What does the Amazon Echo actually do?

mrochester · 20 Jun 2016 at 15:34

I've seen a lot of people raving about the Amazon Echo and it's mentioned quite frequently in a few podcasts I listen to. But I'm left wondering, what does it actually do that's actually useful that we can't already do already? I understand that technology progresses and things move on, but it's normally quite clear when that is the case (smartphones for instance, electric cars). But it doesn't seem so clear what problem the Echo is solving, or in what way it is significantly better than existing products.

Is anyone able to pinpoint exactly what I'm missing with this product?

Best wishes

M.

Glaucus · 20 Jun 2016 at 15:36

a smart home hub that also does anything audio. all voice controlled. so no finding that remote, or navigating on a phone. also use it to order things either through amazon, uber, dominos etc.

simply switch of X light. or play X podcast.

G-MAN2004 · 20 Jun 2016 at 15:45

Pretty cool actually.

It would be good if you could change the wake word to a clap, plus have clap activated lights for when you bring a girl round. Like Tom from Parks and Rec...

I have a ritual and it starts on the couch. We sit down. Clap my hands. Lights dim. Boys II Men fades in.

mrochester · 20 Jun 2016 at 15:48

Glaucus said:
a smart home hub that also does anything audio. all voice controlled. so no finding that remote, or navigating on a phone. also use it to order things either through amazon, uber, dominos etc.

simply switch of X light. or play X podcast.

So how much of a time saving is it to order stuff verbally from Amazon vs using the Amazon app on your phone? How does it cope with all the different product options and varieties? I'm struggling to see how asking an Amazon Echo would cope with me wanting to buy some garden furniture for instance. How does it tell me about all the different products on offer?

So for switching lights on and off, it sounds like you'd need to also invest in some sort of smart lighting system too, so the Echo wouldn't be much good on its own in this scenario.

Where would the Echo play your podcast from? From your phone?

I've never ordered an Uber or a Dominoes in my life so I don't see much value in that personally.

Glaucus · 20 Jun 2016 at 15:51

its a speaker, and far better than using phone speakers.

and yes a smart home isn't smart without having smart appliances/bulbs.

its like siri/Cortana/okay google

although since that video they've added a lot more functions.

and since when did a product have to be usefull for everyone :confused:

just because you don't have a use for it., doesn't mean others don't.