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Amazon Echo

HiDEF

HiDEF

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jun 23, 2010
1,711
395
Miami, FL
I just received my invite for the Echo; anyone own this?

Love to hear what you guys think.
 
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@MRU if you search youtube, you'll get some reviews and demos. It seems pretty impressive but does lack some integrations which can be improved with updates. However, it does work with IFTTT.

Not really sure if its worth $180, though.
 
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I love mine. Had it since initial roll out for $99. Continues upgrades, it keeps getting better and better. For me, primarily weather and music on a whim.
 
noisycats said:
I love mine. Had it since initial roll out for $99. Continues upgrades, it keeps getting better and better. For me, primarily weather and music on a whim.
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at $99 it's a great deal!

EDIT: I just noticed the invite I receive has it for $149.
 
Looks really cool. Shame we don't have Amazon prime services here so will likely never see it on these shores. Def would have been the kind of thing I would try especially at $99 :)
 
MRU said:
Looks really cool. Shame we don't have Amazon prime services here so will likely never see it on these shores. Def would have been the kind of thing I would try especially at $99 :)
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It actually costs $179.99 :)
 
does anybody know if it recognizes commands in spanish? i would like to get one for my dad, he is partially blind.
 
Alexa is pure evil. She'll change the water temp to scolding hot while you take a shower. She'll turn the electric on while installing a light switch. BEWARE!!!!
 
Just unpacked and set up an Echo this weekend...

The Amazon Echo supports voice control of lights connected to GE's Wink system (which I have in my home) in addition to Hue lights (which I also have). It's working great for voice control of virtually all the lighting in the house and does a great job with music.

Timers (hands-free while cooking) was super convenient and I suspect my wife will make use of the shopping list and Amazon re-order features. She really enjoyed just asking for virtually any kind of music and having it come right up.

I'm hoping for voice control of the Nest thermostat. Other Wink devices (door locks, garage door... things other than lights) perhaps not so much, lest anyone put a speaker up to the window and simply ask Alexa to unlock the house.
 
I've had the Echo for months now. Got it early on when they first introduced it with the invitation and the $99 price tag. It's amazingly good over all and we use it more and more every day. Continually updated with strong support. Hardware is solid and the speaker is loud and clear - excellent as a Bluetooth speaker alone. It's more capable of course...

I will never again wonder how many tea spoons are in a cup, what is the tallest building or which is the fastest production car... I just ask Alexa. She knows. She always knows... LOL
 
HiDEF said:
I just received my invite for the Echo; anyone own this?

Love to hear what you guys think.
Click to expand...


We've had ours in the kitchen for a few months. Works great. Needs more bass response, but it's quality otherwise is strong. Wife really likes it.
 
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What is the point of this device? Having a virtual Siri/Cortana like assistant present in your home in a certain area for questions and music playing?

I am intrigued but can't justify what I would use it for honestly.
 
HiDEF said:
I just received my invite for the Echo; anyone own this?

Love to hear what you guys think.
Click to expand...

I had this on my "wish list" but took it off when it occurred to me that Siri is basically the same thing, no? When I can say, "Hey Siri" and interact with it, I'm not sure why I need the Echo and Alexa. But I would like to know what it can do that Siri can't.
 
sss4r said:
I had this on my "wish list" but took it off when it occurred to me that Siri is basically the same thing, no? When I can say, "Hey Siri" and interact with it, I'm not sure why I need the Echo and Alexa. But I would like to know what it can do that Siri can't.
Click to expand...
Exactly my thoughts. Saying Hey Siri and asking seems to be just like using Alexa. I am looking for a quality BT speaker and this may be cool but am wondering if at 180, there is a better device or if this would be more convenient
 
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