Amazon Echo - anyone have one?

Kemik · 14 Sep 2016 at 14:34

Hi all,

I noticed they're launching new models and a cheaper version (that requires a separate speaker). Does anyone have one? Where do you tend to keep it and what do you tend to use it for? How is the speaker for playing music?

I'm tempted to put it in the kitchen for listening to music, asking questions, etc but at £100 I'm wondering if I'm better just sticking with some bluetooth speakers and switching on voice activated Siri following iOS 10 integration with non-Apple apps. Don't really fancy the battery drain though...

The cheaper one might be better but having a separate speaker constantly on seems like a waste of power and use of two sockets.

Thanks

Kemik · 15 Sep 2016 at 10:02

Not sure if to go with the Echo (£100) with it's average always on speaker or the Dot (£50) and use my bluetooth UE Boom. Boom has a better speaker but I'd have to manually switch it on when I want to listen to music.

Heard the Echo is better at picking up audio too.

Kemik · 16 Sep 2016 at 11:10

This thread has really gone off topic to what I wanted to ask about...

Interested to hear how people plan to use them, which model they are going for and why, not if they think Theresa May is going to be sat listening to them play with their sausage.

Kemik · 28 Sep 2016 at 15:40

MookJong said:
As a speaker what is the sound quality like? also what are the options for using it as a radio to listen to BBC? I have a conventional radio in the kitchen currently and something like this which would be hands free is tempting. I do a fair bit of cooking so not having you touch the device would be handy.

BBC should be accessible via the TuneIn radio app, e.g. "Alexa, play Radio 1 on TuneIn."

Kemik · 17 Oct 2016 at 09:45

AndyCr15 said:
Is that standalone hardware with Siri on it?

No.

Kemik · 19 Oct 2016 at 14:49

My Echo Dot just shipped. Looking forward to testing it out this weekend with a bluetooth speaker. Only problem is that if I want to listen to music/radio I will need to switch the speaker on as it is battery powered.

Kemik · 26 Oct 2016 at 12:22

fireisdangerous said:
I would be more interested in the Dot if it could be wall mounted, hopefully a 3rd party will create a wall mount.

Got a 3D printer?

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1463045

Kemik · 8 Nov 2016 at 13:12

easyrider said:
.

No. However, you can tell it to change to TV, PS4 or whatever. If you use logitech as a smart home hub then it will do those tasks too. To be honest, I use the harmony way more than Alexa.

Kemik · 11 Jul 2017 at 11:10

Ironic seen as I am the OP but I've reserved a Google Home for £99. Does everything Echo does but also understands me better and can answer more questions. I think Alexa is too integrated with the US and we miss out on features. I still can't get named timers to work... Voice recognition for differing users is a big plus too.

Kemik · 12 Jul 2017 at 09:13

azibux1 said:
Where from for £99 please?

Just ordered an Echo and a Dot but you have me thinking now lol

Not sure if allowed to say. I usually setup filters on hotukdeals to find special offers like this. Not sure when it ends but was still on last night.

Kemik · 28 Sep 2017 at 13:37

Pre-ordered two of the new Echo's. One for the kitchen to replace the Dot and bluetooth speaker, and one for the bedroom for music.

As cool as the Spot would be, having it simply as an alarm clock is overpriced. The Echo Plus is also wasted on me as I have a Harmony.

Kemik · 26 Oct 2017 at 11:21

chris_r said:
Any spare at all anyone?

You can buy my Dot off me next week if you want? Will be up on the members market.

Kemik · 24 Jan 2018 at 14:47

Anyone use an echo dot with their Sonos Play 1? I have an Echo v2 but fancy upgrading to a Sonos. Just not sure if to go with a Play 1 (I have an echo dot I can use), or a One...

Hoping this way I can also group the Echo v2 with the Echo Dot played through the Sonos Play 1.

Kemik · 24 Jan 2018 at 15:20

Kenai said:
If you're just planning on plugging the dot into the Sonos and using it as a 'dumb' speaker, is it not worth looking at alternatives? The Sonos commands a premium because of the excellent wireless streaming, multi room audio etc it can do but you'd be using none of that ability.

Any suggestions as to an alternative?