Close

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 29

Thread: Amazon Echo

  1. #1
    DF VIP Member MHP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    The Clock End
    Posts
    552
    Thanks
    395
    Thanked:        323
    Karma Level
    162

    Default Amazon Echo

    Just a heads up, the Amazon Echo is now available to pre-order in the UK. £149 or £99 with prime.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-SK70.../dp/B01GAGVIE4

  2. #2
    DF Moderator EvilBoB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    Bedfordshire
    Posts
    6,353
    Thanks
    583
    Thanked:        620
    Karma Level
    606

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    These intrigue me. I'm all for home automation but I'm going to hold off for a bit and see how they work in the real world.
    DF Moderator
    XBox One | Panasonic 4k | MS Surface Pro 3 | 3DSXL | WiiU | RPi3
    XBL : TheSumOfAllEvil

  3. #3
    DF VIP Member MHP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    The Clock End
    Posts
    552
    Thanks
    395
    Thanked:        323
    Karma Level
    162

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    Just ordered one, I'll let you know how I get on.

    2 Thanks given to MHP

    bobo06 (15th September 2016),  EvilBoB (14th September 2016)  


  4. #4
    DF VIP Member Scottio200's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Tha Toon
    Posts
    1,814
    Thanks
    42
    Thanked:        96
    Karma Level
    397

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    I like the look of these, would probably only need the Dot for £50

    Shame it doesn't integrate with and Apple services (Apple Music for example) otherwise it would be a great addition as it controls hue lights

  5. #5
    DF VIP Member
    beerman's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2001
    Location
    29 Acacia Road
    Posts
    8,446
    Thanks
    1,080
    Thanked:        1,626
    Karma Level
    956

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    I'm going to grab one to control my lights, heating, logitech harmony and wemo plugs. Does anyone know if it links to your prime account in any way or is it standalone? I was going to ask my uncle if he could grab it on his prime. Otherwise I may as well get prime for a year.

  6. #6
    DF VIP Member MHP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    The Clock End
    Posts
    552
    Thanks
    395
    Thanked:        323
    Karma Level
    162

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    It links to the Amazon account you use when you first set it up via the app on your phone. You should be fine getting on your uncles Prime account, however you will lose the Amazon music streaming facility without your own Prime account.

    Thanks to MHP

    beerman (15th September 2016)  


  7. #7
    DF VIP Member cassy34's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Lytham
    Posts
    1,453
    Thanks
    246
    Thanked:        181
    Karma Level
    359

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    Just bought one too. A final attempt to wife (idiot) proof the TV setup. It's a long held dream.

    Thanks to cassy34

    MHP (15th September 2016)  


  8. #8
    DF VIP Member andmor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2000
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    573
    Thanks
    81
    Thanked:        178
    Karma Level
    316

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    Gonna wait to see the price of google's google home.. hopefully more info next month


  9. #9
    DF Super Moderator Rick Sanchez's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Shoney's
    Posts
    3,811
    Thanks
    1,326
    Thanked:        366
    Karma Level
    408

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    I'm all for home automation but not with a major tech giant such as Amazon or Google. They have too much information on people as it is...

    Cyberdyne Systems anyone?
    Domain Registration, SSL Certificates and Web Hosting - Fusionhost- 25% Discount Available On All Web Hosting Plans For DF Members - Code: DF2022

  10. #10
    DF Moderator EvilBoB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    Bedfordshire
    Posts
    6,353
    Thanks
    583
    Thanked:        620
    Karma Level
    606

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    DF Moderator
    XBox One | Panasonic 4k | MS Surface Pro 3 | 3DSXL | WiiU | RPi3
    XBL : TheSumOfAllEvil

    Thanks to EvilBoB

    Ashley (15th September 2016)  


  11. #11
    DF VIP Member crazyal's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2002
    Location
    Okinawa
    Posts
    4,214
    Thanks
    345
    Thanked:        468
    Karma Level
    534

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    Yep, pre-ordered yesterday for £99. Hopefully will control the Phillips lighting in the kitchen too.

  12. #12
    Mummy's little soldier I Black Belt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    my house
    Posts
    2,538
    Thanks
    355
    Thanked:        524
    Karma Level
    411

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    I looked at this and first reaction was "Me likey". I'm usually a fucker for tecchie gadgets, but this time I've reigned myself in.
    My PC's have Cortana, My phone has voice commands as does my car and I don't use any of them, so I think that if I bought an Echo, it would just end up as a bookend.

    Thanks to I Black Belt

    Ashley (15th September 2016)  


  13. #13
    DF VIP Member MHP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    The Clock End
    Posts
    552
    Thanks
    395
    Thanked:        323
    Karma Level
    162

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    I can see your point, however the Echo and Googles offering are a must if your controlling home automation kit. I have Philips Hue lights and a Nest thermostat and the Echo hopefully works with them. It will be interesting to see if this works with LightwaveRF switches.

    https://youtu.be/V7WfxI3ecVI

    If I can get any where near this guys set up I will be a happy bunny.

  14. #14
    DF VIP Member Lestronics's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2000
    Location
    S/East England
    Posts
    330
    Thanks
    78
    Thanked:        122
    Karma Level
    309

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    "Hey Google ........."

    Yes?

    "Load some Wank material on the TV"

    Straight or Gay?

    "Midget Porn"

    Ok

    2 Thanks given to Lestronics

    crazyal (1st October 2016),  MHP (15th September 2016)  


  15. #15
    DF VIP Member JonEp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    uk
    Posts
    2,250
    Thanks
    1,112
    Thanked:        875
    Karma Level
    395

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    Quote Originally Posted by Lestronics View Post
    "Hey Google ........."

    Yes?

    "Load some Wank material on the TV"

    Straight or Gay?

    "Midget Porn"

    Ok
    @DET

    Thanks to JonEp

    stevo25 (16th September 2016)  


  16. #16
    DF VIP Member Squizza's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    London
    Posts
    573
    Thanks
    193
    Thanked:        210
    Karma Level
    157

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    Ordered an Echo (for the £99) and a Dot.
    I have been waiting literally for years for these to be released over here. I am currently putting together a Pi with Alexa installed because I am so impatient.

    Now I need to start automating the home properly. Already got Hive and a load of wireless plugs, problem is they are different brands.
    Therefore I am hoping I can either use some sort of MQ to deal with them (with IF) or get the API's direct from the manufacturers.
    Either way, in the long term I will probably pick a known brand and gradually replace them all.

    Even the wife is impressed by what they can do! Going to have it set up so that when my footy team scores Alexa will give a little shout out etc..

  17. #17
    DF VIP Member MHP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    The Clock End
    Posts
    552
    Thanks
    395
    Thanked:        323
    Karma Level
    162

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    Okay, mine arrived on the 28th as promised. Great packaging and the echo has a nice quality feel to it. Set up was a little tricky as the Echo doesn't play nice with BT home hubs. Philips Hue basic integration works fine and simple commands work well. However this UK version of the Echo is crippled at the moment. It's been out in the US for 2 years and the "skills" (Alexa Apps) are mostly US centric and don't work over here yet. The biggest omission is the lack of UK IFTTT support, this is the real kicker for me and reduces the Echo's usefulness to 20% of what it should be. Amazon seems to of rushed this out in anticipation of Google's home product release.

    Thanks to MHP

    I Black Belt (1st October 2016)  


  18. #18
    DF VIP Member crazyal's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2002
    Location
    Okinawa
    Posts
    4,214
    Thanks
    345
    Thanked:        468
    Karma Level
    534

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    Very impressed so far with the Echo, it understands most of what I say.

    Have ordered the Hue Starter Kit for £59 (2 bulbs and a wifi hub) and will get another bulb for the outside light as they are only £15 for the standard white. I think with time the UK will catch up with US Echo. All in all very happy with it atm. Some of the skills apps apps are funny (20 questions and HAL).

  19. #19
    DF Moderator EvilBoB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    Bedfordshire
    Posts
    6,353
    Thanks
    583
    Thanked:        620
    Karma Level
    606

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    I see Amazon have launched their own rival to Spotify that has a $3.99 a month "Echo only" service. Will be interesting to see what content there is. Think there's a 30 day free trial so I might give that a go.
    DF Moderator
    XBox One | Panasonic 4k | MS Surface Pro 3 | 3DSXL | WiiU | RPi3
    XBL : TheSumOfAllEvil

  20. #20
    DF VIP Member Squizza's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    London
    Posts
    573
    Thanks
    193
    Thanked:        210
    Karma Level
    157

    Default Re: Amazon Echo

    We were using the Echo within minutes of unpacking. It's an essential part of our kitchen now blasting out tunes or nursery rhymes.
    Tells me the news, schedule! Honestly how did we live without it.

    The next part is home automation. I have so many different wifi plugs, all of which are not really compatible unless I use IFTTT. Problem is IFTTT is not available in the UK yet..

    I think I might flog them parts and get the Belkin stuff that plays nicely. Then grab some bulbs to put into the floor lamps.

    The biggest issue for my with ceiling lights is that you lose the light switch. Until they make light switches I will not jump on board the ceiling lights just yet.

    Got a dot coming next week, I think longer term I will end up with two Echo's and multiple Dots.
    I am going to build my own Pi Alexa as I invested in the bits and I have a Pebble Core coming in January.

    Won't be long before Alexa takes over!
    Last edited by Squizza; 14th October 2016 at 09:06 AM.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 2
    Last Post: 13th October 2002, 07:43 PM
  2. amazon canada
    By Gavin M in forum The Dog and Duck
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 9th October 2002, 12:00 PM
  3. Wanted - Amazon UK codes / vouchers
    By broona in forum Cheapskates Corner
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 7th October 2002, 08:18 PM
  4. Amazon Codes????
    By Rodders in forum Cheapskates Corner
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 23rd September 2002, 06:49 PM
  5. any new Amazon vouchers?
    By zelnik in forum Cheapskates Corner
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 14th September 2002, 05:15 PM

Social Networking Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •