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Introducing the Amazon Echo (Smart Speaker) (1 Viewer)

Estimated delivery: Dec. 2, 2014 - Dec. 3, 2014



41aZeCP2AlL._SS75_.jpg

Amazon Echo
$199.00 $99.00
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$100.00 discount applied

Usually ships within 8 to 9 days.
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Aaron Rudnicki said:
got an invite and ordered one.

anyone get it yet? is it stupid or cool?
Click to expand...
So I may or may not know someone who may or may not have been an alpha and beta tester on this for the last 9 months or so. I've heard that there are some cool aspects to it especially if you connect your music library via the cloud. The app is integral to getting the most out of it.

 
Fallerjw said:
I wonder if it will end up competing with Sonos? I really like my Sonos.
Click to expand...
The only way I would get this would be if it integrated with my sonos. Love and spent too much already on that to add a device that mostly looks like a speech enabled jukebox anyway. Granted, I'm sure amazon is building this thing only for their cloud player, and if so then no dice form me.

 
A friend of mine got his last week and he is very happy with it. Pretty sure it will only get better in time as more and more apps or software are added to it by amazon.

 
Echo came today. So far I am extremely happy with this purchase. Its a steal at $99 IMO. Very good sound for a bluetooth speaker (lacks low end). Great voice recog, tells jokes, weather, NPR news flash updates with a very quick response. Extremely easy to set up and link with your Amazon account. Plays your prime music playlists easily. I can not figure out how to have it play the Prime Music Stations as of yet. The ability to add to your shopping lists, to do lists etc is very nice and works flawlessly.

Alexa isn't perfect though. I asked her /it to play artist Alt-J and it couldnt figure it out. So far that is the only artist that I could stump her with. Echo doesn't interact with Spotify or Pandora (YET). You can play these from your phone via Bluetooth, but you wont be able to use voice controls.

 
Missed my invite, but just got a saving email saying my invite expires tomorrow. Ordered immediately. Will be worth the 100 bucks IMO.

 
Have had mine for over a month now.

Seems interesting at first but eventually pretty useless without being connected to text, email, calendars, etc.

 
Lehigh98 said:
Have had mine for over a month now.

Seems interesting at first but eventually pretty useless without being connected to text, email, calendars, etc.
Click to expand...
Hmm, so no way to sync to a google account or calendar? Does it say that functionality will eventually come with the supposed upgrades?

 
gianmarco said:
Lehigh98 said:
Have had mine for over a month now.

Seems interesting at first but eventually pretty useless without being connected to text, email, calendars, etc.
Click to expand...
Hmm, so no way to sync to a google account or calendar? Does it say that functionality will eventually come with the supposed upgrades?
Click to expand...
No way to synch to anything. It has an associated app that just lists your searches and things you asked to be reminded of. It doesn't actually remind you of them, just puts them in a list so you have to move items to your calendar or reminder app of choice.

It doesn't say anything, it just sits there listening to us.

 
Lehigh98 said:
gianmarco said:
Lehigh98 said:
Have had mine for over a month now.

Seems interesting at first but eventually pretty useless without being connected to text, email, calendars, etc.
Click to expand...
Hmm, so no way to sync to a google account or calendar? Does it say that functionality will eventually come with the supposed upgrades?
Click to expand...
No way to synch to anything. It has an associated app that just lists your searches and things you asked to be reminded of. It doesn't actually remind you of them, just puts them in a list so you have to move items to your calendar or reminder app of choice.

It doesn't say anything, it just sits there listening to us.
Click to expand...
:scared:

 
Much to my surprise, I got an invite today - I would have missed it if not for this thread prompting me to look for it (it showed up under my gmail Promotions tab).

After a little reading and youtube watching, I think initially the main thing I'll use it for will be to play Amazon prime music... seems like it will be cool to say "Alexa, play Billy Joel's greatest hits".

But I expect it to get more and more useful as time goes on - e.g. traffic in the morning would be great.

My main concern is that they'll come out with a new version of Echo before it really starts becoming useful as an app, but what the heck, this time I'll try generation one of something.

 
This sounds like something that will look awesome in my storage room at the top of the pile of gadgets that were cool for a day or two.

 
Otis said:
This sounds like something that will look awesome in my storage room at the top of the pile of gadgets that were cool for a day or two.
Click to expand...
Right now, I think that's likely true.

Over time, I suspect it will grow more and more useful.

 
Keep in mind the speaker is a VERY good bluetooth speaker with the ability to a great product in the future. Now for those of you that have an extra android phone or tablet laying around you can make a better version of the Echo by doing this:


What you will need - 1 google phone/tablet, 1 bluetooth speaker and the ability to plug both units in.
Set up:

You need to enable OK GOOGLE
- Make sure to turn on OK GOOGLE from any screen
- Make sure to turn on OK GOOGLE always on
- Make sure to turn on OK GOOGLE from locked screen & charging
- Make sure to train the OK GOOGLE voice command

You need to enable Google Daydream
- Under Options Choose CLOCK - Night Mode
- Set notifications volume to ZERO accept for alarms.

Now you essentially have a much smarter version of the Amazon Echo that also has a clock. Here are list of the OK Google Commands you can use with it:

General information


How old is [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE]?
Where was [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] born?
Define [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE]
What does [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] mean?
What time is it in[SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE]?
Search for [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE]
Show me pictures of [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE]
Do I need an umbrella today?
What’s the weather like?
What’s the weather in [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE]?
What is the [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE]stock price?
What is [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] trading at?
What’s [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] yards in miles?
What is [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] ounces in liters?
What’s [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] divided by [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE]? (many other math equations will work
Search [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] for [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] pictures

Device control

Open [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE].com
Open Spotify (pandora)

Productivity

Set an alarm for x:xx am
Set a timer for xx minutes
Create a calendar event: Lunch with [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE], Monday at 12pm.
Remind me to buy [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] at 9am
Remind me to buy [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] at [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE]
What is my schedule for tomorrow?
What does my day look like Monday?
Where’s my package? (tracking confirmation must be in Gmail)
Make a note: Tell Janet to pick up bacon.
“Note to self:” This works with multiple apps, and you can even email yourself!
Find John's _____ (Works with all info in your contacts - addresses, birthdays, etc.)

Communication

Send email to [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE], subject, [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE], message, [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE]

Entertainment

Play some music (opens “I’m feeling lucky” radio station in Google Play Music)
Next Song / Pause Song
Play [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] (songs must be in Google Play Music on your device)
What’s this song?
What songs does [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] sing?
Did the Eagles win today? What’s the score in the Eagles game?
What movies are playing tonight? Where is [SIZE=11.8055553436279px]_____ [/SIZE] playing?

Fun hidden stuff

Many of these deliver funny voice responses, but normal search results. Turn up your sound!

Flip a coin
Roll dice (rolls a single six-sided die)
What is the loneliest number?
Do a barrel roll!
Askew / Tilt
Go go Gadget [spotify]
When am I?
Make me a sandwich
Sudo make me a sandwich
Who’s on first?
Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right
Tell me a joke
Who are you?
Beam me up, Scotty!
What is Jennifer Lawrence’s Bacon number?
Click to expand...
 
Is is that good of a speaker (some reviews say good but not as good as top BT speakers)? Got an invite and really all I want is a good/very good BT speaker to stream through. Not at all intrigued by the other "toys" Echo offers yet. Those might be interesting for a day or so. The fact that there's no battery is a drawback compared to some other BT speakers like the Sony SRSX3 or X5 or this beautiful speaker. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91qf-uYEiML._SL1500_.jpg ;) And the fact that there's so much tech packed in (3 circuit boards) leads me to think it will break down fasster than simpler technology.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
3C said:
Is is that good of a speaker (some reviews say good but not as good as top BT speakers)? Got an invite and really all I want is a good/very good BT speaker to stream through. Not at all intrigued by the other "toys" Echo offers yet. Those might be interesting for a day or so. The fact that there's no battery is a drawback compared to some other BT speakers like the Sony SRSX3 or X5 or this beautiful speaker. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91qf-uYEiML._SL1500_.jpg ;) And the fact that there's so much tech packed in (3 circuit boards) leads me to think it will break down fasster than simpler technology.
Click to expand...
I use mine constantly. The "toy" aspect of it or novelty of it wears off if you don't try to make it part of your daily life. For instance, this am I got up, walked into the kitchen...

Alexa: News Flash (she goes over the news categories that I selected)

proceeded to prepare the dogs food

Alexa: What's the weather going to be like today

Feed the dogs and started to make my own breakfast

Alexa: Play KWY 1060 (Local News Station here in Philly)

Continued making my breakfast and packed my lunch

Alexa: Play Playlist Class Rock

Ate my breakfast, trolled the internet

So while it takes some getting use to, once you do get use to using the voice activation, its fantastic. My wife is having a harder time with it. We were cooking Saturday night and she said to me "Tell her to add ginger to the shopping list". Why can't you? "I don't know..."

 
Last edited by a moderator:
:thumbup: for your thoughts.

I know you're just giving examples (and there's more it can do) and thanks for that but I have several weather groups in FB along with an add-on in FF so no weather needed. News, anything breaking I get here or a quick glance on CNN, don't really even care about it most of the time (don't even bother with the paper). Seldom listen to local radio, Slacker/Pandora most of the time if not listening to Steelers Nation Radio. SNR is on iheart which is on Echo but appears I have to register, which so far I've not had to do. I don't really do shopping lists until I'm making a specific dish, then I just send myself a text which Echo can't do.

Biggest want for me is a good sounding BT speaker. I'm certain that this will be an improvement over my cheapo $20 wired speaker so it's still a possibility. One reason I'm leaning towards it, and certainly a reason Amazon wants me to get it, is I've been contemplating exploring Prime Music a bit. This would likely push me that way a bit.

 
Bogart said:
HellToupee said:
Brady Marino said:
HellToupee said:
Brady Marino said:
Ordered, but...

Due to strong customer response, new orders may take several months to ship.
Click to expand...
:mellow:
Click to expand...
Jan 22 is my delivery date
Click to expand...
When did you order?
Click to expand...
Order dateJan 5, 2015

Order #

Order total

$105.19 (1 item)
Click to expand...
Placed mine on the 5th as well. Says scheduled delivery is Jan 21.
Click to expand...
Ordered mine today.

Expected delivery: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 - Thursday, July 2, 2015 by 8pm
Click to expand...
Maybe the timetable moves up when more and more decline invites?

 
3C said:
I'm hearing recent orders are showing delivery dates in May. :o
Click to expand...
Brady Marino said:
Bogart said:
HellToupee said:
Brady Marino said:
HellToupee said:
Brady Marino said:
Ordered, but...

Due to strong customer response, new orders may take several months to ship.
Click to expand...
:mellow:
Click to expand...
Jan 22 is my delivery date
Click to expand...
When did you order?
Click to expand...
Order dateJan 5, 2015

Order #

Order total

$105.19 (1 item)
Click to expand...
Placed mine on the 5th as well. Says scheduled delivery is Jan 21.
Click to expand...
Ordered mine today.

Expected delivery: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 - Thursday, July 2, 2015 by 8pm
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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