Alexa No Longer Amazon Echo Is Still A Keeper

Alexa, formerly  Amazon Echo  and even now it has undergone another  name change to Amazon Alexa although it looks like any black matte cylinder speaker, it is actually more than that.  Appearance wise, it is a 9.2 inch  cloud-connected Wi-Fi speaker with voice control capabilities. Alexa can perform such tasks as playing music, acting as a personal assistant, turning on lights, locking  doors and even adjusting the room temperature (if connected to compatible home automation hubs).

The most popular feature of course is the app called Alexa. Everyone knows about Alexa, the voice behind Echo.  It is Amazon’s answer to Apple’s Siri and Google Now. You can ask Alexa an assortment of questions and inquiries and she will provide an answer.

I’m sure by now, you have seen the Amazon Alexa commercials featuring Alex Baldwin, Dan Marino and Missy Elliott. They are great. There is also the promo for the device which is cute. You can check it out here. For now she’s somewhat limited in her capabilities, but I believe that is only temporary because there are so many technological upgrades that have been done since it’s debut in 2014.

It is easy to use, plug it up and download the app and the Echo is ready to use. It is a really neat gadget. However, it does have it’s haters. As soon as you say Alexa, the lights turn on and it springs into action. It stays on waiting for you to ask it to do something whether operating your home, compiling a to do list or asking for a weather report to name a few tasks.

The Echo has seven microphones and incorporates Amazon’s far-field technology, which is you shouldn’t have to raise your voice to interact with it. It also has noise-filtering built in, so you can interact with the Echo even while it’s playing music.  It is also designed to learn your speech patterns and vocabulary over time, so it should become more helpful the longer you use it.

I would encourage you not to pay much attention to them because the Echo is so much more than the beat down being reported by haters.  Amazon is doing a pretty good job of updating it on a regular basis. Where they could improve, Amazon did.

New features and compatibility with other devices is being added all the time.  More than just a speaker, it is part voice assistant, part home automation and just plain fun to use.

Amazon Echo Product Features

• Voice activated music playing from Prime Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and more
• Has 360º omni-directional audio
• Allows hands-free convenience with voice-control
• Able to hear you from across the room with far-field voice recognition, even while music is playing
• Alexa, a cloud-based voice service and the voice of Echo, answers questions, reads audio books, the news, reports traffic and weather, gives info on local businesses, provides sports scores and schedules, and more
• Controls lights and switches with compatible WeMo, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, Insteon, and other smart home devices
• In home voice control of the Ecobee3 Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
• Always getting smarter and adding new features and skills–over 100 added since launch, including ability to order pizza from Domino’s and call up a ride with Uber
• An update now provides the system with support for sports and movie knowledge

What’s In The Box

Amazon Echo, power adapter/cable (6 ft.), and quick start guide.

The Echo Skills (APPs)

When you read that Alexa is being developed for more skills, understand that it is just another name for apps.  A skill is described as an app that increases the capabilities and advantages of the Echo.   They are voice-based apps that can be accessed  through a smartphone or tablet.   With over  130 apps and growing, skills are important, because they allow Alexa to do more.

In fact, Amazon has made available an Alexa Skills Kit (ASK) , a collection of self-service APIs and tools that make it easy for users and third-party programmers to create new voice-driven capabilities for Alexa.  You can access skills on your device by opening the app, click the menu and then tap on “Skills.”

Keep in mind that Alexa can only respond to commands from the user. It will never notify you. It will always have to be asked a question or inquiry.  The Echo is always on, meaning it is always listening for a specific command, such as the terms, “Alexa” or “Amazon.” Either word will wake the device which is indicated when it illuminates.

The Echo app has a home screen that defaults to the most recent questions and commands asked.  A tab in the upper-left corner slides out to reveal all of your options, which are divided into three categories.

At the top you can access your to-do list and shopping lists, as well as set alarms and timers that will sound through the Echo, or browse third-party “skills” (voice-based apps for the Echo).

Below that you can access music options. You can also connect to the Echo via Bluetooth to use it as a speaker to play any content on your device.  After the music choices, you will see various options for Help, Settings, Voice Training, and recommendations for Things to Try.

Alexa supports a growing number of free and subscription-based streaming services:

• Amazon Music
• Prime Music
• Spotify Premium* supports Spotify Connect, which allows you to play music on your Amazon Echo and use the Spotify app on your phone or tablet as a remote.
• Pandora
• TuneIn
• iHeartRadio
• Audible
• iTunes

*Only available on Amazon Echo. The catch is that the Echo integration only works for  paying Spotify subscribers, not the ones using the free, ad-supported version of the service. The Echo doesn’t have any place to show the display ads that run on the free version of Spotify. But, on the other hand, Echo is integrated with Pandora, which also has display ads.

Music streaming from iTunes, Spotify and Pandora must be started from the iPhone or Android phone. Voice control supported once streaming is underway. Keep in mind that any non-Amazon services may require linking those accounts through the app if you want to use voice control.  The Echo can stream music, audiobooks, live radio, podcasts, and more directly from these services.

After you register an Alexa (Echo) device to your Amazon account, you automatically have access to any music available in your Amazon Music library and any audiobooks available in your Audible library. Amazon Prime members can also enjoy playlists, stations, and over a million free songs with Prime Music.

To play your personal music from iTunes, Google Play, and more on your Alexa device, you can use Amazon Music for PC and Mac to upload your collection to your music library on Amazon from your computer. After you upload your music to your music library, you can ask Alexa to play your music and control playback with simple voice commands.

You can upload up to 250 songs to your music library for free. To upload up to 250,000 songs, you can switch to an Amazon Music subscription. Generally, the Echo defaults to Amazon Prime Music if nothing else is specified.  However, if your phone is connected over Bluetooth, you can control iTunes and music playback with Alexa’s voice controls. Even though you might not be able to search for specific artists like you can on Amazon Music, Alexa is able to play, pause, and skip tracks.

With the free Alexa app for Fire OS, Android, iOS, and supported desktop web browsers, you can easily manage your alarms, music, shopping lists, and more. The Alexa app is available on mobile devices with:

• Fire OS 2.0 or higher
• Android 4.0 or higher
• iOS 7.0 or higher

Alexa Voice Control

To get started, you have to go through the set up steps and once finished, you can start talking to Alexa.  You can’t change the voice (at least not yet).

In addition to the commands you learn in the introductory video and Things To Try, Amazon includes a handy, bookmark-size, double-sided list of things you can ask Alexa. The topics range from alarms, lists, music, facts, weather, and general commands like “Repeat,” “Stop,” and “Cancel.” The app features additional suggestions of voice commands to try, and several new features that have been added since its launch in 2014.

The Echo integrates with Wikipedia, so you can receive audible information on just about any topic. The only catch is that you need to get used to saying “Alexa, Wikipedia: Siri” rather than “Alexa, what is Siri?”

The Echo uses on-device keyword spotting to detect a wake word, so as soon as you say “Alexa,” the light on top of the device turns on and the Echo is ready for what you need. Most buyers agree that voice recognition works really well.  The Echo uses your voice recordings to improve its results. Or if you rather set voice recognition in a do it yourself fashion through the Voice Training app.

Alexa Home Automation Features

Want to be able to tell Alexa to turn off your lights? Or how about to adjust your thermostat in your home? Amazon has added support for compatible companies where Alexa can control some of the functions of your home.

Amazon has added support for Cree LED light bulbs and products from Leviton and Lifx.  Although to use them, Echo first must be paired with a Wink Hub.  Other Amazon Alexa compatible home integration products include support for Belkin WeMo, If This Then That (IFTTT), Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, and Wink Hub.

Hue and WeMo products allow control over compatible devices around the house with a command like, “Alexa, turn on the living room light” for example. Keep in mind that some products are limited to certain light switches and power outlets.

The Echo supports over two dozen smart lighting devices and Amazon is regularly adding to its compatibility list. Users state  Alexa was able to recognize voice commands to turn on, turn off, and dim the lights in their home.

The latest addition to the Amazon Alexa home automation integration is the Ecobee 3 Smarter Wi-Fi Thermostat.  It is the first smart thermostat that can be controlled by Alexa. You can set it up in the Alexa app under Settings > Connected Home. The Wi-Fi thermostat is equipped with room sensors, that sync directly with the Echo.

Stuart Lombard, president and CEO of Ecobee says, “We’re excited to provide ecobee3 users with added functionality and convenience through Amazon Echo.  Amazon has been a tremendous retailer to work with, and we are looking forward to expanding that relationship through thermostat integration with Echo, which offers complete home voice control.”

According to the company, the ecobee3 is already the No. 2-selling smart thermostat in North America, but the only one in the smart home space to use room sensors to pinpoint the specific rooms that users want to deliver comfort to. Also,  ecobee claims its latest thermostat saves homeowners an average of 23 percent on their heating and cooling bills.

The ecobee3 thermostat  is available on Amazon, comes with one complimentary wireless room sensor and it is able to support up to 32 sensors. The sensors sell in a package of two.

Amazon Alexa Has Privacy Issues?

Maybe. And, it also may depend on your paranoia level and how much you believe in conspiracies.  As you know, Amazon Alexa is designed around your voice. It is always on. Always listening.

The Echo will listen constantly for the wake word which is “Amazon” or “Alexa.” Once it hears it, it will stream whatever you say next to the Amazon cloud, but it will also go back and send a few seconds before you stated the wake word to the cloud as well. Amazon states this fine tunes the Echo’s performance so it can learn how you use it, and what you need from it the most.

Everything you say is recorded into the app. and saved in the cloud. You can read your history of requests made to Alexa and can hear your voice on each request. Everything is saved. At this writing, there is no way to turn off the feature.

In order to turn off Alexa when you’re not using it, is manually tapping the mic icon to mute the device.   If you do that,  none of the voice commands will work and you’ll only be able to control the speaker by using the remote. It will also help you to avoid accidentally triggering Echo.

This is an interesting excerpt from a forum regarding this issue:

The member states:

I never said anything nefarious was going on.   I said that sometimes parts of conversations have gotten recorded because of things she has picked up from the tv(or things we have said) that have woken her up and she has recorded when it was not intentional. It’s interesting to listen to see what triggered her, and, most of the time what was recorded is nonsense, but I like to check anyway. Do I think Amazon is purposely recording me? No.  Do I think something may be inadvertently recorded? Possibly.

Here are some FAQs compiled by Amazon about the recordings made when conversing with Alexa.

Will it let me know when it’s listening?

If you use the button on the top or activate it through the remote, the Echo will light up  when it’s listening to you. If you use a phrase to wake up the Echo, you can opt to have the speaker play a sound at the start and end of each transmission to the cloud.

Can I delete that?

According to a frequently asked questions page posted by Amazon, the things you ask Echo are recorded and kept on the company’s servers unless you delete them.To do that, users have to go into the “History” settings in a companion app for the Echo, which will let you view all your queries and nix the ones you don’t want individually. You can also delete the queries in bulk.

Doing so will also delete the information off of Amazon’s servers, a company spokesperson confirmed.

Can I turn the microphone off?

You can turn off the microphone by way of an on/off button that will be on the top of the speaker. If you do that, of course, none of the voice commands will work and you’ll only be able to control the speaker by using the remote. That will help you avoid accidentally triggering Echo if, for instance, you are having a dinner guest over with the same name as your wake word. What you also get is a physical microphone mute button on the top. Pressing that shuts off even the trigger word system and, in theory, stops Echo from listening to you at all.

Will my information be used for ads?

The simple answer is that we don’t know. Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this point, nor has it released any information on how the Echo will interact with Amazon.com.

Alexa PROs

• Amazon Echo is an attractively designed speaker with voice-control system, the smooth and soothing sound of Alexa
• Can directly connect to speaker via Bluetooth
• Love that it can tell how long it will take to drive to work
• Walk in Kitchen and say “Alexa, make coffee” and in a minute,  a fresh pot of coffee is waiting for you
• Alexa doesn’t ask for much in return except for Wi-Fi and a power outlet
• Helps with homework, spelling and chemistry formulas, does math problems, spelling, and will provide answers to science homework
• Totally hands-free
• Can hear  “Alexa” even while blasting favorite Pandora station at full volume. After hearing the wake word, Alexa dims the volume and listens for further instruction
• While using Pandora, if you say, “I like this song” Alexa will like the song in your Pandora account.
• Before going to sleep, will explore radio podcasts from the Alexa app on smartphone,  then ask Alexa to set a 45 minute sleep timer to fall asleep while listening to podcast without being woken up later
• Amazing product, everyone should own one
• What I like about Alexa: Innovative
• Like the round LED notification or indicator lights. Alexa lights up during voice commands and when adjusting the volume
• Has pretty decent audio quality and has some bass when playing music
• Comparable with some high end speakers.

Alexa CONs

• Wish it could be referred to as “Computer” instead of “Alexa” or “Amazon”
• Speaker distorts at higher volumes
• Does not have a battery option,  must be plugged in at all times
• Major flaw, totally dependent on Internet
• Over-priced and clunky
• Does not understand most questions, cannot tell you anything that’s not a fact
• Can only input US addresses for weather, traffic, etc.
• An expensive way to provide more advertisements. It will regularly play  a 7 second sample from prime music that you then can buy;  not possible to switch off this feature
• Does not work with any new MS product or Windows 8.1 or 10. Internet Explorer does not exist, it’s called Edge now. Echo doesn’t respond to Edge.
• Windows phone, does not have an app for Echo
• Consider it a phone that has to stay plugged in or a computer with no screen. Basically it’s an app that Amazon has marketed very well
• Newspaper subscriptions are not supported. Amazon owns Audible, so there should be no barriers to getting daily newspaper subscriptions such as the Wall Street journal to play on the Echo.
• Needs AirPlay
• Can’t remove items from lists by voice
• No access to email and messages

Alexa and Users With Physical Disabilities

Alexa has been found to be an excellent addition to the households of buyers who have physical disabilities. I’ve seen the video of a blind couple who state they use Alexa to set alarms. This helps because they do not have to deal with their phone and all they have to do is ask Alexa. That is really neat and great for them.

• Already very practical for overcoming disability issues, June 19, 2015  This is a really nice review of how Alexa has helped this couple since the husband has Parkinson’s disease.  The user also shares that Amazon has done another update to Alexa by adding something called “Ask My Buddy”. Definitely worth the read and don’t forget to read the comments section for the review.
• Alexa Is Great For My Son With Autism, July 1, 2015  This review is specifically about how Echo can be a great tool for people like my son, who have a developmental or neurological disability.   Read more
  
• I recently ordered a WEMO Switch to turn my fan on and off which will be a great help not on only for me but my caregivers …, June 25, 2015   Living as a man with very limited mobility due to a severe disability I need all the independence I can get. Thanks to Alexa a greater level of independence has become a reality.  Read more
  
• She’s just like me, imperfectly perfect, August 17, 2015   Echo is a GENIUS attempt to increase business across multiple Amazon lines and while it has its quirks, I think it is a blessing to the physically disabled. I lost full use of my arms and hands and since I can’t write, I use Alexa all day long to keep lists and schedules in line for me. Read More

Top positive review  The Echo has become the most used appliance in our home

I love her. I hate her, I love her. I’ve learned how to speak to the Echo it usually does exactly what I want it to do. I think the echo is well worth the price Amazon is asking and I’m thinking of getting a second one for the living room. Read more

Top critical review  Alexa, what does NFL stand for” “Not For Long”

Echo is first in class and best in class, but not for long unless Amazon unleashes the tidal wave of potential it is keeping locked down. Read more Note:  (This review was written in July 2015, since then Amazon has made a number of updates that have addressed many of the issues most buyers reported in 2014 and 2015).

What To Do?

Over 32, 000 people have purchased the Amazon Alexa or Echo. Yes, it has it’s share of issues, but they in opinion appear minor. You have some people online stating they are going to buy an additional one to have upstairs or in the basement so they are not having to unplug and plug up the primary device in order to enjoy all the benefits of Alexa.

It is truly an innovative design and is very useful for quite a bit of information. It’s impressive that it is always on and that you can ask it basically anything,  music, movies, news, weather, and more. It beats having to sign on to your computer and look up the information yourself.

I really liked what Alex Colon and Will Greenwald of PC Mag stated about Alexa.

I have had Siri in my pocket for years, and I haven’t used it in any appreciable manner. And talking to a watch is my least favorite part about testing smartwatches. So I was sort of prepared to write off the $179.99 Echo as well. And yet, talking to Alexa, the voice behind the Echo, felt immediately more natural and organic than other forms of voice control I’ve tried.

It isn’t a perfect speaker or a perfect voice assistant, but I was surprised to discover how much I enjoyed using it. And thanks to Amazon’s continual updates, the Echo is a good deal more functional now than when it was first released late last year (2014). It’s an innovative, useful home companion, and will likely only continue to improve with time.

Sure, there’s really nothing you can do with the Amazon Echo that you can’t do with the smartphone in your pocket or the smartwatch on your wrist. And yet, there’s something here that feels infinitely more approachable than a phone or watch. For instance, I never asked Siri to convert kitchen measurements for me, but I asked Alexa. And I never told Google Now to add items to my shopping list, but I asked Alexa.

It’s not that Alexa is smarter than Siri or Google Now; in fact, both of those more mature voice assistants actually offer a wider range of useful options and features. But perhaps subconsciously, the idea that the Amazon Echo is meant to live in your home makes Alexa feel less like a disembodied application and more like a genuine home assistant. And given the steady flow of updates that Amazon keeps pushing out, I wouldn’t be surprised if, a year from now, you’re relying on the Echo for so many different things you forget that it can also play music. But even as it stands right now, that makes it worthy of our Editors’ Choice recommendation.

My Recommendation

In my opinion, Amazon Alexa appears to be a good buy. I will be purchasing one myself. I already have a couple of bluetooth speakers and a smartphone, but I certainly can’t talk to them or request information, unless I type it in and perform the search for myself.

Alexa Accessories

You can purchase an optional microphone-equipped remote ($29.99) similar to the one that comes with the Fire TV.  However, it is unavailable. It look as though Amazon can’t keep up with the demand. They do promise  it will be available at some point, but can’t really provide a date.  You will just have to keep checking.

What makes the remote nice to have is that if  you’re in a noisy environment, you can hold down the Microphone button at the top of the remote and speak to the Echo, rather than having to shout across the room or over other noise and people that may be present.

You can control volume and playback on the Echo while listening to music through the Echo companion app with physical buttons. The remote  comes with a magnetic holster.  The remote is not a necessity, but is nice to have.  If you don’t have the remote, the Echo’s built-in microphone for voice control works fine.

Just because the Fire Stick and Echo remotes are similar in appearance, keep in mind that the Fire Stick Voice Remote does not work with Echo, it has its own Alexa app on the stick that it works with.

Voice Remote for Amazon Echo

• Official remote for Amazon Echo
• Connects to Amazon Echo via Bluetooth
• Includes an integrated microphone for when you are too far away or it’s too noisy for Echo to hear you
• Dedicated buttons for volume up, volume down, play/pause, previous, and next
• Amazon Echo works with one remote at a time
• Includes magnetic holder and 2 AAA batteries

Currently available.  In stock May 1, 2016.

The remote in the past was shipped with the Echo. At some point Amazon decided to charge for it separately.  This remote is Bluetooth, not like the typical infra-red remote that comes with your TV.  The difference being that you have to point it at  the TV in order for it to work. The Bluetooth remote will work through walls and floors (similar to a radio-frequency-RF remote).

One user reports that their Echo is located in the kitchen and they can control it from the second floor of their residence with the remote because it does not require line of sight in order to work. Additionally, the maximum range the user reports to control the Echo is about 40 feet  and then about 15 feet line-of-sight.

2-Year Protection Plan plus Accident Protection for Echo

Protective Sleeves

Fintie Protective Case for Amazon Echo – Premium Vegan Leather Cover Sleeve Skins (Upgraded Edition), Love Tree

Keep your Amazon Echo looking great with this custom case. Premium synthetic leather with soft non-scratch microfiber interior. Provides protection for the aluminum body against scratches, dings, and other daily wear and tear. Aluminum button closure. Easy to install and secure. Available in a variety of  colors. Protective, stylish and easy to use. A perfect companion for your Echo.

MightySkins Protective Vinyl Skin Decal for Amazon Echo

This is an option for a wrap cover sticker skin for the Echo. Mightyskins are removable vinyl skins for protecting and customizing portable devices. It is a decal skin that applies to your device. The perfect way to add style with these ultra high resolution designs. The decals have a durable high gloss laminate that protects from scratching, fading and peeling.  MightySkins is easy to apply and remove cleanly. There is no sticky mess when you want to remove it or change to another design.

The Echo Mount For Amazon Echo

This is a cold rolled steel with a black powder coat finish, the Original Echo Mount.  It comes with a 3M Command Strip, Screws, and Wall Anchors for mounting. The sleek modern design blends in with the Amazon Echo while securely holding it in place.  Buyers of this product state the mounting hardware included (two 1 inch drywall screws) with the product may not safely secure the bracket and Echo to drywall. It may be best to purchase your own mounting hardware.

Premium Synthetic Leather Protective Sleeve Skin Cover for Amazon Echo

The RooCase Amazon Echo sleeve gives the Echo a warmer, softer look, a great way to blend the Echo into the colors of your environment. Made from high quality, synthetic leather and stretchable elastic fabric, the sleeve comes in a wide variety of colors and slips on and off easily. Acoustically transparent mesh material covers and protects the speaker grills, keeping out dust without affecting the audio volume.  All other ports, buttons and controls are completely exposed to allow easy, unencumbered access.

 
This guide addresses how to use the Amazon Echo. It is instrumental in showing how to better utilize the Amazon Echo.  This is actually a very informative as well as instructive, guide which makes it worth reading.

 
The Echo is so much more than just an elevated Bluetooth speaker that informs you of the weather. This little powerhouse of a device is constantly changing with new developments in ways to implement Alexa into daily life. The best part about it all: you can build your own ‘skills’ and essentially train your Echo to do exactly what you want it to do for you by using this guide.

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