Does anyone have an Amazon Echo or something similar? (207 views)
applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Oct 17, 2016 16:17:15 GMT -5
I was just wondering if anyone had an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot (I know very little about them so there might be other versions too) or a similar type product?
I haven't heard that much about it the Amazon Echo, or their other versions other than on Amazon's home page and saw mention of it on a few websites/articles etc. I know there are other companies that have similar products or will so soon. Google has the Google Home.
If you have one, which one do you have and what do you think of it? Like? Use? A fad and its already collecting dust? What are the things you use it most often for?
I was thinking it might be something to have in my kitchen so I can listen to music, or an audio book -- so curious about how it sounds. And, ask Alexia or other named computer person : ), the weather and other random questions, like how many calories in the piece of brie I'm eating. Maybe not. As of now (with the little I know) --- I think music and audio books would be ideal (but have opportunity to do other things -- once I figure out what other uses I might like).
I only know a few of the features (some I don't have any interest in), maybe I just need to be enlightened.
Thanks.
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Post by mrswaz on Oct 17, 2016 21:29:25 GMT -5
I am waiting for someone to come up with something similar where you can give it a name instead of it coming with one. I do not want to have conversations with Alexa or Siri on an everyday basis.
But I would love to name such a device Jarvis or Computer.
When I can name one, I will buy one. In the meantime, we have Siri on our iphones if needed, though I don't think I've ever actually talked to her.
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Oct 18, 2016 11:57:16 GMT -5
mrswaz - I think what I really would like in the kitchen is someone to cook and clean (not everyday but .....). Come on technology get on that, some Jetson tv show type robot perhaps -- that would be even better than a gadget to play music, listen to audiobooks or add things to my shopping list, or whatever features it has.
In the meantime, gotta figure out what is for dinner. I was going to make Salsa Chili ?, but kind of warm out today.
I don't use SIri very often on my phone, I probably am missing out on some features that can save time and such.
Hmmm, what would I name it --- oh wise one, ha.
So any Amazon Echo users on the board? Perhaps they are busy talking to Alexa. Thx.
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testkitchen45
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Post by testkitchen45 on Oct 18, 2016 14:27:33 GMT -5
My DH loves Alexa (the Echo). I think it's a silly thing to keep in the kitchen, but DH puts up with my gee-whiz kitchen toys so I tolerate Alexa.  I'm not interested in automating things that are simply not that difficult to do on our own--is it really THAT hard to slide the radio knob to "on"?  Alexa can do all sorts of other stuff, but when Alexa pipes up and starts talking to me when I didn't ask anything (such as the time Alexa put "walnuts" on my Amazon shopping list because I happened to say "hmmm; where are the walnuts?" when I looked into the freezer one day--that was too creepy!!!!!!), I'm ready to toss Alexa on the "donate" pile. DH thinks it's great that you can ask Alexa questions & get immediate answers, & to be honest I haven't explored all the other features Alexa can offer (reading aloud, etc.) except for playing music or radio to order. And my brother loves his Echo b/c it links with his smart thermostats. So, a mixed vote, I guess. |
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Oct 18, 2016 14:48:33 GMT -5
testkitchen -- thanks for the feedback. Right now I don't have a radio in my kitchen (which basically is my living room too). It sounds so much better when I say open concept -- but basically just small.
I wouldn't mind something that is take up little space to play music etc so I thought it might be a multipurpose thing. I guess I could just use my phone and get a speaker or something. Or I could use it for an audio book when doing something around the house.
How is the sound? And, can you hear it from a distance?
I'm going to watch the vids on Amazon to get a better idea on some of the features, since I really only know about the play music, listen to book, ask random questions (which I can't see getting into, like weather etc), make shopping list, turn off lights, adjust thermostat.
Thx.
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testkitchen45
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Post by testkitchen45 on Oct 18, 2016 16:21:09 GMT -5
Takes up very little space, and the sound quality is excellent. You can easily hear it from a distance. However, it works best when it's sort of out in the open. I wanted to snug it into a corner (I am a HUGE fan of wide-open counter space), but I don't think it responded as well, or sounded as good, in that location. Ended up putting it on one end of my big island. You don't notice it so much, as it's near my big red KitchenAid stand mixer; if I didn't have a pot-display floor shelf on that end of my island, conveniently hiding the plug & cords, you'd see the cord hanging down (um, I am also not a big fan of cords on display). As you can tell, I love to "clear the decks" before I cook; I'm not one of those people who likes little model-home display items all over my kitchen counters--the Echo did fit in OK, and I still have just a few decor accents so I have plenty of room to work, but placing the Echo, and hiding (or not) the cord, are things you should consider before you get one.
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Oct 18, 2016 20:36:38 GMT -5
Thanks testkitchen -- good things to keep in mind. And, I'll have to check out there Echo Dot -- not sure if it is simply a smaller version or  ?? And, I'm with you -- I'm so not a fan of lots of things on my counter. |
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testkitchen45
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Post by testkitchen45 on Oct 18, 2016 20:49:08 GMT -5
Technophile that he is, DH got a Dot for another room in the house. Sound quality isn't even close. Still the irritating unanticipated responsiveness--out of the blue, you'll hear "I was not able to locate the answer to that question," to which I want to holler, "I was having a conversation with a HUMAN BEING, not you!!!" but that must be the 21st-century high-tech equivalent of "get off my lawn!" so I resist the urge.
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Oct 19, 2016 11:21:32 GMT -5
Technophile that he is, DH got a Dot for another room in the house. Sound quality isn't even close. Still the irritating unanticipated responsiveness--out of the blue, you'll hear "I was not able to locate the answer to that question," to which I want to holler, "I was having a conversation with a HUMAN BEING, not you!!!" but that must be the 21st-century high-tech equivalent of "get off my lawn!" so I resist the urge. You are too funny! i could see how that would be annoying (and unnerving to have a voice out of the blue). Guess you couldn't have one if you're name was Alexa, that would be chaotic! Ha. And thanks for the info on the Echo Dot -- from your feedback about the sound, I don't think that would be a good fit. Thanks again for your help! Much appreciated. |
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cafelatte
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Post by cafelatte on Oct 19, 2016 15:24:57 GMT -5
I love technology, but don't see where I would use something like that. I use Siri from time to time, use bluetooth for streaming my music or SiriusXM, etc to my speaker, use an app for our thermostat, etc. I haven't really looked into everything it does, but it is interesting.
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Jul 10, 2017 20:55:18 GMT -5
I haven't bought an Echo since I posted this, but it is on sale today for Amazon Prime Day for 50% off. I'm still looking for something to play music in my apartment, and perhaps listening to audiobooks etc too. Mostly for music. I'm not sure if I would use some of the other features (joke of the day, no). Well I'm supposed to be on a freeze of impulse buying. I can't recall of some of the other features people rave about.
If it could make me dinner and clean up -- it would be a must buy.
I think the only thing I'm going to buy during all this Prime Day hoopla is a birthday gift for a friend and get a cookbook -- and take advantage of Use promo code PRIMEBOOKS17 to save $5.00 when you spend $15.00 or more on Books offered by Amazon.com. Enter code PRIMEBOOKS17 at checkout.
Any reviews. I wonder if testkitchen still loves it (ha).
Thx.
Tick, tock.
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Post by Catbatty on Jul 10, 2017 21:57:29 GMT -5
I have none of the above. Audio books and radio and music can play out of my laptop and I can take it around house with me. (Heck, Mastercook will even read Directions section aloud to us now...but I haven't heard anyone saying that it helps or not. Been out for awhile, so I expect nobody much uses that feature. I should try it!!)
PS: Downloadable audio ebooks are available for sale or at library. Pretty cool. BUT, I still prefer reading on Kindle...in bed when I can concentrate on what the book is about. (Or a hardcopy book.)
PPS: That thing interrupting me with useless jabber would probably make me crazy...and irritable. <I'd probably cuss a lot at it>
PPPS: Edited to add - the subject of techie gadgets always fascinates me. Thanks for bringing the suject up, Applecrisp.
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Jul 10, 2017 22:02:12 GMT -5
I have none of the above. Audio books and radio and music can play out of my laptop and I can take it around house with me. (Heck, Mastercook will even read Directions section aloud to us now...but I haven't heard anyone saying that it helps or not. Been out for awhile, so I expect nobody much uses that feature. I should try it!! PS: Downloadable audio ebooks are available for sale or at library. Pretty cool. PPS: That thing interrupting me with useless jabber would probably make me crazy...and irritable. <I'd probably cuss a lot at it and wear myself out berating it> I'm with you, if it started talking to me out of the blue, I would not be happy. I can play books etc from my laptop but the sound/volume isn't that good (for example if I'm cooking or walking around my tiny apartment). I can play my iphone thru my Bose clock radio so that gives me good sound, but only good if in same room (and the Bose is in my bedroom). |
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Jul 20, 2017 11:06:39 GMT -5
So funny, what shows up at my apartment a few days ago... an Echo. My sister surprised me and bought me one (she didn't know I was thinking about getting one). So far, I really like it -- I've just used it to play music, get the weather, news etc. If nothing else, I get a fairly good speaker that has more features while at it. I haven't had a chance to look into into the other features. Oh and it hasn't talked back yet. : )
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I'm not interested in automating things that are simply not that difficult to do on our own--is it really THAT hard to slide the radio knob to "on"? 
Alexa can do all sorts of other stuff, but when Alexa pipes up and starts talking to me when I didn't ask anything (such as the time Alexa put "walnuts" on my Amazon shopping list because I happened to say "hmmm; where are the walnuts?" when I looked into the freezer one day--that was too creepy!!!!!!), I'm ready to toss Alexa on the "donate" pile. DH thinks it's great that you can ask Alexa questions & get immediate answers, & to be honest I haven't explored all the other features Alexa can offer (reading aloud, etc.) except for playing music or radio to order. And my brother loves his Echo b/c it links with his smart thermostats. So, a mixed vote, I guess.
??
