Thanks Thanks:  6
Likes Likes:  20
Results 1 to 19 of 19
  1. #1
    Big Bad Boss Gazer's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Marsss
    Posts
    3,673
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    8
    Rep Power
    10

    Amazon Echo and Echo Dot





    Amazon Echo & Echo Dot are a hands-free, voice-controlled device that uses Alexa to play music, control smart home devices, provide information, read the news, set alarms and more
    Connects to speakers or headphones through Bluetooth or 3.5 mm stereo cable to play music from Prime Music, Spotify and TuneIn
    Controls lights, switches, thermostats and more with compatible connected devices from WeMo, Philips Hue, Hive, Netatmo, tado° and others
    Hears you from across the room with 7 microphones for far-field hands-free voice control, even in noisy environments or while playing music
    Includes a built-in speaker so it can work on its own as a smart alarm clock in the bedroom, an assistant in the kitchen, or anywhere you might want a voice-controlled device
    Always getting smarter - Alexa updates through the cloud automatically and is continually learning, adding new features and skills.

    Amazon Echo as well as the Amazon Echo Dot are finally on sale in the UK, two years after the devices were launched in the US.
    The unveiling came in September, after weeks of rumours and reports, and the original Amazon Echo started shipping on September 28. The Echo Dot went on sale on October 20.

    Amazon Echo review: Human-like AI is worth the money even if it does have teething problems


    UK launch partners include Just Eat, Uber, and Spotify and users can order a taxi or get a meal delivered with just a few sentences of voice commands.
    The price for the UK version of Amazon Echo is £149.99 and it's available now, in black and white.
    A smaller version of the Echo with the same Alexa abilities, the Echo Dot, is available for £49.99 and will ship on October 20. The Dot can also be paired with smart thermostats and plugs.

    What is Amazon Echo?
    Amazon Echo is a voice-activated home audio speaker system with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. It's a cylindrical speaker that uses a personal voice assistant named Alexa.


    The Echo is always connected to Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect it to your home network and access cloud services. Alexa is the 'wake word' for the device and acts very much in the same way Siri does on iOS. Alexa will fulfil your spoken commands, such as setting an alarm or finding the answer to a question you may have.
    The Echo is always learning, to adapt to your speech patterns, vocabulary, and personal preferences.

    The reason it has taken so long to get to Europe is because Alexa needed to learn enough accents.
    "Alexa been in UK and Germany in over 1,000 homes learning accents - we wouldn't ship it until the experience was enjoyable.

    The Bluetooth aspect means Amazon Echo and the Amazon Echo Dot doubles up as a 360-degree speaker, allowing you to play music from any Bluetooth-enabled device. It offers hands-free voice control for Amazon Music, Prime Music, Spotify and other streaming services.

    Even when you're playing music, Echo can use one of its seven hidden mics and so-called 'beam forming technology' to always be able to hear your next request, in spite of how loudly you like your music.
    Alexa can also learn new skills, such as enabling the device to connect to the seven-minute workout app for instance, on command. Owners can tap 'Your Skills' in the Skills section of the Alexa app to see which skills have been enabled on the device.
    For customers who have multiple Echo devices within hearing distance, Amazon’s ESP technology intelligently calculates the clarity of the customer’s voice and determines which Echo is closest and should respond to the request—instantly.
    This feature is smart and its performance gets better over time, so ESP will continuously improve as you use Echo. This feature is now available to customers using both Echo and Echo Dot, with a software update pushed to Echo devices already in use.

    In the US, Amazon partnered with brands such as Domino's and Uber to allow you to order a pizza and request a taxi using through Alexa. At the UK launch, the firm announced it has partnered with Jamie Oliver, Spotify, JustEat, Network Rail and also Uber.
    In the home, Echo will work with devices such as lights and switches from companies including Philips Hue and SmartThings.

    Elsewhere, Alexa can make shopping easier. You can ask her to put items on your Amazon shopping list as well as order Prime products you’ve purchased before. After a purchase has been made, check the product and order details in the Alexa App. It is possible to turn off this setting, and input elements such as the need for a speakable confirmation code, to prevent it being taken advantage of.
    The latest Echo and Echo Dot features
    In addition to the features that launched with the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot, there have been a number of additions. These launched on the same day the Echo Dot went on sale in the UK.
    Now, Prime members using Echo or Echo Dot can say “order paper towels,” “order dog food” or “buy some LEGO” and Alexa will find a product that ships with Prime and apply available discounts. Just say “Yes” to buy it.
    Elsewhere, Echo and Echo Dot owners can manage their to-do lists, get Champions League scores and more. The Alexa Skills Kit recently added a new List Skill API, and now customers can integrate Todoist and Any.do lists with Alexa, with the ability to add items to your Alexa Shopping or To Do List.

    Set the default list provider in your Alexa app, and then say “Alexa, add laundry detergent to my shopping list” and it’ll integrate directly into your preferred list service, whether that is Todoist, Any.do, or Alexa. we have been told that more list services are coming soon.

    Amazon Echo's specifications
    The device measures 9.3 x 3.3 x 3.3 inches (235mm x 84mm x 84mm) and weighs 37.5 oz, or 1,064 grams.
    It comes with dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi for faster streaming and fewer dropped connections than standard Wi-Fi and supports 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi networks.
    It does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks, though.
    Elsewhere, it has a 2.5-inch woofer and 2-inch tweeter.
    Out of the box, Amazon Echo comes ready to connect to Wi-Fi and its Alexa App is compatible with Fire OS, Android, and iOS devices and also via a web browser.
    Every Echo sold comes with a one-year limited warranty and service included and included in the box is a power adapter, and quick start guide.

    How much does it cost?
    The price for the UK version of Amazon Echo is £149.99. Amazon Prime customers can get it for a limited time at a discount of £50, dropping it to £99.99.

    The Amazon Echo family
    Alexa comes complete with its own set of enabled-devices that will also be available:

    Amazon Tap

    Amazon Tap is a smaller version of the Echo and allows users to be connected to Alexa on-the-go, available in the US. The focus with the Tap is more on music quality. It has dual speakers with Dolby processing and 360-degree omnidirectional audio. Unlike the Echo, which is always ready with Alexa, you have to 'tap' the microphone button on the Tap device to access Alexa's help.
    The Tap has a range of 'sling' cases in different colours to protect your device on the move, and a nine-hour battery life.
    No release date has been set for the Tap in the UK.

    Echo Dot

    The Echo dot is even smaller than the Tap. It is a disc-shaped device that has all the elements of the Echo; connects to Alexa voice service and can connect to speakers over Bluetooth, but in a smaller space.
    The new and updated Dot features a more powerful speech processor than the previous generation, to deliver improved far-field speech recognition accuracy.
    The small device will be available to buy from Amazon's website as a single device or in multipacks: buy five and get one free, or buy 10 and get two free.

    If you have more than one Echo-type device, or two of the same, you can set different 'wake words' in order to not confuse all your smart devices.
    The new Echo Spatial Perception (ESP) in the devices means that if you have multiple Echo devices within hearing distance, the technology will detemine which Echo is closest to your voice and respond to the request. This feature will be avaiable as a free update to all Echo devices, in the coming weeks.
    Last edited by Gazer; 02-11-2016 at 01:54 PM.
    Hidden Content
    Viewing Pay TV without a valid subscription is illegal!
    All the files available on this forum are kept for experimental and educational purpose only!

    Hidden Content

  2. Thanks DessertDog thanked for this post
  3. #2
    Big Bad Boss Gazer's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Marsss
    Posts
    3,673
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    8
    Rep Power
    10
    I'm looking at getting one or two of these over the next week or so

    as anyone on here got one and if so are they any good ? seen them on youtube and they look like they can be quite interesting and useful when adding IFTTT to it.

    Hidden Content
    Viewing Pay TV without a valid subscription is illegal!
    All the files available on this forum are kept for experimental and educational purpose only!

    Hidden Content

  4. Thanks DessertDog thanked for this post
  5. #3
    Biatch Moderator berley's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Scotland
    Age
    62
    Posts
    8,399
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    71
    Rep Power
    84
    Seen them being advertised on TV now, looks ok but dont know that I'd be in any rush to buy one.

    Let us know how it is if you get one.

    EDIT: Just watched the video (hadn't really paid attention to the TV ads) could be tempted if it reminds you to do things? as I'm always forgetting appointments, so if I told it to remind me of an appointment on a certain date would it ?
    gяσωιηg σℓ∂ ιѕ мαη∂αтσяу; gяσωιηg υρ ιѕ σρтισηαℓ.
    If you would like to help with the running costs of the site click below

    Hidden Content
    Honesty is better than sugar coated bullsh!t

  6. Likes DessertDog, notanotherone liked this post
  7. #4
    Forum Supporter billy149uk's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Bonnie Scotland
    Posts
    367
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    3
    Rep Power
    20
    Quote Originally Posted by berley View Post
    Seen them being advertised on TV now, looks ok but dont know that I'd be in any rush to buy one.

    Let us know how it is if you get one.

    EDIT: Just watched the video (hadn't really paid attention to the TV ads) could be tempted if it reminds you to do things? as I'm always forgetting appointments, so if I told it to remind me of an appointment on a certain date would it ?
    Can you not set reminders on your iphone then.I've got reminders on mine for everything,you can set them for ANY date and ANY time you require.When the time comes it sets off an alarm,which you can set to various tunes vis settings/sounds.

  8. #5
    Biatch Moderator berley's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Scotland
    Age
    62
    Posts
    8,399
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    71
    Rep Power
    84
    yes i could and i do but this seems a lot easier and is a good excuse for buying one
    gяσωιηg σℓ∂ ιѕ мαη∂αтσяу; gяσωιηg υρ ιѕ σρтισηαℓ.
    If you would like to help with the running costs of the site click below

    Hidden Content
    Honesty is better than sugar coated bullsh!t

  9. Likes billy149uk liked this post
  10. #6
    Big Bad Boss Gazer's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Marsss
    Posts
    3,673
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    8
    Rep Power
    10
    Quote Originally Posted by billy149uk View Post
    Can you not set reminders on your iphone then.I've got reminders on mine for everything,you can set them for ANY date and ANY time you require.When the time comes it sets off an alarm,which you can set to various tunes vis settings/sounds.
    Just look at the video above billy ....... using a service called IFTTT which is free you can use this for turning on and off your house lights, heating, tv, music, window blinds ....and so on just by asking it to do it.

    and you can add the amazon Dots around your house and they talk to each other so that you can tell it what to do from any room....which you can't do with the iPhone.

    Last edited by Gazer; 03-11-2016 at 10:13 AM.
    Hidden Content
    Viewing Pay TV without a valid subscription is illegal!
    All the files available on this forum are kept for experimental and educational purpose only!

    Hidden Content

  11. Likes billy149uk, berley, notanotherone liked this post
  12. #7
    Big Bad Boss Gazer's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Marsss
    Posts
    3,673
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    8
    Rep Power
    10
    Picked one of these up yesterday from Argos ...Got it for £114 in the end with the discounts

    Will be having a play with it over the next few days and will let you know if any good
    Hidden Content
    Viewing Pay TV without a valid subscription is illegal!
    All the files available on this forum are kept for experimental and educational purpose only!

    Hidden Content

  13. Thanks berley thanked for this post
  14. #8
    Big Bad Boss Gazer's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Marsss
    Posts
    3,673
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    8
    Rep Power
    10
    Here is a little video of what else you can control using a amazon echo ....this would suit nao
    Hidden Content
    Viewing Pay TV without a valid subscription is illegal!
    All the files available on this forum are kept for experimental and educational purpose only!

    Hidden Content

  15. Thanks DessertDog thanked for this post
    Likes notanotherone liked this post
  16. #9
    Big Bad Boss Gazer's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Marsss
    Posts
    3,673
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    8
    Rep Power
    10
    Well my Amazon echo is up and running now

    not as bad as I thought it would be .......she is now working the Christmas tree lights and the lights on the snowman and polo bears in the window plus its doing the conservatory floor lamp.
    I am using the Tp-link hs100 socket plugs for these which the echo can control.

    I've got Spotify linked to it now so all my music works with it ...not as good as the sonos music players that I've got but it as been said that the echo will control this from next year

    looking at getting a couple of the amazon dots for Christmas if my Mrs treats me which will end up in the other rooms.
    Hidden Content
    Viewing Pay TV without a valid subscription is illegal!
    All the files available on this forum are kept for experimental and educational purpose only!

    Hidden Content

  17. Thanks berley thanked for this post
    Likes notanotherone liked this post
  18. #10
    Retired Grumpy Grandad notanotherone's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    not far from you
    Posts
    6,915
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    589
    Rep Power
    68
    like this wouldnt mind it ,but im an idiot and wouldnt be able to do this
    wii #5344 2071 8397 4304
    Hidden Content
    Trust me the devil allways wins ,no matter how hard we resist

  19. Likes DessertDog liked this post
  20. #11
    Big Bad Boss Gazer's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Marsss
    Posts
    3,673
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    8
    Rep Power
    10
    Quote Originally Posted by notanotherone View Post
    like this wouldnt mind it ,but im an idiot and wouldnt be able to do this
    We know what you are nao

    But most of the setting up is all done for you, all you need to do is put the wifi code in the alexa app on your phone ....job done .......hours of fun.
    Hidden Content
    Viewing Pay TV without a valid subscription is illegal!
    All the files available on this forum are kept for experimental and educational purpose only!

    Hidden Content

  21. Thanks DessertDog thanked for this post
    Likes notanotherone liked this post
  22. #12
    Biatch Moderator berley's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Scotland
    Age
    62
    Posts
    8,399
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    71
    Rep Power
    84
    Quote Originally Posted by notanotherone View Post
    like this wouldnt mind it ,but im an idiot and wouldnt be able to do this
    you buy it first then show me what to do then

    Quote Originally Posted by Gazer View Post
    Well my Amazon echo is up and running now


    I am using the Tp-link hs100 socket plugs for these which the echo can control.
    bloody hell just looked at the price of the plugs, it'll be a lot cheaper just getting bill to turn things off and on
    Last edited by berley; 06-12-2016 at 03:28 PM. Reason: merged
    gяσωιηg σℓ∂ ιѕ мαη∂αтσяу; gяσωιηg υρ ιѕ σρтισηαℓ.
    If you would like to help with the running costs of the site click below

    Hidden Content
    Honesty is better than sugar coated bullsh!t

  23. Likes notanotherone liked this post
  24. #13
    Big Bad Boss Gazer's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Marsss
    Posts
    3,673
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    8
    Rep Power
    10
    Quote Originally Posted by berley View Post
    bloody hell just looked at the price of the plugs, it'll be a lot cheaper just getting bill to turn things off and on
    Was £16 from Argos when I got them last week

    I might get these over the next couple of weeks which work with it as well http://www.screwfix.com/p/energenie-...e-chrome/2126r
    Hidden Content
    Viewing Pay TV without a valid subscription is illegal!
    All the files available on this forum are kept for experimental and educational purpose only!

    Hidden Content

  25. #14
    Retired Grumpy Grandad notanotherone's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    not far from you
    Posts
    6,915
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    589
    Rep Power
    68
    goona buy a couple of dots ,also looking at light switches so it can work lights ,bought a couple of plugs for it as ive also bought a few light bulbs to work with it
    wii #5344 2071 8397 4304
    Hidden Content
    Trust me the devil allways wins ,no matter how hard we resist

  26. Likes Gazer liked this post
  27. #15
    Respected DessertDog's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Age
    73
    Posts
    4,798
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    0
    Rep Power
    47
    Got a dot for me birthday now to sort it out
    PLEASE, support this charity Help for Heroes
    If this post has helped you please hit the thanks button below ty

  28. Likes notanotherone, Gazer liked this post
  29. #16
    Big Bad Boss Gazer's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Marsss
    Posts
    3,673
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    8
    Rep Power
    10
    Quote Originally Posted by DessertDog View Post
    Got a dot for me birthday now to sort it out
    your have some fun with it DD ...... It's better than a women for doing as it's told
    Hidden Content
    Viewing Pay TV without a valid subscription is illegal!
    All the files available on this forum are kept for experimental and educational purpose only!

    Hidden Content

  30. Likes DessertDog, berley liked this post
  31. #17
    Respected DessertDog's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Age
    73
    Posts
    4,798
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    0
    Rep Power
    47
    yeh i like telling her to stop lmao
    PLEASE, support this charity Help for Heroes
    If this post has helped you please hit the thanks button below ty

  32. Likes Gazer liked this post
  33. #18
    Respected alanjg007's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    2,311
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    0
    Rep Power
    72
    Across at energenie4u.co.uk you can get 20% off if you use pisave as the voucher. Might only work if you buy raspberry pi related items!

    Edit only works when buying pi related stuff!
    "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." -- H.L. Mencken

    "The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog" - Carl Jung

    Nexus 7 wifi 32gb 1st Gen XenonHD-4.4.2 Build 1
    HTC one x cm-11-20140205-NIGHTLY-endeavoru

  34. Likes notanotherone liked this post
  35. #19
    Moderator thelostone's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    dont know i am lost
    Age
    60
    Posts
    5,848
    Post Thanks
    Chats
    0
    Rep Power
    101
    My daughter has one of these it sounds ok when it works , tho my son-in-law doesn't like it , another woman to ignore him @gaz does it remind you to feed the fish

    Hidden Content
    wods trivia challenge - Daily Trivia Game

    For all your fish keeping needs
    I am glad we could help you with your problem if you need anymore advice just ask,
    Also if you would like to help with the running costs of the site you can always donate here
    Thanks in advance its very much appreciated:)

  36. Likes DessertDog, notanotherone liked this post

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •