Instead of buying one Echo show for $230 you can buy two for $310.
This is the link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J24C0TI
Edit: I never knew clarifying a title would generate so much hate and downvotes. Sorry folks!!!
Once you figure out what WiFi network it was connected to, there are lots of tools you can use to triangulate the wifi router's location. This is one of my favorites:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.wigle.wigleandroid
It's possible it came from Amazon preconfigured not only with your account info, but also your saved wifi credentials from other devices on your account. If it was connected to your WiFi all along, it was probably someone in your building - and in range of your WiFi!
Although he can do a lot, Sam won’t be able to help with Shopping, lists, reminders or Skills.(https://www.amazon.com/Samuel-L-Jackson-celebrity-voice/dp/B07WS3HN5Q)
​
Yeah, I'm bummed Mr. Jackson won't be my weekly reminder to take out the trash.
Hey all, after some delays with mismatched parts, the USB cover mount is ready to go. Im not doing the first 100 deal since all the “daytime” Reddit folks missed out on the last three so this will be up until tomorrow night.
In a lot of ways this is my favorite mount. Its really what I wanted from the beginning but couldn’t visualize it then. I just wanted the cleanest and simplest mount to get my Dot out of the way. The USB outlet was the key. Im not sure why there hasn’t been more stuff designed around it. You don’t loose an outlet AND you get rid of the wall wart. I also like this mount because its cheap. Yeah, you have to have a USB outlet and that may not be for everyone, but you can get 2, 4.3 amp plugs for $20 at Costco. That is a huge price drop over the last few years.
Here is a quick install video: https://youtu.be/p7V-aOfgCSs
Here is the link on Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Outlet-Cover-Dot-Genie-Built/dp/B0785FY482/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&qid=1513224946&sr=8-30&keywords=echo+dot+mount+outlet
I hope you like it as much as I do.
As always, I don’t put this out all over the place, just here.
Thanks for your help and support.
If you have google home too, then please keep an eye out on r/googlehome for the mini mounts coming before the end of the year.
Charlie
we do a mount that is for USB outlets that keeps both outlets free... maybe with this? https://www.amazon.com/Outlet-Cover-Dot-Genie-Built/dp/B0785FY482/ref=lp_17327528011_1_5?srs=17327528011&ie=UTF8&qid=1518733065&sr=8-5 is there a speaker that plugs directly into an outlet??? if not let make it.. seems like a good idea.
Dot is smaller but has the same functionality. Doesn't sound as good. I use the Dot as a filler speaker. The 2nd gen Dot is also quieter than the Echo. Echo, i'd set to 5-6 volume and 2nd Gen Dot I would have to set to 9-10 to be the same. $15 is a nice price if you want to get into it. However, the 3rd gen Dot is pretty awesome and I would rather wait for a sale on that. Sounds slightly better in quality but much better in loudness. It's almost the same as the regular Echo. It recently went for $1 shipped with trial music subscription last week. There's a 3-pack sale on it right now for $70. Slickdeals
LIFX smart light bulb. Sounds like you want a warm light. I have one. It can get really bright so I have to set mine to 30% brightness. No hub required and Alexa compatible. I rarely use it with Alexa, though. I set mine using the LIFX app based on sunrise/sunset. Alexa doesn’t have this as a routine setting yet.
LIFX Mini White (A19) Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb, Dimmable, Warm White, No Hub Required, Works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit and the Google Assistant
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072Y5QNKJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cdLZCbTZGZJ5M
Its no secret that Amazon is readying Alexa for businesses. It’s a huge market. Companies can order supplies, room service for hotels, intercoms and broadcasting to other dots (released this week), education modules for schools, background music for waiting rooms, recommendations for local restaurants (paid marketing). Just visibility is huge. Billions are at stake and its pretty exciting.
The Lockable Dot Outlet Mount is a super easy way to get your dot in a public place (or from disappearing from the kids bathroom) without worrying about it wandering off. We tested it here in Denver in a few businesses and the feedback has been great. Mostly going from, “why would I want that at work?” to “its been surprisingly useful and we keep finding more ways to use it”
I would love to hear your thoughts and show it off:
also, we have it up on our site: https://mountgenie.com/products/the-lock-a-dot-mount-for-businesses-and-public-places?variant=11559649312811
Cheers, Charlie
LIFX brand is what you are looking for. I have the bulb and a couple of LED strips that work great with my echo dot. No hub required, connects directly to WiFi.
Edit: If you're going to get the LED light strips, go to Best Buy and get the LIFX Z Experience set instead of buying the kit from Amazon. IIRC, the LIFX Z Experience set is only sold there and has the best value. Comes with the plug and three LED strip sections measuring 9.9' in total that can be connected together, whereas the one on Amazon is only 2' long and only $10 less than what you can get at Best Buy.
My first one was the dot spot but I actually wanted to do a better built in solution from the beginning. I needed to put it on hold while I figured out some details like sound and mounting. I figured (I think) those things out and got my first shipment yesterday. The biggest problem with a built-in mount for the Dot is the speakers in the back and being muffled. After fiddling around with some ideas I tried making a sound channel that would focus the audio around the dot and out the front. It works really well. You can see there is a small gap all the way around for the sound if its not hardwired or set up for BT. It sits in the mount with pressure fit and the cable placement but can be removed really easy.
I just put it up on Amazon and wanted to share here since everyone was really cool on the first mount and gave me great feedback.
Im not trying to spam anyone. just putting it out to the group since you were super cool about the first one.
Charlie
Sengled Smart LED Soft White (Element Classic) Bulb, Hub Required, 2700K, A19 60W Equivalent, Works With Alexa, Google Assistant & SmartThings, 4 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072M5RT6L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7yciCbK44Q2XK
The best. Mine are still going strong. Zero issues. Only thing is that they don’t dim to off like the Hue do.
edit: says hub required but they work with an Echo Plus with no hub.
A $16 WiFi switch module worked for me and is pretty handy when I'm in the work shop and not near the opener button.
Try using it from desktop instead of the app wrapper:
https://alexa.amazon.com/spa/index.html#cards
Bonus, you can bookmark specific areas:
http://alexa.amazon.com/spa/index.html#settings/dialogs
However, not all features are available via this method.
Amazon didn't think of this when they coded it originally, and despite many complaints, hasn't gone back to fix it. There's also a degree of people being used to it like this, so changing it will result in some degree of confusion.
There are a few skills that do this, such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/Ryan-Haack-Just-The-Temperature/dp/B072DVXV8X
It's using a different source for weather data than Amazon, so the numbers might not line up, and the command is a little harder to remember, but if you really want a solution, this might be close enough.
FYI, there are a number of Android apps that let you talk to Alexa. My personal favorite is Reverb as it includes a widget that allows you to just touch it and speak. Works great.
If This Then That is a cloud-based automation service that helps bridge the gap between many connected services. I've never used it myself, but many people find it extremely useful.
Just install my Google Assistant skill. This will give you the same answers as your Google Home as it uses the official Google Assistant API.
https://www.hackster.io/tartanguru/run-google-assistant-on-your-amazon-echo-d99235
The Google Search Skill is good (I wrote it so I'm biased) but the Google Assistant Skill is even better (Again it's one of mine so I'm even more biased): - https://www.hackster.io/tartanguru/run-google-assistant-on-your-amazon-echo-d99235
xlentcomfortzone 5 Volt Relay Switch KIT, NV 2020-2 Voice Control Your Fireplace from Anywhere and Works with Any Smart Outlet. (Relay Kit - with Power Adapter and Micro USB Cable) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0867DL6KT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WK08FN9526E82AZBJA0G
Combined with a smart outlet, I have the blower on a smart outlet as well. Damn nice hitting the couch on a cold evening and telling alexa to turn on fireplace
Someone with a newer TV that supports this function, can you try to extract the APK file for the "TV Control Setup with Amazon Alexa" app on your TV? Maybe you can sideload an apk extractor app like https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ext.ui&hl=en to do so. Then if you could make that APK file available to the rest of us, we could see if it works on older TVs.
Thanks!
here is the cost breakdown as per the Google Assistant install instructions. Nothing major from what I can see.
A breakdown of estimated charges based upon 1000 uses per month are below. These figures are taken from https://aws.amazon.com/s3/pricing/ and https://aws.amazon.com/polly/pricing/ as of 4th June 2017.
Assuming your S3 bucket is in the US East (Northern Virginia) Region, the S3 fees based upon 1000 requests to the skill are calculated as follows:
2000 PUT requests per month: 2000 x $0.005/1000 = $ 0.01
2000 GET requests: 2000 x $0.005/1000 = $ 0.01
0.1GB of Storage per month: 0.1 x $0.023 = $ 0.01
Annual cost = $0.36
1000 requests of 100 characters(100,000 characters) per month:
100000 x $0.000004 = $ 0.40
Annual cost = $4.80 per year
This already exists...just install Reverb. I've been using it for around a year...it can't play music, but it handles just about everything else.
Settings - select device - bottom of the page: Follow-Up ModeAsk Alexa follow-up questions without repeating the wake word.
A lot. That's a really broad question. You might want to just go to the Echo Dot page on Amazon and run through it.
For those of you unaware, Alexa has been available via other apps for awhile. I personally use & recommend "Reverb" which is available on both iOS & Android (the Android version now has a widget). One click and you're talking to Alexa...no having to dig through apps & menus. You have access to all your skills and can control your smarthome. I think the only things you can't do are have it play Amazon content (e.g. Kindle or Prime Music).
EDIT: Apparently you can't do Spotify either.
You're not just limited to what you can do with the "built-in" skills. If you connect it to a service like "If this, then that" (ifttt.com) you can do things like have you grocery list emailed to you (I tell Alexa to read my grocery list, and the skill also fires off a copy to my email). You can actually extend what it can do quite a bit.
Yes you can say “Alexa set volume” and anywhere between 1-10, 10 being the loudest. You can say “Alexa next song” or “Alexa pause music” I use it everyday to unwind after work.
Here is a link on how to set it up from Spotify
Assuming that your Fun Facts briefing is this one - Fun Facts - Flash Briefing Skill - that is developed by Volley Inc. who also developed the "Volley Music" skill. So it looks like they are using that skill to cross promote their other skills.
In that case, disabling that briefing should get rid of those ads.
There are several of these types of things available.
I bought one of these MoKao Power+ when it was a $39 Daily Deal on Amazon last year; the current $69 price is too high - regular price last year was $49. The sound was OK, a bit more bassy but not as clear mid- or high-tones, not as good as the first-gen Echo but acceptable for a moderate sized room. Mine "released the magic smoke" (burnt out) a few hours after I started using it, so I sent it back.
I replaced it with the Doss PowerBox; it's again, OK sound, less bass but pretty clear; it's sound is more uni-directional than the others; that's OK for certain uses, though. It's been reliable.
I also got a three Vaux to give as presents - the sound is the best of the three types, quite nice, good bass, mids and highs comparable to the first-gen Echo, and I've had no issues with either.
I don't use the battery base very often, but when I do it's been a great thing. I have 4 dots and an Echo, I have them all on an "everywhere" group; when I have a large party I take the Dots in their powered bases and place them around the house and yard outside to provide seamless music for the party - very nice.
Personally I use the Android app Automation Manager. This creates a dedicated server on an Android device (almost any old / second-hand phone or tablet will do). You can set up virtual devices and link them to Alexa. You can then incorporate those virtual devices into an Alexa routine. Since the server is running inside your home network, it is pretty much 100% reliable - more so than cloud-based solutions.
To be fair, it has a learning curve but there is good online documentation and the developer is extremely responsive. I have been running this solution for several months and I'm very happy with it.
I have done this in Python:
request = intent['slots']['request'].get('value') request = request.replace(" ","%20") url = "https://www.bing.com/news/search?q="+request+"&format=RSS"
Then you just need to process the rss feed.
A little bit of searching shows this might be an option: https://ifttt.com/connect/amazon_alexa/dropbox Open a different dropbox with just these custom sounds if you have to.
Then, set a timed routine, that it plays the file from the dropbox account at a particular time (or multiple times)
​
See if that works.
Watches are being re-purposed from iOS and Android to Alexa. People are basically paying for them to develop the software and flash the watches.
Having worked with crowdfunded companies, I would be careful.
Actual phrase at the moment is: "Alexa trigger self destruct authorisation golf tango foxtrot oscar"
You can take a look at one of the tests here of you want https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=DFED04EBC22940EA!320653&authkey=!ANpwX1WPHKeSir4&ithint=video%2cmp4
Spotify Family is already available in the UK.
https://www.spotify.com/uk/family/
Edit: Just realised you may be referring to Amazon Music but the link might be useful for others so I'll leave it there.
Nice guide. I think there are some problems with this method though:
An alternative that I am using is Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi. They just released a Wake on Lan component. You can emulate this as a Phillips Hue device which lets Alexa trigger this with a "Turn On PC" command and give you an "OK" response.
If you have Windows running anyways this could be a good way to do this but if you start from scratch I think Home Assistant would be a better setup.
I use an AmazonBasics Bluetooth adapter with a nice set of 2.1 Creative PC speakers.
The adapter has the quirk of always reconnected to Echo Dot's Bluetooth if it's turned on. The speakers never go to sleep. The sound is excellent, and there's a subwoofer with adjustable bass so that my Amazon Music Unlimited account is put to good use.
It's about $45 for a set of those speakers used, and $20 for the Bluetooth Adapter. Alternately, Creative updated that model of speakers with Bluetooth built in, so you could go for that-- But I already had the previous model, and I can't vouch for how the Bluetooth works in the newer model.
Either way, the $20 adapter is great if you already have good speakers that you know don't go to sleep.
At the moment, even the TP-Link Smart Plug is $25 on Amazon. That's a great deal. I have a couple myself and have never had any issues.
Amazon makes an adapter that connects to the micro USB port that provides power and an Ethernet port.
I use it for my Echo shows.
Amazon Ethernet Adapter for Amazon Fire TV Devices https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TC662N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1tVXCb6M16XQQ
I replaced my shower light bulb with this speaker bulb / combo and paired it with an echo flex plugged into the bathroom wall. And it works perfectly !
Also got both devices in clearance/ sale so ended up only paying $30 for both. And you don’t have to charge it! (Like this shower head speaker)
Sengled Pulse LED Smart Bulb with JBL Bluetooth Speaker, App Controlled Up to 8 BR30 LED Light Bulbs with Starter Kit, E26 Base, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, White, 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZSSD6Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sz3dEb8NE3VM8
I'm currently using Echo in South Korea and most of the features still work. The time zone cannot be changed to be outside of the US, so that's a big issue. Almost all of the music services don't work (Prime does though).
EDIT: Fuller answer here. You have to pick a US based zip code and it locks the Echo into using that for all of your location based answers (weather, time, travel, etc.). Now being in SK, I don't need the travel app as I just use the subway to get everywhere, so I don't care that I can't use it. But, the fact that it uses zip codes instead of weather codes (for instance, KSXX0037 is the weather code for Seoul South Korea, which has everything Echo needs for weather and time).
But, you can still use the alarms and weather, you just need to use a bit of a work around. As long as you say "What's the weather in [your location]?" it'll work. Also, you can use timers instead of an alarm, but then you have to do a bunch of math in your head to calculate when you have to wake up. Also, if you live in an area that is hard to pronounce for Echo (like I do), then you can probably kiss the weather feature goodbye as Echo cannot understand foreign names too well.
Also, I currently have a setup using Hue lights and they work near perfectly. For some odd reason, since I live in a condo-like complex, there are a lot of wifi routers near me. Sometimes after Echo updates it'll connect to a non-password protected router in the apartment and everything will work fine until you try to use voice commands for the lights as it's now on a different network.
Lastly, if you really want the American music services, you can use Private Internet Access and install it on a router and have the Echo connect to that router and it'll "appear" in America and thus allow you to access American music services.
Have you tried using a touch tone generator? I'm not sure if it will work, but could be worth a shot.
http://onlinetonegenerator.com/dtmf.html
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amknott.ToneGen&hl=en
Take credit for whatever you can! I've reviewed the three to come up in my feed here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/first-skills-released-joseph-jaquinta Two lame games and a useful event search app.
Gotta get them ad dollars somehow! Here's a direct link: https://www.audible.com/ep/listenerlove?ref=a_home-page_c4_banner_img_0&pf_rd_p=8638c233-c23e-4f22-a631-206a89760d4d&pf_rd_r=P6HS1ZVSFEDK2R32WS0Q
This, and lots of other things would be solved, if you could invoke skills in routines. I think everyone should just keep pestering Amazon until they do it!
log on to https://alexa.amazon.com/ and look at what it thought was said. You can even press the play button next to it to hear the audio.
I have 4 echos and that has happened once twice. I also had a google home for about 6 months, and it did it a couple of times as well. It's a matter of how "close" you get to sounding like the keyword.
Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for the skill! I do have one question I listen to a podcast called Kentucky sports radio which you have but you have the older feed that is no longer working. I have a link to the new one it is http://www.spreaker.com/show/2417833/episodes/feed If you could edit that I would appreciate it!
If you’re interested in this, check out AWS Polly. This feature is available to voice developers, it’s only a matter if time until Amazon has it in place in their 1P products.
Don't think anything like that exists commercially. It would be kind of duplicating functionality. I did see a post about a student project where they built an alarm clock with Alexa built in though.
Edit: here it is https://www.hackster.io/xelfer/time-machine-a079fa
The album Hunky Dory is not a Prime Music album: http://www.amazon.com/Hunky-Dory-David-Bowie/dp/B0106UFKDK/
However, Blackstar is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0184MM13Y
Alexa should play samples of the album if A) The album is not in Prime Music and B) You don't have the album in your Amazon Music library.
Listen to what jjacquinta has to say, he literally wrote the book on developing Alexa skills.
You can say goodbye to the mess wire and save space for your counter top in kitchen or living room now. It looks seamless and tidy, I think. And it needs the orginal power adapter coming from Echo dot. Hope that this gadget will be help for you. Why not have one as a Thanksgiving Gift:) Here is the product link at AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Speakers-Without-Compact-Kitchens-Bathroom/dp/B0763QZ7YR/ref=sr_1_2?m=A22XV1R46R2SNQ&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1511190767&sr=1-2&keywords=echo+dot+mount
> What is the simplest way of controlling a lamp via Alexa? Looking for just an on-off here.
I'd recommend a smart plug over a smart bulb. Lots of bulbs still need a hub whereas a plug is dead simple to set up and generally costs less. Plus, you can repurpose it down the road. I picked up two smart plugs for $32 on Amazon a couple of months ago and immediately ordered two more.
Set 'em up with something like IFTTT/Stringify and you can have them turn on a lamp when it's past sunset and you're not at home, or just turn on at 7pm and off at 12.
> What are your essential skills?
The vast majority of skills are completely useless. Dumb trivia or facts, rarely useful (Xmas countdown) or very niche-related. If you've got a niche-based need, definitely look. I use mine mostly with Tunein to play background radio, news briefing, and weather. She's not bad at telling me what time a local store closes, but not great at it either (but that's not a Skill).
I recommend against any Bluetooth connected speakers if you ever intend to use whole-home audio with multiple dots. Bluetooth ceases to work when they're playing as a group.
Also, most popular Bluetooth speakers are meh. All my dots (3) use external speakers connected via the 3.5mm jack.
Any speaker designed as a single, plastic unit, can't match proper dual wooden speaker setup. Just looking on Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1700BT-Bluetooth-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016PATXSI/ These down to 60hz and are less than the Sonos Play 1 (which only goes down to 88hz).
Generally. The larger the (full range)speaker, the fuller the actual range will be. The lower you can go, the more bass you get out of it. For example, my sub goes down to about 40hz. Most speakers won't have problems with the mids and highs.
I tried to when I got my echo dot but could not. Response from support:
I've checked the details for you. I see that we have received update from our technical team, I would like to inform you that Fire TV remote can be used only to Fire TV. We have a different remote for Alexa devices which can be paired with echo.
Here is the link for remote of alexa device:
https://www.amazon.com/Alexa-Voice-Remote-Amazon-Echo/dp/B01E9AHU8Q
https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Games-Voice-Pad-Dictation/dp/B0763K7NKF
Looks like it is possible. If you wanted it to be unlimited storage you would probably need to build a Lambda function to convert speech to text and store it in a S3 bucket. Then another Lambda to recall those or put them in a RDS instance then recall them from there.
the data they are collecting is probably worth it for the losses they are making on actually making, branding and selling such a small number of units.
There are <5k people using it on android and probably a similar number on iOS - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.hendrix&hl=en
Did you setup a deal alert? because the promotion is live again. https://slickdeals.net/f/12292636-amazon-3-month-music-unlimited-trial-plus-echo-dot-3rd-gen-for-1-99?src=SiteSearchV2_SearchBarV2Algo1
>Is there an IFTTT routine like this already in existence?
Here's what you're looking for; though you might want to build one yourself, this will give you something to start with.
Take a look at ifttt (pronounced like "gift" without the "g")
Tons of cool stuff you can do here, with connections to hundreds of smart devices and services. Applets allow you to create your own "if this then do that" triggers based on all types of scenarios.
Yes, here in the US there is Amazon Prime Discount too for students. But, this does not include Amazon Music Unlimited, whereas, Prime Music is included.
There are certain differences between the two services
Ah, right, yeah. I do use the shopping list function. I also set up IFTT Find Your Phone. Very handy. Makes my android ring so I can figure out where I left it.
I mean, I have "Where's My Android" but for that, you have to log in and do keyboard/mouse work. With the Alexa, it's, "Alexa, trigger Find My Phone." Boom. Done.
I really like Anylist for grocery shopping. Also love that I can store my recipes in the same app as well as meal plan within it. Makes managing grocery shopping much easier.
Here is an IFTTT that allows the Echo to sync to Anylist. Once it is set up it works like a charm.
Quick note on something I discovered... The first time you set it up it won't import your current shopping list. But any item you add after the initial setup will be added to Anylist.
> 6 years later and they still don't get it. What people want, or at least what I want.
Ah, and isn't THAT the entire rub. You think they should do this. I think they should that. Another user thinks they should do something completely different. So where do they go? Perhaps your thinking is in the minority and they have to go with he masses. The software company I work for has customers worldwide, we have to deal with software enhancement requests daily, sometimes a request gets attention, sometimes it doesn't. Depends on what the software review committee and the CEO decide to do (or how much a company is willing to pay for it ... money talks).
And as far as the name, there are not that many words that you can use that would not get confusing to listen for. Alexa and Echo are a couple of them. There is a website somewhere, I forgot to bookmark it so I can't grab it quickly, that allows you to enter a word and see how many words would confuse voice recognition software. But ignore that, look at what u/sparklegabber said above. See here: http://www.alexa.com/about and here: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/1999/05/24/newscolumn4.html The article is from May 1999 an all the way at the bottom it states: >Amazon spends $250M for Alexa Internet Speaking of funny money, Amazon.com disclosed last week some details of its April 24 purchase of Alexa Internet, the web-browsing tool company that occupies cool digs in the Presidio.
So it seems they had the Alexa name for quite a while, 17 years now.
And finally, as far as "learning", learn what? With all the users trying to get the Echo to "learn", imagine the back end needed to sort through, make sure it is valid, been done before, etc. Imagine if someone taught Echo to do something illegal. Imagine if I taught it todo the exact opposite of something you taught it to do.
One of the things that is currently being leveraged by other skills is SQS: https://aws.amazon.com/sqs/
It's still going to require a device inside your network, but no inbound port requirements as it's based on long polling.
The Echo-Sonos skill @ https://github.com/rgraciano/echo-sonos has an example, and I used the idea recently to port my own HA hub's skill to SQS to eliminate my port forwards.
Two ways to do it. Hook it to computer via Bluetooth and have it play a sound file when the sensor is triggered or hack the voice remote and use the Simon Says feature to have it say what you want.
http://hackaday.com/2015/07/18/hacking-amazon-echo-through-its-remote/
The skills are pretty useless in my opinion.
Get involved with IFTTT. It is really easy to set up.
In addition to the switches, you may want to look at getting a hub and some lights.
My Alexa Echo stopped working with my Pivot Power Genius - Wink yesterday too.
I get the message: That command doesn't work on device xxx
Looks like they changed something and broke it. I called Amazon support, and they said there is nothing they could do because the Pivot Power Genius isn't on their list of supported devices, even though they support Wink.
As a work-around I use IFTTT to control my Pivot Power Genius using this recipe: Amazon Echo turns on/off Outlet on Pivot Power Genius
Now instead of saying "Alexa, turn on my light", I say "Alexa, trigger my light".
My Harmony Hub runs my TV, XBOX, Roku, Cable Box, a connected laptop, and a set of Panasonic speakers.
I was able to set up activities for launching the TV (and the start channel), Roku, Netflix, switch to computer, switch back to XBOX and a few others.
Once the activities are set up with the Harmony, you can use IFTTT to have "Alexa" trigger the activity.
Someone on Amazon asked me how to do it. Here's a link to that response: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1JBKPI0M42YJ6/ref=cm_cr_rev_detmd_pl?ie=UTF8&asin=B00X4WHP5E&cdForum=Fx1O5LFHBXYK4AG&cdMsgID=Mx207J6BD6F3TM0&cdMsgNo=2&cdPage=1&cdSort=oldest&cdThread=Tx1098AY1FPWE9O&store=amazon-home...
Also here's a link to the specific IFTTT recipe that I set up to have Echo turn on my TV: https://ifttt.com/recipes/342269-alexa-trigger-activity
Thank you! Me too! Kids these days do not know what they're missing but I'd love to hear Alexa be like "Avengers is playing at 7pm and 9pm at [your preferred theater]" THIS sums up what I think Alexa should be able to do - http://osxdaily.com/2015/05/13/get-movie-showtimes-siri-ios/
I use HomeAssistant but I only recommend it if you're comfortable under the hood with tech. You have to run it on your own server and at minimum you'll have to dig into some YAML. See also: /r/homeassistant
That said it's a great software bridge to different home automation. It is actively being developed and supports over 900 components. Proper alexa integration involves making your own skill but it's really not hard (again if you're technically minded).
With it I control all my TP-Link bulbs and switches, my harmony hub, broadlink IR blasters, IP cams, and various z-wave things. All my automations run through it. I run it all on a raspberry pi3 running hass.io.
Is your business software related? Do you use AWS by chance?
I've only played around a bit with writing apps for the Echo, I don't have any good ideas at the moment as to what to make it do that I find have value...
That said, I did build a quick app and deploy it out using flask-ask which is a Python library that makes it very easy to whip up an Alexa skill. I've also deployed a skill similar to the tutorial version shown in flask-ask.
This could relatively easily be modified to support posting out to Slack via webhook. I have a few systems (build machines, etc) that post to Slack via webhook, so as long as you don't mind hardcoding your Slack API key (I didn't say that outloud), you should be able to update the demo project to either post a few pre-written messages, or even read in your voice and convert it to a message.
EDIT: Someone already did it
I bet you could email them saying you want to be able to email yourself your To-Do list. <strong>IFTT Recipe that does this</strong>
What I'm waiting for is when I can set Alexa to remind me about something at X time.
"Alexa, remind me to take X to work at 7:30am"
edit: added IFTT Recipe for this. Caveat is that it'll trigger any time you ask "what's on my To-Do list"
Alexa cannot, but IFTTT does have a Google Calendar Channel that you can activate.
Then you could use one of the Alexa To-Do triggers and have it do something to your Google Calendar.
Finally some more integration! Thanks, /u/ckindel!
I tried this out- it has triggers for Shopping and To-Do list actions (add an item, ask for the whole list, mark as done, etc). Recipes are here: https://ifttt.com/recipes?channel=amazon_alexa.
I would like it to be more useful with audiobooks.
I use Audible a lot. I want to say things like, play chapter 2, or go back 5 minutes, stuff like that. Right now it can play audiobooks, but it doesnt really accept any other verbal commands.
I also use Overdrive for audiobooks through my library. I would die ad go to heaven if I could access and play audiobooks on Overdrive through Echo instead of on my phone through bluetooth to the Echo.
Librivox is also an interesting concept as well. They are all public domain works.
Other random ideas:
My parents have an echo too. We have our households connected. I want to use it as a kind of phone/chat device.
Make something like a verbal /r/tipofmytongue and /r/askreddit. People ask a question, and other people can give them answers verbally. Maybe this would also somehow interact with the app portion of Alexa.
I am so sorry to hear about Moof! He looks like a sweet boy. Please try this to see if you can clear the reminder. Open up the Alexa app on your phone. Click on the hamburger (more) in the lower right corner and click on reminders in the left menu. See if the reminder to buy more treats is listed there and if so clear it. You can also go to https://alexa.amazon.com and go the "Reminders" section to find it.
GL, I hope you find it and can clear it. If not, let me know and we can keep trying.
The apps are technically just fronts to https://alexa.amazon.com - what you can do in the app you can do there.
It's easier making "apps" for mobile, since SDKs and frameworks are available. Even Microsoft made making the "apps" for their app store easier to make and deploy.
Actual applications for Windows (not from their app store) and Mac OS require much more development as they'd have to make the UI and all. That's a tonne of work.
Non-persistent option to all devices:
Use the Alexa app on your smartphone, saying "Announce 'pick up your phone, I'm trying to call you!'"
Persistent option to one device:
Use the Alexa app on your smartphone or go to the Reminders section on the Alexa portal on Amazon.com and set a reminder in the immediate future named "Pick up your phone" on a specific device.
The Echo Plus has a Zigbee bridge, works with Hue light bulbs fine. No additional hub or skill required.
Connect the bulb to power (turn on.) Go to the Alexa app (on phone, tablet, or web ( https://alexa.amazon.com ) Click/tap "Smart Home", then "Devices", then either "Add Device" (app) or "Discover" (web) and the Echo Plus will spend a minute looking for unpaired Zigbee devices, e.g. Hue Bulbs, smart plugs, wall switches, etc., and pair with them. They'll show up in the Smart Home / Devices list on the app, as "first light", (or "first plug" or "second switch"). You can then control them with voice commands – or you can control them from the app if you prefer.)
There's a web UI for Alexa devices here: https://alexa.amazon.com/
It will let you access a MAJORITY of the settings but be aware that many important things, like Alexa enabled groups for instance, are only available on the app (and some rare cases on the Show) itself.
If you setup the account for Grandma though, you should be able to log into the Alexa app as her and between the WebUI and the app you should be able to adequately support her.
You can also go to https://alexa.amazon.com from Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Internet Explorer (10 or higher) on your Wi-Fi enabled computer to setup an Amazon echo.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201601770
https://smile.amazon.com/month-Amazon-Unlimited-Auto-renewal-Heather/dp/B07XKDQZB9
https://www.amazon.com/music/settings?ref_=pe_854610_198623610_apex_hwfs_dps
Ok, do as MANY other people have done and install https://www.wireshark.org/. Once installed, follow the widely available guides on how to monitor the network traffic from an Echo device. There! You can see the evidence with your own very eyes!
There are a number of hits googling. This is one of the top ones: https://www.hackster.io/pizzaface97/amazon-alexa-controlling-a-chromecast-a5f91f
They all appear to be skills you need to set up manually via the Alexa developer section.
I did something similar with Yolink door and water leak sensors, until I found an off-the-shelf solution - these smart buttons from Broadlink. $25 gets you a four-button switch and the associated hub:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YJ1M3QX
It works great with Amazon Alexa, and is also supposed to work with IFTTT. I don't use it with IFTTT, so I can't speak for how well it works.
The range on the switches covers my 3-story home, with the hub centrally located.
There is an adhesive bracket that allows you to hang the switch on the wall as well as carry it around.
You can get an inexpensive travel router and use it in Hotspot mode (some brands may call it WISP mode). It connects to the hotel wifi and creates a separate wifi network for your devices. Here is an example: https://amazon.com/dp/B073TSK26W/
I have the harmony with a IR hdmi switcher and it works well. However since harmony is discontinued, you might want to look at the broad link rm4 pro with an Ir switcher. For reference I have this one and it worked well but any switcher with IR should work. Zettaguard 4K x 2K 3 Port 3 x 1 HDMI Switch with PIP(Picture in Picture) and IR Wireless Remote Control, HDMI Splitter Switcher Hub Port Switches (ZW310) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV1XBHK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QWRFKFT2PTQSVT70N7R0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I bought this one: Smatree AE9000 Intelligent Battery Base for Amazon Echo -9000mAh/33.3Wh (Enables your Echo Portable) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G6P3AEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uYTDxb59DCQEJ
And I love it. I take my Echo out to the backyard, in my bedroom, the kitchen, all over the house.
I launched an Alexa Skill to help amateur astronomers!
If you have an Amazon Echo appliance, give it a try! You can ask a variety of questions, including:
Development is ongoing, so features are being added as I get chances to work on them. I hope you find it useful!
Was in the same situation as you, purchased the Amazon Basics one. Amazon support told me that my Echo Dot was defective- didn't buy into it. Returned the Amazon Basics and got this one: HomeSpot NFC-Enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver for Sound System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009OBCAW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QoPDyb27NDPXN. Works like you would expect!
Dude, this is the one to get. It sounds like a $100 Bluetooth speaker but it's only $27.99 on Amazon right now! It's their #1 seller. I currently have it plugged into the wall and into my Amazon Echo Dot. It never shuts off. The damn thing is incredible. Trust me, you won't regret it. OontZ Angle 3
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hue/dp/B01LWAGUG7
*Hue Smart Home skill is not compatible with scenes from the Philips Hue app Gen 1.
Compatible with: Philips Hue Bridge V2 (square shape) to add support for Philips Hue scenes* and rooms. On, off, and dimming of lights is already supported on both Philips Hue Bridge V2 and V1 with Amazon manufactured Alexa products (e.g. Echo, Dot, FireTV).
This link is just an example. https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Gigabit-Ethernet-Injector-Adapter/dp/B001PS9E5I
For Echo I would consider making my own by cutting the end off of the Amazon power brick and splicing the ends into a network cable, RJ45 male end and RJ45 female end.
Edit: here's someone that made their own somewhat ghetto power injector. Same idea. http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/how-to-make-a-power-over-ethernet-poe-adapter-19818.html
those look like chinese private label items.
if you already have a power strip, why not a tP-Link smart plug or Wemo Plug https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Required-Control-Anywhere-HS100/dp/B0178IC734
or https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Wi-Fi-Enabled-Works-Amazon/dp/B01NBI0A6R
Why would you need it to be sold at a WF? Why don't you just buy it online?
Edit: Oh the price. You can still get the Dot for the same price on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DFKC2SO/ref=fs_ods_fs_aucc_bt
Amazon has the Stuart cam for $26. https://www.amazon.com/Stuart-Cam-WiFi-Camera-Despicable/dp/B01NCLWHJT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508972078&sr=8-1&keywords=Stuart+cam Our local Walmart had it for $25 but doesn’t seem to carry it anymore. If you don’t mind the fact that it looks like a minion, it essentially has the same functions as the amazon camera except for Alexa integration.
They're not on sale anymore. Here's a link on amazon for $150: https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1700BT-Bluetooth-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016PATXSI/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1513220249&sr=1-2&keywords=edifier+r1700bt
By no means are they the be all end all. The bass is a bit boomie, but I got them for only $130, you ain't going to get everything at that price. What that means is it doesn't take much to sound better than a single small speaker like the sonos play: 1. If someone were to go the powered pair of speakers route check out mackie, swan, kanto, audioengine, micca, and edifier. Many of these have the added bonus of having bt.
There's what I assume is a bug in the Echo Show touch interface that still lets you order add-on items on their own. If you ask "Alexa, show me [item] on Amazon" and tap an add-on item, it will only have an "add to cart" button initially. But if you then tap the "show options" button, when you select "Done" there will be a buy button. It sometimes takes a few back and forths between options and details to get the buy button to appear, but it has always eventually worked for me.
See here: https://imgur.com/a/TFHLIqt