Yes, three of them...they work great and add a lot. Many family members and friends also have them.
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I remember well those that thought screens on cell phones would be useless as well...
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Amazon to Unveil New Echo Speaker With Touchscreen as Soon as Tomorrow
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Yes, three of them...they work great and add a lot. Many family members and friends also have them.
[doublepost=1494327969][/doublepost]
I remember well those that thought screens on cell phones would be useless as well...
Seems to me there is a key difference where video on an Echo makes more sense than on an Apple Siri Speaker: the devices purpose.
Yes, both would be voice control and command speakers that do similar things. But Amazon uses Echo as a conduit to buy stuff, something Apple isn't set up for -- not to say it wouldn't partner with a Target or something, but I think that would get a lot of groans. I've bought a few things via Alexa, not not with an Echo. It's just a little off putting for me to buy something without known what my choices are -- either quantity, price, or competing products. And for that you need a screen.
I still think a screen on a voice command speaker is silly but I can understand it better on the Echo than Siri system. I personally would not want a screen, I just want a simple, low cost speaker and mic to place around the house. I don't really see how a voice and video speaker does anyone who has more than a small apartment any good. It's 2017. For the most part I take my gadgets with me, I don't go to them.
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With each purchase a companion unit is sent to NSA. It's called "AndTell."
Yes, both would be voice control and command speakers that do similar things. But Amazon uses Echo as a conduit to buy stuff, something Apple isn't set up for -- not to say it wouldn't partner with a Target or something, but I think that would get a lot of groans. I've bought a few things via Alexa, not not with an Echo. It's just a little off putting for me to buy something without known what my choices are -- either quantity, price, or competing products. And for that you need a screen.
I still think a screen on a voice command speaker is silly but I can understand it better on the Echo than Siri system. I personally would not want a screen, I just want a simple, low cost speaker and mic to place around the house. I don't really see how a voice and video speaker does anyone who has more than a small apartment any good. It's 2017. For the most part I take my gadgets with me, I don't go to them.
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With each purchase a companion unit is sent to NSA. It's called "AndTell."
This reminds me of a few years ago when everyone said Apple had to do a smartwatch and if they didn't the company was doomed and the stock would crash. First VR/AR was the next big thing, then it was chatbots and Google, Microsoft, and Facebook developer conferences were all focused on bots. Now it's voice assisted speakers and if Apple doesn't release one they're falling behind, not innovating, lazy etc. How much of this is the public really wanting something like this vs. the tech press and tech junkies going through another cycle where they're bored and want a new gadget to play with. And soon they'll be bored of these speakers and on to the next thing.
Seems to me there is a key difference where video on an Echo makes more sense than on an Apple Siri Speaker: the devices purpose.
Yes, both would be voice control and command speakers that do similar things. But Amazon uses Echo as a conduit to buy stuff, something Apple isn't set up for -- not to say it wouldn't partner with a Target or something, but I think that would get a lot of groans. I've bought a few things via Alexa, not not with an Echo. It's just a little off putting for me to buy something without known what my choices are -- either quantity, price, or competing products. And for that you need a screen.
I still think a screen on a voice command speaker is silly but I can understand it better on the Echo than Siri system. I personally would not want a screen, I just want a simple, low cost speaker and mic to place around the house. I don't really see how a voice and video speaker does anyone who has more than a small apartment any good. It's 2017. For the most part I take my gadgets with me, I don't go to them.
[doublepost=1494328446][/doublepost]
With each purchase a companion unit is sent to NSA. It's called "AndTell."
Apple's version would be around 400 or so. Can't see getting one. I have enough BT speakers laying around as it is along with iOS devices. The whole point of alexa was it was amazon's.
Ah, sounds like the 7" Kindle Fire welded onto an Echo. I do like the Echo -- I have two of them. But I'm not interested in a screen version. Although it does open up the possibility for a new wave of personal ads to invade the home if Amazon offers a "sponsored" version of the new Echo.
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Actually, the Echo can handle all of that. The only issue is you need to do it in separate commands. I almost always turn on/off and then set luminosity. No problems.
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Actually, the Echo can handle all of that. The only issue is you need to do it in separate commands. I almost always turn on/off and then set luminosity. No problems.
By the way, am I the only one who sees no use for a gizmo like the Echo? My wife bought one and I see no purpose at all for it.
Totally, because no one has ever needed to look at something sitting on the counter hands-free with something larger than a phone screen before.
When Phil was talking about a home speaker needing a screen, I instantly though if an AppleTV rather than a device with its own, smaller, separate screen.
As I said in another thread, I believe an ATV/home speaker device combo would be really neat. Basically just build a mic into the ATV, add a speaker for feedback when the TV is not on, and you've got an all-in-one living room device.
As I said in another thread, I believe an ATV/home speaker device combo would be really neat. Basically just build a mic into the ATV, add a speaker for feedback when the TV is not on, and you've got an all-in-one living room device.
How are they not ready? Amazon has been leading the voice assistant market for more than a year now. There is nothing Apple can create that will be better than Amazon's offering simply because Amazon has been in this game far longer. And even then, all these speakers eventually do the same thing.
This is what I was thinking but Amazon must have been developing it for a while if they are ready to release it. My only guess is Apple just sits around with this stuff trying to figure out how to charge 500$ for something that should cost 50. Maybe too if Timmy spent more time at the office and less time solving the worlds problems they could get new products out faster.
I am not sure if focused is the word I would use to describe Bezos. He is taking the old Google approach and just throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks. What is there now? 4 or 5 different versions of the echo? One with a camera, a small one, a big one, one with a screen. We get it already. I haven't jumped on one of these as I don't see the value yet, but maybe one day. I like Amazon for what it is, an online retailer, but that's it. Bezos certainly isn't anything impressive, he just has money and will push out any product that comes to mind.
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My thoughts exactly. I have used one and I just didn't see the appeal. I already pay a good amount for my phone, which does the same thing. Why do I need this?
Apple is getting too much credit here.
They don't have great devices by launching late.
Look at the Apple Watch and Apple TV. Both arguably not the best in class devices.
And to those who don't get it.
Stop with the apple koolaid. If Apple had a screen on their assistant device you would love it.
They don't have great devices by launching late.
Look at the Apple Watch and Apple TV. Both arguably not the best in class devices.
And to those who don't get it.
Stop with the apple koolaid. If Apple had a screen on their assistant device you would love it.
Maybe you are right regarding the Apple TV although I find it to be the best one out there (with the exception of 4K support), but Apple products are regarded best in class when it comes to smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Easily.
Here's the thing - what problem is a stand-alone voice assistant supposed to solve?
When you look at Apple products like CarPlay, the Apple TV and the Airpods, Siri was implemented to solve a particular issue or augment a specific experience, not just included for the sake of including a voice assistant.
I suspect we will see the same thing with a Siri speaker. It won't just be Siri in a can, but instead tailored and optimised for a specific user experience (perhaps listening to music or home automation). The end result would be a product which might not be as versatile as the Amazon echo, but can be better for a select few tasks which may be more relevant to the end user.
That's how Apple may decide to differentiate its offering.
Or maybe attach a keyboard to it with an external monitor. Now that would be innovative.
Or instead of a task-focussed selling point, they may go with premium design. Install high-end speakers, and market it for its audio quality. Like a high-end airplay speaker, with Siri in it.
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Amazon is planning to update its Amazon Echo line with a new speaker that includes a screen and video calling capabilities, reports The Wall Street Journal.
The upcoming speaker will feature a 7-inch touchscreen, used to make internet-based video/telephone calls and display visual results for spoken queries. Camera functionality could also be included, mirroring the capabilities of the recently introduced Echo Look.
Amazon may be planning to unveil the speaker, which has been in beta testing for a few months, as early as tomorrow, Tuesday, May 9.
Amazon's existing Echo speaker
Amazon's existing Echo device is currently priced at $150, but it normally sells for $180. The new speaker is expected to be sold for over $200, due to the included display.
Along with the new speaker, Amazon is also said to be planning to roll out telephone services to existing Echo devices over the next few weeks. To begin with, intercom functionality may be available, allowing two Echo devices to communicate with one another.
The imminent launch of an Amazon Echo device with a display comes as Apple is rumored to be nearing the final stages of development on its own Siri-based speaker, which would compete with the Echo and the Google Home.
Rumors have not suggested Apple's upcoming device will include a display, but Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller recently made some comments suggesting voice-activated smart speakers would be better with screens.
According to Schiller, a voice assistant without a screen doesn't "suit many situations," especially when it comes to social networking services, photos, and games.Amazon's new Echo product will be the first of the in-home smart speakers that includes a display. Apple's own device, which is said to include Siri integration and "excellent acoustics performance," reportedly has an "over 50 percent chance" of debuting at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
Article Link: Amazon to Unveil New Echo Speaker With Touchscreen as Soon as Tomorrow
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Understandable, and agree the Echo (or any voice controlled speaker) by itself is gimmicky. But as the main control point for a smart house system it's quite useful. I use my iPads ("Hey Siri') to control lights, locks, and thermostat. Also have ATV4 which works as the hub and allows for geofencing. I have zero interest in a full blown Apple Siri speaker like the Echo but I'd love it if they came out with an Echo Dot. Apple really doesn't do anything to promote HomeKit. That is where they should go IMHO. Instead they will use there speaker to promote Apple Music.
What's the sound quality of beats speakers like? I ask because I have no experience with them, and that's likely what Apple will go with. They will likely have it run some variant of ios to differentiate the hardware, but I don't expect any noticeable improvements to the sound quality beyond what they already offer.