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.
Latest comments (988)
Petetobin
7 Dec 16#988
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 .
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
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
4 Dec 16#984
Just to educate you a little. A screen does not equal a camera.
ozzmosiz
4 Dec 161#983
new screen version is so they can watch amd listen to you....
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.
solid
3 Dec 16#981
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.
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.
solid
23 Nov 16#978
Are there any cheap deal for light wave switches? They sound great
bally12345
22 Nov 16#977
I have already invested too much into Hue to change but originally wanted lightwave because of the switches available.
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.
pammyr123
22 Nov 16#975
Ha ha ha tiggerloveslife
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:
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.
Chiptivo
22 Nov 161#972
Lightwave integration is in place and works really well.
pammyr123
22 Nov 16#971
Hi anyone know where I can get a cheap echo?
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.
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.
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:
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!
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.
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
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:
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
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.
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"
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.
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.
mbugsy18
17 Oct 16#954
Thanks worked a treat.
Petetobin
17 Oct 16#953
Don't use 1 or 2 use one and two.
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#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.
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.
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#948
Does the Harmony activity work in Yonomi? Try rediscovering the devices in Alexa once you know everything works in Yonomi.
Not sure if it helps but Allo (Google Assistant) will carry out that task
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)..
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?
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.
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!
ficosaneil
16 Oct 161#941
the remote control?
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.
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#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#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?
damadgeruk
16 Oct 16#936
Yonomi can.
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
Petetobin
15 Oct 16#934
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.
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".
I'm not sure Google home will be able to fulfill this request either.
This can be done with IFTTT though.
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
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
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.
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
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#926
so Google Home wont offer this?
thanks
nascent
11 Oct 161#925
I agree that would be a nice feature, but even android/Google assistant doesn't support that
KCooperman
11 Oct 161#924
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".
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
thanks again
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#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
roadie
10 Oct 16#919
Are there shortage's with the echo again?
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
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.
plumberman01
7 Oct 161#913
worked for me lol
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.
Petetobin
6 Oct 164#911
Settings > Music > Filters > Allow Scottish Bands > Set Texas to "Y" but make sure Proclaimers are still set to "N".
ublewit
6 Oct 161#910
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.
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.
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
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....
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.
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.
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.
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"
gr8t1
5 Oct 16#900
Bit late - sorry. Yes it does work with hive 1. I have it setup
damadgeruk
5 Oct 16#899
It was just short of 2 years for the echo to reach 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.
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
ublewit
4 Oct 16#894
Yes, Smartthings kit.
justonemorepie
4 Oct 16#893
are you already using Smartthings?
Petetobin
4 Oct 161#890
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.
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.
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.
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?
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:
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:
Chiptivo
4 Oct 16#881
Enable the meow meow skill and have some fun. Especially if you have cats.
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.
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:
BigBry
3 Oct 16#878
Your link asks for a login! I'm keen to have a read please. Thanks
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:
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.
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.
Aiadi
3 Oct 162#873
Just use Yonomi App and link Alexa to it. works really well and even faster than IFTTT.
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 :-)
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??
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#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.
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?
mickclark
3 Oct 16#865
I'm using a smartthings hub mate.
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
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!
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
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!
Chiptivo
2 Oct 16#860
I love mine, but I would not bother if you have not got Spotify or smart features.
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
Aiadi
2 Oct 16#857
Hopefully adding IFTTT might re-ignite that passion.
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.
solid
1 Oct 16#854
Anyone using their echo with smart things?
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.
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:
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.
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
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.
adrianjowitt
1 Oct 16#848
glad I helped someone :wink:
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
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
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.
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.
Petetobin
30 Sep 16#842
Anyone changed their default music player to Spotify. Mine stubbornly still looks for Amazon Music.
BigBry
30 Sep 161#841
I just ask Alexa 'ask Radioplayer' (and the name of the station)
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
Petetobin
30 Sep 16#831
Or wait for the Tap which you can carry around the house.
Chiptivo
30 Sep 16#830
So the dot can permanently connect to a Bluetooth speaker?
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.
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.
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.
the porter
29 Sep 161#823
Lol how cool is this echo I love the future :smiley:
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.
slliw
29 Sep 16#820
They did deliver it today but now I can't be assed to pick it up. Maybe Saturday.
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.
adrianjowitt
29 Sep 16#818
Mine can't find any radio stations anywhere on earth...
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
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:
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
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
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.
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???
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!
nickmorc
29 Sep 16#808
Spent ages trying to get mine to connect, if it don't work soon its going back !
wonneil
29 Sep 161#806
Sorry should of been a reply to tungle106 who is using Harmony
Chiptivo
29 Sep 16#805
Does not support lightwaveRF, but thanks for the reply.
wonneil
29 Sep 161#804
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...
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
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...
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.
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
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.
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."
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.
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.
mbugsy18
28 Sep 16#787
Do you need Spotify premium?
mluton to mbugsy18
28 Sep 16#788
Yep
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
mluton
28 Sep 16#762
Works really well, Very impressed and I have a Brummie Accent.
Petetobin to mluton
28 Sep 163#784
Sorry?
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.
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.
geforce
28 Sep 16#779
Currently getting various server errors/cannot complete request/update settings etc. Anyone else getting the same?
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
mluton
28 Sep 16#777
Have a mess with Easter eggs. Took 2 hours of my time up today. Lol
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,
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.
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.
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
stevem999
28 Sep 16#772
Yes, received email and notification on my Amazon app.
adrianjowitt
28 Sep 16#771
yes you can. Distance selling regulations. I've never ever had an issue returning anything to Amazon.
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
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
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
bigup
28 Sep 16#764
How's the sound quality?
bigup
28 Sep 16#760
any initial thoughts yet guys?
mine arriving today at some point
sm-1991
28 Sep 16#759
If it's the same as the American one then it's poor.
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?
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
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.
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.
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..
magough
27 Sep 16#744
I got mine in America and i have it working here.
Just wondering if i should reset it and download the UK app?
Any advice from the techies please.
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?
mluton
27 Sep 16#743
I have just received my dispatched emails for my 2 echo's. :smiley:
Scazza to mluton
27 Sep 16#745
Nice! My one is preparing for disptach. Deliver date given is the 29th though :disappointed:
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
So far I have ordered wemo sockets, zwave light switches, nest heating and smartthings hub. Roll on Wednesday
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.
gavp
26 Sep 16#736
Thanks, perfect that answers my question.
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.
nabbers25
26 Sep 161#734
alexa app also out on android google play
gsusx
25 Sep 162#733
Alexa app now available in ios App Store
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.
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.
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
adrianjowitt
23 Sep 16#729
That's exactly what I said...
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
22 Sep 16#727
Apologies I meant spotify not deezer lol
justonemorepie
21 Sep 161#726
@adrianjowitt. The Echo will not work with Deezer at this time unless you stream from another device?
gsusx
20 Sep 16#723
I have the cheaper WIWO version and i cannot recommend this. That is the definition of 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.
jrw
20 Sep 161#721
Had mine a few days. It's so simple, I'm not sure how it can be unreliable.
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.
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
deany76
19 Sep 16#717
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
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.
Bingstroller
18 Sep 16#712
Many thanks for the reply
Cheers
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.
ublewit
18 Sep 161#709
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?
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:
Hi
The Tado, Nest and Hive (I think there are other) all seem similar.
Cheers
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.
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.
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?
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 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?
Jazz1972
17 Sep 16#701
It just gets worse , seen it in an episode of Mr Robot.
deany76
17 Sep 16#700
Hi
@scgf is the one to ask looks like a bargain please see post #697 at £72
Cheers
deany76
17 Sep 16#699
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 161#698
Another link but a review this time - very nice read-
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.
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.
anonimousse
17 Sep 163#694
Alexa, explain cheap laughs
Jazz1972
17 Sep 16#693
Argh ! How did I miss this? :disappointed:
Please don't try to explain this situation for cheap laughs.
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
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.
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!
matedodgy
17 Sep 161#689
This deal will be back for Black Friday I am sure.
damadgeruk
17 Sep 16#688
Or you could buy a wemo plug (or similar) and tell Alexa to switch the amp on. :smiley:
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
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#685
My pleasure, glad I could help.
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.
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!
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?
A camera in my oven? That allows me to check how the baking is doing, while I'm out? Sounds like a fantastic idea!!
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)
gsusx
17 Sep 16#678
Sorry. Should have clarrified. 1 dot in each room to go with the p1 that is in said room.
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!
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.
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#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 161#673
@jonnithomas
amazon.com
Echo:
53,409 sales
86% 4 or 5 star
I think you are out voted.
gsusx
16 Sep 16#671
excellent thanks mate
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.
SpeedyG
16 Sep 16#668
Managed to get an extra tenner off with a coupon I forgot I had so it's all good to save £60. :smile:
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
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:
adrianjowitt
16 Sep 16#664
Internet of things innit
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.
jonnithomas
16 Sep 16#662
see response 650. I have already answered that point.
anthony69
16 Sep 161#661
As Harry Hill would say... "FIGHT!"
the gooner
16 Sep 162#660
Haha you completely contradicted yourself! Never mind pathetic, this is embarrassing :laughing:
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:
ukez
16 Sep 16#657
expired
sprite127594
16 Sep 16#656
Never heard of it. How's it work?
AJ92
16 Sep 16#655
Expired now
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?
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.
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
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.
mcintg
16 Sep 16#649
Integrates with the Hive heating controller and I have prime membership...damn, sold
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
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.
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.
gianlucaglac89
16 Sep 16#645
is the price for the dot fixed or will that go up with the echo?
deany76
16 Sep 16#643
do you think amazon Prime music is something you would enjoy?
cheekytweety
16 Sep 16#642
No we don't, just a small battery operated radio in the kitchen
cheekytweety
16 Sep 16#639
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
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.
tiggerloveslife
16 Sep 16#633
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.
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:
She'll respond to that by saying "That beverage has not been programmed into the replication system".
Alexa is full of Easter Eggs.
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:
OldEnglish
16 Sep 161#624
:laughing:
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.
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! :[
westonborn
16 Sep 162#619
They created a company using the same technology and called it Three
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
robdougall
16 Sep 16#617
Amazon is turning into Skynet !!!
Just ordered :smiley:
zermattbusby
16 Sep 16#615
Will Dot work with a stereo pair of Sonos P1's? Cheers
justonemorepie
16 Sep 16#614
if your kettle can use IFFT then yes.
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.
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.
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: )
rd3d2
16 Sep 16#607
Day one delivery I can only assume (thought I had that anyway but there you go ...)
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!"
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
15 Sep 16#595
sorry I must have seen 5 for 4 on .com
thanks for correcting me.
cheers
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:
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.
mluton
15 Sep 16#591
Anyone watch Mr robot s2 e11 opening scene and throughout. Love it.
westonborn
15 Sep 16#590
I'm going to change the name of my device to Wan King ( Chinese chef )
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
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....
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.
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.
gsusx
15 Sep 16#585
but your chromecast audio and amp and speakers cant talk to you :wink:
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?
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.
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
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
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!
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.
qwales
15 Sep 16#524
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.
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.
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.
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#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.
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.
johnnyshuttle
15 Sep 16#572
I'm confused.................... :confused:
nb2508
15 Sep 16#571
Alexa... such a pornstar name! Watch Google release one called Tory or Roxanne
I'm pretty sure its going to have smart home features considering google owns NEST and it needs to compete with Amazon.
Josh Rogan
15 Sep 163#568
You tell'im Nige
reddychvb
15 Sep 16#567
I hope its still under development. Di you have any idea when it's going to release?
MonkeyMan90
15 Sep 16#566
But we live in the UK and this is hot uk deals lol
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.
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:
solid
15 Sep 16#562
'Merica
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
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.
stedav25
15 Sep 16#559
Cool thanks, I'll give it a go.
Petetobin
15 Sep 16#558
I accept your argument and find the defendant guilty of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Also, I won't have the Dot right next to the speaker.
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#555
I wonder what the Echo 2 will have that's different to the current version?
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.
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.
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.
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:
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...
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)
threedowg
15 Sep 16#542
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.
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.
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
jaypee24
15 Sep 161#541
For everyone asking what the differences between the two are:
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:.
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?
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.
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:
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.
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?
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
deany76
15 Sep 16#531
I thought that info was misleading, just hope the Nov launch Echo 2nd gen is correct.
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).
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#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.
deany76
15 Sep 16#525
LOL, newly available technology fascinates me when I was a kid we had empty cans and string to communicate.
samwiseganga
15 Sep 16#523
Probably been posted but homebrew version using R-Pi
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:
shadow1
15 Sep 16#520
Does anyone know when the Alexa app will be available as not on Apple Uk at present?
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.
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.
kennethsross
15 Sep 16#517
After 1615 degree heat, and 520 comments, this device better live up to my expectations for it!
No, I'd like voice activated controls for various devices around the home.
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!
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.
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.
olly_g
15 Sep 161#507
ordered the dot instead
BerZerk
15 Sep 16#506
Alexa... make me a cupa tea..!! or better still... Alexa call work, say i'm sick!
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?
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?
deany76
15 Sep 16#501
you okay with post #461
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.
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.
Bastardo
15 Sep 16#497
just like having your own personal spy
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
Jefft
15 Sep 167#495
Someone with an iPhone complaining about wasting money. Now I have heard everything.
daver77
15 Sep 16#494
I wonder if the Echo/Sonos integration is available for Sonos beta testers
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.
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*
Latest comments (988)
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
Album art would be nice too.
Have two dots and SONOS at present. Very happy
edit
Possibly Skype (or a new amazon VoIP) for phone calls.
I see a big market for phone calls with the Echo and Dot.
etc http://mstarsnews.musictimes.com/articles/117273/20161202/amazon-is-reportedly-working-on-a-new-echo-speaker-with-7-inch-touch-screen-knight.htm
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.
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.
There you go and I haven't even charged you so totally free...lol...
Sorry just couldn't resist the temptation :innocent:
I'm sure these will be as popular in homes as smartphones have become in the last nine years.
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.
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
I have to walk, rotate the vol down, and then it can hear me
:|:confused:
Maybe a screen shot of your devices in the Alexa app might help.
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/nest-learning-thermostat-3rd-gen-with-first-order-code-159-99-plumbcentre-2529473
Very frustrating that. Plus annoyed that IFTTT and Harmony still not working. What's the delay?
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFR3lOm_xhE
This can be done with IFTTT though.
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
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.
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.
thanks
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
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
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.
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.
Can someone else try it? Just wondering if it's my Scottish accent.
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.
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.
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....
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.
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.
What are the tips/tricks Alexa can do that are not that well known?
Thanks
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.
Express
Life Hacker
PC Adviser
Google Home announced....
Please keep it coming with what you're doing with her, all tips gratefully received.
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:
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.
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:
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:
I take it your routines work when launched directly from the Yonomi app?
Any help or guidance on an example would be great.
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 :-)
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??
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
Great little devices.
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?
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!
Still no idea why there's no proper podcast skill. It's been out for a couple of years in the US
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!
Like mine but don't really use it as much as I hoped
It's going back
Bass is well balanced on mine.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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...
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??
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
You would think having preordered ages ago they would have at least had one locker free.
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
It actually records all your voice requests too which you can play back through your phone. slightly concerning!
https://twitter.com/IFTTT/status/781194607048536064
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...
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.
only to find out that ifttt doesn't work :disappointed:
Chrome on mobile didn't work linking Spotify with Amazon
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,
Tunein Radio works well. I'm happy with the sound quality for the kitchen so far.
mine arriving today at some point
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.
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
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.
Relax, you don't have the device yet! :smiley:
Thanks, perfect that answers my question.
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 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 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
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.
Cheers
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-37356534
The Tado, Nest and Hive (I think there are other) all seem similar.
Cheers
@scgf is the one to ask looks like a bargain please see post #697 at £72
Cheers
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!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/review/B00X4WHP5E/RTRDKUJDZCO4B/ref=cm_cr_dp_mb_rvw_1?ie=UTF8&cursor=1
Thanks
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.
Please don't try to explain this situation for cheap laughs.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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 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!
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 think you meant did buy when on offer - sorry cant answer but in anyones book impressive figures IMHO.
amazon.com
Echo:
53,409 sales
86% 4 or 5 star
I think you are out voted.
Do I need any of this? NO
But I want them :smiley:
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.
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
My point was that for £99 this does virtually nothing. It's a fad. when proper voice actuation arrives i will get it.
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
http://www.howtogeek.com/235653/how-to-set-up-and-configure-your-amazon-echo/?tag=823814-20
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
Also i see that on the US amazon there's quite a few Skins that you buy for the Echo
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.
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
Alexa is full of Easter Eggs.
I was tired, ok?! :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.
Just ordered :smiley:
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.
Now all I need is a cloud connected teasmaid for "tea, earl grey, hot!"
Thanks
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
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.
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
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
"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.
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
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
:smiley:
Happy days.
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.
Also, I won't have the Dot right next to the speaker.
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.
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:
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...
Think I'm going for the Dot so I can leave it hooked up to my hi-fi.
Depends on where you are using it, I suppose
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202009700
Still, if they want to listen in to me singing along to along to Mr Boombastic then more power to them :laughing:.
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
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:
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).
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.
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:
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/amazon-echo-homebrew-version/
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.
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.
No, I'd like voice activated controls for various devices around the home.
There isn't a microphone on the Play:1 either on the chassis or motherboard.
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.
...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?
Will wait and see with just the one for now.
Also had bad experience on iOS 9 beta so I'm not as brave as I once was with betas!
cheers
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