• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Amazon announces new Echo devices

gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/27/16374254/amazon-event-2017-news-recap-echo-spot-fire-tv-hardware

So the new echo is cheaper than the old at $100 (good news).
link: Echo 2ND gen

They'll have an Echo "plus" for $150 which is the same size as the last echo, but it also doubles as a smart hub. Each Plus also includes a Philips Hue light bulb.
link: Echo Plus

A new device called Echo Spot was announced for $130. A small, round, almost alarm clock styled devices with a round screen.
link: Echo Spot

A new 4k Fire TV was also announced, will be $70 with an alexa voice remote.
link: Fire TV
 
I'd be interested in how the Plus model works as a hub. I was on the fence about buying a Smart Things hub, so I may hold off and see how this pans out and just get it instead if it works well enough.
 
The new FireTV is interesting. I'd say its a steal at $70, but I'm not sure I'm loving the built in HDMI cable rather than just a standard port. I'm guessing an adapter could remedy that. Hanging that thing off an HDMI port on a TV seems kinda idiotic to me, as opposed to run a proper cable from it.

Also, it needs an ethernet adapter for $15, rather than built in like it used to be. I'm laughing at the idea of both of those daisy-chained hanging off the side of someone's TV.

Still, $85 for both, vs $180 for the AppleTV, it's kind of a no brainer.

I've never used the Echo devices- I can't really picture my family using one past the initial "hey this is new, let's mess with it" phase. Anyone own one? Is it even remotely worth it?
 
Zaap said:
The new FireTV is interesting. I'd say its a steal at $70, but I'm not sure I'm loving the built in HDMI cable rather than just a standard port. I'm guessing an adapter could remedy that. Hanging that thing off an HDMI port on a TV seems kinda idiotic to me, as opposed to run a proper cable from it.

Also, it needs an ethernet adapter for $15, rather than built in like it used to be. I'm laughing at the idea of both of those daisy-chained hanging off the side of someone's TV.

Still, $85 for both, vs $180 for the AppleTV, it's kind of a no brainer.

I've never used the Echo devices- I can't really picture my family using one past the initial "hey this is new, let's mess with it" phase. Anyone own one? Is it even remotely worth it?
Click to expand...

I don't own one yet, but my initial thought would be easy starting music when cooking or cleaning. It's not like I couldn't do something similar with my phone and a bluetooth speaker, but I'm sure I'd start messing with other smart features too once I had it.
 
Zaap said:
I've never used the Echo devices- I can't really picture my family using one past the initial "hey this is new, let's mess with it" phase. Anyone own one? Is it even remotely worth it?
Click to expand...

I bought an Echo recently (it was half off at Whole Foods). We ended up using it a LOT more than I thought we would...love me some toys, but this actually ended up using pretty useful. Great if you have kids too...you can set time-out timers, play games, read stories, set a bedtime alarm, a wake-up alarm, etc. I ended up buying 4 more Echo Dots. I also have the 10" Echo tablet on pre-order for next month, to use in my kitchen. We are fans!

On the flip side, I do not like any other voice systems...Siri, Google Assistant, Cortana, etc. Alexa is the only one I'm willing to use because it has a great microphone, extremely accurate voice capture, and a great database of useful stuff to use it for. I pretty much hated using my voice for commands before, but it works so well now with the Echo, that I really don't mind using it.
 
gorcorps said:
I don't own one yet, but my initial thought would be easy starting music when cooking or cleaning. It's not like I couldn't do something similar with my phone and a bluetooth speaker, but I'm sure I'd start messing with other smart features too once I had it.
Click to expand...

It's going through the McDonalds drive-through vs. sitting down a Five Guys - it's the convenience factor. I am all about manual input & love my keyboard, but the Echo actually works properly for voice commands. There is no other voice command system that I have ever used that is as good as it is. They've cracked the code for usability.

tbh, if I was a bachelor, I don't know if I would use it. I use it for a lot of family functions. My wife absolutely loves it. Works great with Spotify. Kids (at least, the ones old enough to speak clearly) love using it.
 
There is another FireTV in the works that they didn't announce.
http://www.aftvnews.com/exclusive-t...amazon-fire-tv-models-being-released-in-2017/

It's larger and has alexa builtin. I'm waiting for that. I currently have a 1st gen Fire stick and it works great but is a little laggy at times.


Zaap said:
The new FireTV is interesting. I'd say its a steal at $70, but I'm not sure I'm loving the built in HDMI cable rather than just a standard port. I'm guessing an adapter could remedy that. Hanging that thing off an HDMI port on a TV seems kinda idiotic to me, as opposed to run a proper cable from it.

Also, it needs an ethernet adapter for $15, rather than built in like it used to be. I'm laughing at the idea of both of those daisy-chained hanging off the side of someone's TV.

Still, $85 for both, vs $180 for the AppleTV, it's kind of a no brainer.

I've never used the Echo devices- I can't really picture my family using one past the initial "hey this is new, let's mess with it" phase. Anyone own one? Is it even remotely worth it?
Click to expand...
 
I bought an echo dot during prime day and find I use it all the time. Amazon Music at work is great when I'm too busy to browse through my music.
 
^ Thanks for the info above. Now I'm curious to look into one of these. I do love a good gadget.

Where do ya'll put them? How far away can one be for the voice commands to still be effective?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top