Amazon Echo

[Tinkerdreams]

Has anyone been on the Amazon site recently? I saw this yesterday and thought it was interesting.

They have a video of its operation. I did find it strange that you have to sign up for a lottery of some kind. They indicate that if you are chosen, you'll be able to order the item in the next few weeks. Also, prime members are being offered $100 off the price.

So what do you think of this?

 

[HM]

What is it?
I saw a picture on Amazon's front page last night, but didn't run the video

 

[wvjules]

I signed up for the lottery. I hope I get selected. It looks pretty cool. I am also a Prime member so $100 off sounds pretty darned appealing.

I also ordered the Fire TV Stick a couple of weeks ago. I like Amazon gadgets.

 

[phorsenuf]

That is really cool. I want one!!

 

[Uncle Remus]

I signed up for the lottery. I hope I get selected. It looks pretty cool. I am also a Prime member so $100 off sounds pretty darned appealing.

I also ordered the Fire TV Stick a couple of weeks ago. I like Amazon gadgets.

And I hope there's no limit, we want 3 of them.

 

[sam_gordon]

What is it?
I saw a picture on Amazon's front page last night, but didn't run the video

Basically it's a voice operated device that can do a bunch of things. It seems similar to what my phone can do with Google Now, or I guess iPhone's with Siri.

Of course, in the video, Echo recognized everyone's command and responded immediately. I have trouble getting my phone to recognize what I say.

Sorry, I don't see the big deal.

 

[Lynne M]

Here's an overview of what the Echo does:

Amazon Echo Preview - CNET

Sorry, I'm not having a device in my home that has an always-on microphone that is connected to a retailer.

Remember, it's just like the Kindle, the Fire, the Phone, the Fire Stick.....they're all just tools to encourage you to buy more things from Amazon. I'm not saying that as a knock on Amazon - that's their business model. Just as Apple created the iTunes store as a tool to get people to buy iPods, Amazon sells devices that get people to buy from their store.

If you're already a big consumer of Amazon's media and other products, and you don't have a smart phone with a voice assistant, this might be a great thing for you.

 

[Squirlz]

My Wife is the ultimate tech and gadget geek, so as I'm reading this I said "What's Amazon Echo?" and she replied "It's stupid".

 

[HM]

So I watched the video. Nicely done. Made it look pretty interesting as a gadget to enhance your household. I did sign up, but it's up in the air as to whether we'd actually buy it.

One, we try to conserve energy and having something plugged in and running 24/7 doesn't fit that model. It's bad enough we have to leave the DVR going.

Two, I don't have a smart phone so maybe just maybe I'd find some of what it offers useful at home and it could do some things (play music, check the weather) that we use our cable for now (if we drop cable...which is a big possibility).

 

[Albort]

Basically it's a voice operated device that can do a bunch of things. It seems similar to what my phone can do with Google Now, or I guess iPhone's with Siri.

Of course, in the video, Echo recognized everyone's command and responded immediately. I have trouble getting my phone to recognize what I say.

Sorry, I don't see the big deal.

my thoughts as well. if my phones plugged in, i can just say hey siri and she will ask what i want... :]

 

[Cantw8]

I'm a huge fan of electronic gadgets and while this looks cool, I wouldn't buy it. It doesn't do anything that my phone or Google can't do

 

[low-key]

It doesn't do anything that my Google can't do

what can your google do

 

[Tozzie]

Great another electronic device to further dumb down society, isn't bad enough that there are many people who can't read the time on a watch or that cashiers in the grocery store can't make change unless the cash register tells them what change to give. Enough already

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I signed up for the "lottery" to get one. I'm a prime member so it will be $99 and I have been on the look out for a bluetooth speaker for around that price range that doesn't look like a box. The rest of the features would be a bonus.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

I watched the video and signed up... It looks cool, but I doubt I will actually buy it after pondering the issue. Siri will pretty much do the same thing, and after I got to thinking about it, that thing showed up in different rooms wherever it was needed. Either you have to have one in each room, or you are going to be doing a lot of plugging and unplugging and moving it.

 

[Tiggeroo]

we are shopping a bluetooth speaker anyway. But I want something with really good sound. I really would like to know how good it sounds with music and how much volume you can get.
----------------------------------------------

 

[Happy Snowman]

I was thinking this was something that you could turn off lights in other rooms or adjust your thermostat, etc. It sounds pretty much like Siri or Galaxy on a phone. Now, if it did the dishes and dusted

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't have a Galaxy or iPhone or any phone that smart. I added myself to the "please pick me!" list .

Not worried about Amazon eavesdropping on me, the microphone can be turned off. Besides, Amazon knows my spending/shoping habits.

 

[HM]

Finally got my invitation to order. I was hoping to hear some input about it from anyone that got theirs already before deciding on whether to buy it.

 

[BillSears]

I got my invitation today too. I'm pretty sure I'll be passing on it. It looks cool but I really don't think I'd use it very often.

Plus the invitation is only good for 7 days and I leave for a 11 day WDW vacation tomorrow! It would be delivered while I'm down at WDW and would sit on my porch for days.