features...might wait and see if the Dot is in the Black Friday Deals but thanks again for all your help and input as it certainly helped as wasn't sure whether I could just wire the Dot into my amp.
Sorry I cant remember whether you didn't want Echo for a reason? and Echo has gone up in price.
Sounds like you are into your music.
If so I would consider SONOS, I've four zones but started 6 years ago.
Maybe get one of these for the amp https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B009SA9Z6S/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
.....
I've also got one of these http://uk.camelcamelcamel.com/Anker-Portable-Wireless-Bluetooth-Microphone-Black/product/B00GZC35YK
for bathroon but got it on Black Friday for £16.00 (Standard USB charger required)
So for Dot: SONOS (not play 1 or play 3 initially)
or
do a camelcamelcamel for say £20.00 on that bluetooth speaker for music (Prime music).
A lot depends on how much you want to invest.
Hope this helps
Finding the perfect solution for yourself is an interesting challange.
You are heavily into your music and surround and getting two Echo speakers.
There is a solution but its fairly pricey!.... but could be done in stages.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvYwrl6_uIU
For me, the Dot's speaker is fine for voice - its loud and clear enough.
However, if you intend on playing music, the Echo is pretty good. It's more bassy and louder than the Dot
Please don't try to explain this situation for cheap laughs.
https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/14/amazons-connected-speaker-echo-dot-returns-is-now-only-50/
I've just per-ordered one Dot but if they really make my life easier and they did say 5 for £200 on Black Friday it may be difficult to resist.
One in every room would be ideal if its that good.
Thanks
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/review/B00X4WHP5E/RTRDKUJDZCO4B/ref=cm_cr_dp_mb_rvw_1?ie=UTF8&cursor=1
I had never heard of the Harmony Hub before - good on you for finding an inexpensive solution to the challenge.
I'm loving this home automaton.
The Philips Hue I was looking into yesterday and also this - https://yale2you.com/linuslock
Do you have a Nest thermostat?
I have a very old house with oil heating and the boiler in 20+ years gravity fed.
My thermostat was broken - the Nest is incredible - highly recommended.
Turning the heating on anywhere is awesome to come home to a warm
house in the Winter plus switches off when you leave the house geofence as is the hot water in the mornings (hot water functionality not available on Gen 1 or Gen 2) only Gen 3.
Also Nest protect awesome.
Outdoor Nest Cam available soon in UK - already sold out iin USA
exciting times we live in.
Shame this tech isn't from UK!
@scgf is the one to ask looks like a bargain please see post #697 at £72
Cheers
The Tado, Nest and Hive (I think there are other) all seem similar.
Cheers
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-37356534
Cheers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJopb09ieV8
I tend to shop "No Rush" so this functionality unless I can say "send no rush" I probably wont use.
I have ordered another on a few week delay.
But a question I would like a Motion Sensor Wemo
where light comes on after detecting movement at night and then goes of after say 5 mins
It looks like some of these Wemo sensors have been discontinued or in expensive bundles - so what do folk (want to stay with Wemo) recommend?
Also the seemless Nest integration in the app is ace!
Cheers
Thanks for the reply - as you said did the up to date firmware straight away.
This device is simply amazing you press a button on your smartphone and the Wemo light comes on in a Nano second! - amazing.
Made up so far, and of course have the amazon 30 day "No Quibble"
I will be sticking with Wemo, I sense.
Cheers
I have a prime account via the friends and family that used to exist before household. Therefore I get prime next day, but not music or video. As a prime customer I could order the echo at £99.
I use prime music using the login of the primary account holder.
Is there a way to use the app (its not available for download yet) to tell the app to use the primary account but the echo to use my account.
I've searched and can't find the answer, but there must be people who do the same, IE use prime from friends and family from previously but as they are close family use the primary account for video / music?
I also would like to know the answer but I think there is only one way to be sure......!
cheers
You do not need a prime account for the echo to work, just a standard amazon account.
Thanks, perfect that answers my question.
Relax, you don't have the device yet! :smiley:
Just wondering if i should reset it and download the UK app?
Any advice from the techies please.
http://alexa.amazon.co.uk/spa/index.html#new-oobe
Could give it a go? Worse it'll happen if you'll just have to pair it back to the US site again.
At the end of the day for 99 quid it seems a nice toy and if it doesn't live up who cares at price
Little things, the box is sealed in three places but amazon have made it easy to open. So no breaking nails, hunting down a knife etc. Why can't all companies do this.
Also on Ebay you can get bases with lithium batteries for about £15 to make it portable.
mine arriving today at some point
Tunein Radio works well. I'm happy with the sound quality for the kitchen so far.
I asked about traffic and despite knowing where I live I need to go to app and plot a route. Which isn't what I wanted to do, it was just about a couple of key roads I wanted info on. So I can't ask it what's the traffic like on Ripon road for example.
It's good at the time, weather conversions, alarm, but I need to find it do other useful things to make it worth while. There's also shopping list which might be handy.
Today's been a busy day so I'll look at it later but I do think Amazon can do more to make it so you get it and think I want to do that. You received some scrappy bits of paper and an app that the video didn't work on and isn't very inspirational. Also the music frustration means I've had enough for the day,
Chrome on mobile didn't work linking Spotify with Amazon
Yeh, it's bugged out a few times but I'll put that down to server overload.
Controls my lights, tv and nest heating perfectly.
Spotify is flawless.
Shame IFTTT is not working but I live in hope.
Oh and HURRY UP SONOS.
You would think having preordered ages ago they would have at least had one locker free.
only to find out that ifttt doesn't work :disappointed:
Basically it's just loads of fun and worth every penny of the £99.99 we paid. Considering what you get for under £100, it's awesome.
No issues with voice recognition. Managed to ask questions, set timers when cooking ect...
Spotify works via my iPhone, I'm not a Premium Subscriber so not used it properly with the Echo but I will sign up for that. Really impressed with Sound Quality for my flat, I have an open plan kitchen/living room and the echo sounds great in there.
happy with my purchase £99.99, now to invest in some smart gear like sockets ect...
https://twitter.com/IFTTT/status/781194607048536064
It actually records all your voice requests too which you can play back through your phone. slightly concerning!
It's currently a 99 quid digital radio I can only control from my phone and with no capacity to play my prime music.
I did manage to get her to bark like a dog though
Alexa doesn't recognise the last name and it should be pronounced "Sar - Lay", Alexa thinks it's "Sar-Lar"
Did the feedback thing in Alexa app and got a reply today from Amazon saying they are going to fix this, lets see how long it takes
The Only way to resolve is a manual transfer by an Amazon tech so you need them to call you. I'm going to do mine tomorrow. It's just affecting those of us who were on amazon before they launched in the UK many many years ago... So much for being at the fore front of technology...
I was in the house at the time the tracker says it was delivered and no one else was there.
I've now got to wait till midday on Friday to get a phone call to confirm I haven't received it.
Once I do that they'll order me a replacement.
Bizarre Amazon don't know where my echo went (or the other order delivered at the same time).
Really enjoying the speaker, all the family love it, great fun and better sound quality than I expected.
Plays Spotify stuff really well. Radio is also good as long as you know the exact station name.
Jokes are pretty funny.
Weather is good.
Commute to work is ace.
News when I'm making breakfast is good.
It will control my lightwave stuff when they get IFTTT working with it (Disappointed it is not at the moment)
I'm tempted to get another, or work out a way of playing to a bluetooth in the shower room. This is potentially possible??
Bass is well balanced on mine.
This has fixed my echo which now knows I have prime music and radio also works.
If you need help doing this message me and I will talk you through it on the phone or you can contact amazon helpdesk and they will talk you through it
Loving it, had friends round for the Everton match tonight and they are amazed with it, and what was thrown at it...
One asked, "Alexa, Who is your daddy"
Nice response.. haha
"Alexa, I Love you" - cute
Anyway, once they get IFTTT working as I can control my heating and lighting sequences, I will be so excited. Music quality is much better than expected as well. No issues with bass.
Was quite impressed at first, but finding it frustrating to use.
You can pause podcasts etc but then it forgets after a while and resume fails.
The there's no way, including using any of the skills, to fast forward the podcast as far as I can tell.
And no podcast skills?
It's really poor for podcasts basically, and pretty limited with music.
I think Google home will be much better.
It's also annoying only having one command - response.
No conversation flow - which Google will allow. It makes it so much easier to do stuff.
It's not picking up my "Echo" voice prompt either very well, so I have to face it and say it rather loud and cleary and forced. Not at all relaxed.
Perhaps "Alexa" works better as a prompt.
And riddles - why no back and forth? It tells the answer immediately.
It's lack of conversation tree/flow is really apparent and annoying after a while.
Like mine but don't really use it as much as I hoped
It's going back
Play something on your phone and say 'Alexa play bluetooth' and whatever you're playing will transfer to the Echo. You can even pause it by saying 'Alexa pause'. To disconnect, just say 'Alexa disconnect'. I'm finding it very useful to play content from iPlayer Radio and podcasts. My Squeezebox radio is redundant!
I'd have paid 100 quid just for a voice controlled bluetooth speaker!
Still no idea why there's no proper podcast skill. It's been out for a couple of years in the US
Got it yesterday and love it so far but need to work out what else it does...shes soo clever tho i hope they have them in warehouse deals soon cos id love to get some for the kids!
I have a feeling that Google could blow Amazon out of the water if they get theirs right as they have had ok google for longer which appears to have more integrated info services. They also have experience of multiroom audio from Chromecast. I expect they would force you to use their cloud for music as well and I don't like cloth speaker grills. Nothing is perfect I guess.
How long do I have to return the echo?
Great little devices.
When she works, she works well once you remember the right words - my 3rd old loves asking her questions, even if he doesn't understand the answers
Going to wait till Google's announcements tomorrow - if they are releasing google home over here before the year end I may return her. I have a vision of being able to tell Google Home to play a certain film/show on your chromecast, and voice casting to Sonos speakers should just work as I can currently manually cast to my sonos speakers
The way she works is pretty simple. She ONLY listens to her activation word, and uses NO internet for that.
Once she hears her word, (Alexa, Echo or Amazon depending on what you have selected) she then sends what you say after that to Amazon UK servers. It is the servers via your account settings that sort the rest out.
Maybe it is losing WiFi/Internet connectivity or something??
Doesn't help that the wife keeps unplugging it - and then my boy gets confused - he's now getting to grip with boot-up times now :-)
Any help or guidance on an example would be great.
I take it your routines work when launched directly from the Yonomi app?
https://wherethingsareborn.wordpress.com/blog/
The most important thing is that you should
(a) disable the yonomi skill in the Alexa app and then
(b) Readd it in the Alex app
(c) Scan for new devices in the alexa app (which will pick up your new routines as new devices)
Some may tell you, that you need to keep your phone on by using Yonomi or that it has to be in the house but its not true as I have turned off my phone completely and everything works fine.
The video shown in the blog only uses the Echo,Yonomi and Logitech Hub. No IFTTT or Smartthings in sight (although someone has posted a deal on the smartthings kit and I plan to use it)
Good Luck :smiley:
https://wherethingsareborn.wordpress.com/blog/
As others said, Alexa seems to be funny about the names of the routines. For example, the routine name "watch kodi" did not work from the echo but "watch xbox" did (yet all the routnes worked in yonomi without using Alexa
So check that the routine works in yonomi first and if it doesnt work in Alexa, change the routine name in yonomi, ,delete all smart devices in the Alexa app, rescan for smart devices in the Aleaa app (so it picks up the new routine names) and then try again.
It took me about 30 minutes from start to finish and wife was laughing as I kept shouting "watch tv" while setting it up :smiley:
I nearly wet myself last night though when I was watching Grey's Anatomy and Alexa suddenly piped up 'sorry, I didn't understand'. Obviously something on the telly had sounded like 'Alexa' to her.
Also whilst watching the video on silver surfer's link, my Alexa was doing what he was telling his Alexa to do ("Alexa, play music" resulted in Katy Perry's Roar btw). The pc sound was down quite low so the pick up on my Echo is very good.
The speaker quality isn't up for a loud thumping disco but it's more than good enough for everyday normal use, imo.
I'm going to build much more automation into my home as and when funds allow but for now I'm very pleased I got this.
I also have several Z Wave sockets that are presently controlled by a Vera Lite. If anyone knows of an idiot's guide to setting these up with Alexa or Samsung Smartthings hub, I'd be grateful for your tips.
4 weeks ago, I convinced my wife to buy a logitech hub (without the remote) as it would replace all the remotes allowing you to turn everything on/off from an app on the ipad/phone. I set it all up and her first comment, was "Im not going to get my phone out every time I want to turn on the TV". So then I bought, the logitech touch remote to add to the hub, giving her a physical remote (which she liked). A week later. Amazon released the Echo and now we have gone to voice activation with no remote.
I plan to add the smartthings hub but thats the limit of chasing technology for me.
(and at the risk of getting flamed the google speaker looks plain ugly to me) :smiley:
Please keep it coming with what you're doing with her, all tips gratefully received.
Google Home announced....
Express
Life Hacker
PC Adviser
Of course one thing to question on these things is how long they will be supported before the manufacturer wants to force you to replace them all with the new versions.
What are the tips/tricks Alexa can do that are not that well known?
Thanks
I think what Amazon need to do now is to get their multi room strategy sorted, especially audio and maybe look at a permanent price drop. I assume all these devices are there to sell and lock you into the subscription services and in addition for Amazon, make it easier to order stuff from them. In which case they should be sold at minimum profit or even at a subsidy.
The reginal accent is not a problem they are the experts at data mining and the Pixel is on sale in the UK soon.
I think the day the Pixel is lauched is the day Home will be launched.
Am cancelling my Dot preorder.
Pixel get released in 15 days and pre orders are being taken.
No mention for Google home for uk peeps unfortunately.
You might get the same apps and products, but the features are limited as not support in the other countries other than US.
Also Google products/apps tend to fail because of the above and they focus on the US market more and we're just an after thought.
shame really....
Also I wonder if Amazon or Google are planning on turning them in to a VoIP speaker phone? It makes sense if both parties have these devices and it's a simple case of voice dialing the other user.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B01GAGVIE4/ref=cm_cr_dp_hist_one?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&showViewpoints=0
In the recent Google Home media event the CEO quoted 94% accuracy.
Also appears integration with Nest and Hive only sets the temp NOT the hot water.
Google own Nest.
Can someone else try it? Just wondering if it's my Scottish accent.
Probably win the war due to the amount of integration it has plus it's acess to data. Worse case scenario I'll get the Home when the time comes and Echo will serve as a decent wireless speaker in the kitchen. Either way £100 won't break the bank.
I cannot get Alexa to do any commands if i say 'Alexa' but if press the speaker button it all works fine.
Is there a setting or something that changes this?
Alexa
Echo
Amazon
It is likely you have changed it from Alexa.
Try one of the three above as the wake word.
Check your settings and select and save another wake word.
Q: If a member if staff said "Alexa remind me to phone Mrs Jones at 1.00pm"
I guess you get the okay.
At 1.00pm does Alexa say "just a reminder for you to phone Mrs Jones"
What happens if you just popped out the office. Does Alexa repeat the "just a reminder for you to phone Mrs Jones" ad infintium until you say okay. and if so what is the 'snooze' time delay.
thanks in advance
Thanks for your reply.
Its a shame that alarms cant be set and will repeat.
We work in horticulture so questions like "Alexia what is the weather like tomorrow" is impotant to us and could see the product (thinking more the Dot) would be very helpful to us.
Hopfully Google Home may offer what I'm looking for
thanks again
thanks
Many small businesses would benefit greatly and improve productivity and very handy at home like @Kcopperman example for 'bin day' etc
I could see this really catching on and become a must have for home and small to medium size businesses.
In contrast to the Google Home, where it'll be difficult to manage multiple accounts (not to mention how personal Google accounts are. Google can't reliably manage multiple accounts on Chrome, so can't imagine how they'll manage multiple accounts on Home).
The only thing, imo, that Home has over Echo, is the sheer data that Google has at its disposal, and how that data will result in a better experience (ie having a conversation, rather than a series of separate questions).
However, since that's essentially a software thing, I'm sure that'll be added to Echo soon enough.
I've just asked Alexa to set an alarm, five minutes after sunset, but all she/it can do, is start a five minute timer immediately...
Context is pretty much non existent on the echo
This can be done with IFTTT though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFR3lOm_xhE
Yes I have created several activities for each of the main channels I watch which are the HD ones and BBC1 at first didn't work but having problems with BBC2 now, Alexa doesn't seem to understand turn on BBC2 also didn't like Channel 4 but renamed to TV channel 4 now works. I tried to do the same for BBC2 but still not having it. So Yonomi seems to not be so robust. I agree when true Alexa/Harmony integration happens it will be much better.
Very frustrating that. Plus annoyed that IFTTT and Harmony still not working. What's the delay?
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/nest-learning-thermostat-3rd-gen-with-first-order-code-159-99-plumbcentre-2529473
Maybe a screen shot of your devices in the Alexa app might help.
I have to walk, rotate the vol down, and then it can hear me
:|:confused:
My Echo is going back, it's not hearing me at all and i have to scream at it to activate. Tried a reset and changing it to Echo. As soon as it listens my normal speaking voice is fine and understands it 9/10.
Hopefully the replacement will do the job
Also I can't believe how freaking easy it was to get working with my lights etc.
I have a bunch of Wemo switches connected to lamps and so forth, and Alexa just worked with it without any effort. You just hit discover devices, and from that point you can turn them on and off by name without any configuration. I wanted to group all the lights together so I could just say "Alexa turn off the lights" - so I expected there to be a bit of effort with this, but nope. Hit Smart Home in the app, then Groups, create group, call it whatever you want ( I wanted "Lights" tick the boxes next to all the devices it's already detected", and from that point on you can turn on and off the whole group.
Well chuffed so far. My next goal is going to be saving for a Logitech Harmony Hub so I can control the TV, and if there's ever a sale, some Philips Hue Kits to control dimmer lights.
Also for anyone that has some cash to spend, I really recommend a Ring doorbell.
I'm sure these will be as popular in homes as smartphones have become in the last nine years.
There you go and I haven't even charged you so totally free...lol...
Sorry just couldn't resist the temptation :innocent:
Alexa with the light wave skill deals with groups of lights, and events really well.
Yes, good move by lightwave to get it integrated to a good standard I think.
Other than that, eBay have them, but they are not cheap.
I like as they work with existing wiring and bulbs, so I can take them with me if I ever move house.
etc http://mstarsnews.musictimes.com/articles/117273/20161202/amazon-is-reportedly-working-on-a-new-echo-speaker-with-7-inch-touch-screen-knight.htm
edit
Possibly Skype (or a new amazon VoIP) for phone calls.
I see a big market for phone calls with the Echo and Dot.
Album art would be nice too.
Have two dots and SONOS at present. Very happy
I'm not familiar with those two devices the Customer Reviews on amazon may help:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yonomi/dp/B01E7TYGFO/ref=syps?ie=UTF8&qid=1481062817&sr=8-1&keywords=yonomi