Amazon Echo - anyone have one?

AndyCr15 · 6 Oct 2016 at 14:58

Thanks. I now have voice activated lights too.

NeilF · 6 Oct 2016 at 15:21

It is interesting the Google versions are happy in numbers. ie: If you have a number around the house they're aware of this, so I assume multiples don't react to your voice at the same time. Where as, the Echo still cannot do this!

danielanthony · 6 Oct 2016 at 16:37

The only features of Google Home which are better IMO:

1) Direct access to Google search, but Alexa does reference Wikipedia so not too bad.
2) Google Chromecast integration, so playing stuff directly on the TV with voice commands. I think Alexa should be getting this too with Fire TV.

Overall, I think Alexa has more useful features, especially if you're a Prime member.

NeilF · 6 Oct 2016 at 16:42

danielanthony said:
The only features of Google Home which are better IMO:

1) Direct access to Google search, but Alexa does reference Wikipedia so not too bad.
2) Google Chromecast integration, so playing stuff directly on the TV with voice commands. I think Alexa should be getting this too with Fire TV.

Overall, I think Alexa has more useful features, especially if you're a Prime member.

I must admit I'm confused what the purpose of showing our Fire TV in the "Settings" in the Alex Android app is?

What's it there to achieve?

EDIT: Just found this - https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201859020

Hathaway · 6 Oct 2016 at 16:46

Looks like Alexa plays well with Philips Hue, definitely interested in that. Andy are you planning on expanding to other smart home things? Curious to know how well Alexa operates in the UK with Samsung smartthings and the various products it supports.

Phate · 6 Oct 2016 at 16:48

NeilFawcett said:
It is interesting the Google versions are happy in numbers. ie: If you have a number around the house they're aware of this, so I assume multiples don't react to your voice at the same time. Where as, the Echo still cannot do this!

Got an image of something along the lines of the Minions from Despicable me going in my head.

AndyCr15 · 6 Oct 2016 at 16:52

Hathaway said:
Looks like Alexa plays well with Philips Hue, definitely interested in that. Andy are you planning on expanding to other smart home things? Curious to know how well Alexa operates in the UK with Samsung smartthings and the various products it supports.

I've not really looked into Samsung Smartthings yet. Tbh I'm beginning to worry about plug sockets and network points running out! I had to unplug the Android TV to plug in the Philips Hue Bridge...

How many things can I have safely plugged in to one wall socket?

Phate · 6 Oct 2016 at 16:55

AndyCr15 said:
I've not really looked into Samsung Smartthings yet. Tbh I'm beginning to worry about plug sockets and network points running out! I had to unplug the Android TV to plug in the Philips Hue Bridge...

How many things can I have safely plugged in to one wall socket?

I think my record is around 20....didn't have the balls to push it more.

AndyCr15 · 6 Oct 2016 at 17:02

I don't feel so bad at 16 then. Thanks

NeilF · 6 Oct 2016 at 17:23

NeilFawcett said:
I must admit I'm confused what the purpose of showing our Fire TV in the "Settings" in the Alex Android app is?

What's it there to achieve?

EDIT: Just found this - https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201859020

I wonder if this means I can now tell my Amazon Fire TV remote to control the heating (that the Echo can)? Is it sync'd up like that?

HangTime · 6 Oct 2016 at 21:55

uncle_rufus said:
Ah! So glad you've mentioned this... I was sort of thinking since I'd been thinking of picking up a portable speaker I could carry about the house already then maybe I'd go for one of these but if it needs tethering to a power supply I think it's probably out

I think you can get power pack add-ons but it does kinda diminish the value of it somewhat.

One thing I've found amusing/insightful/scary(?) is how quickly my toddler learned to use it, thankfully he only says "Lexa, moosic please!" and stuff like that.

RoyMi6 · 11 Oct 2016 at 16:42

Ordered the echo dot.

Planning on using it with Sonos mostly but going to pick up some Philips Hue for some fun as well.

Cosimo · 11 Oct 2016 at 18:36

Got ours up and running. Impressed by the voice recognition. My wife won't stop playing music but I can switch her off with the remote control. Now time to take a look at some home control.

SeriousPigeon · 12 Oct 2016 at 13:26

Got my echo working with my home automation controller (Homeseer). My kit is zwave based. I can now use Echo to control everything my automation controller can (which is pretty much everything). Lights, AV equipment, blinds, CCTV cameras etc.
Quite impressed really.

rubberduck · 16 Oct 2016 at 21:04

Of these home automation devices which is the best for communicating to them when you are not within range of the microphone i.e. live in a big house? Is it possible to talk to them using a phone or fitness band (with mic)? Do any of them allow you to operate them remotely over an internet connection?

AndyCr15 · 16 Oct 2016 at 22:10

At the moment is there anything other than the Echo?

rubberduck · 16 Oct 2016 at 23:28

AndyCr15 said:
At the moment is there anything other than the Echo?

I thought Google and Apple both have alternatives to the Echo?

AndyCr15 · 16 Oct 2016 at 23:30

Google don't yet. I didn't know of an Apple one, but happy if someone knows otherwise.

Cosimo · 17 Oct 2016 at 06:32

Ours has given a couple of random responses from something it heard on the TV.

CapitalOne · 17 Oct 2016 at 06:55

AndyCr15 said:
Google don't yet. I didn't know of an Apple one, but happy if someone knows otherwise.

Siri plus homekit!