Amazon Echo FAQ

uck51js9zml2yt · 23-10-2016 10:27AM

It's probably already covered buy I need to ask anyway.
I'm trying to download the Alexa app to my android phone using the Amazon url and I'm being told it's not available in "my country".
I tried a VPN on my phone to no avail.
Can someone tell me the work around please? It obviously works in Ireland!

Gadgetman496 · 23-10-2016 10:34AM

Don't own one (yet) but can you control lights etc remotely if you were away from home via the App through the Echo?

Stoner · 23-10-2016 10:38AM

Sebastian Damaged Herb wrote:

It's probably already covered buy I need to ask anyway. I'm trying to download the Alexa app to my android phone using the Amazon url and I'm being told it's not available in "my country". I tried a VPN on my phone to no avail. Can someone tell me the work around please? It obviously works in Ireland!

Yeah you just need to google the Alexa apk. Get the latest one. , Think it's 30/9/16

Mine won't work on an earlier one. You just run it then , go into settings and allow apps from unknown sources etc .

I'll get you a link to the one I used

Stoner · 23-10-2016 10:40AM

http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/amazon-mobile-llc/amazon-alexa/echo-1-7-3-release/alexa-1-7-3-2-android-apk-download/

Scroll down the end I used the sep 24 version.

Worked for me but buyer beware !

mrcheez · 23-10-2016 10:41AM

Would it be worth setting up a sticky with all the questions answered that constantly gets updated with latest findings?

The 47 page thread is getting unwieldy and people are asking the same questions over and over (including myself, I imagine, next week once I get mine)

Thelomen Toblackai · 23-10-2016 11:01AM

I'm giving up on TuneIn. Best it does is play the last station you listened to.

Other than that it's a never ending cycle of "You have to specify a station name, "You want to play <correct station> correct? Sorry I can't find it".

It just doesn't work.

jobless · 23-10-2016 12:15PM

v10 wrote: »

For those with their address set in the UK, I've found that a skill called 'Big Sky' is a reasonable solution as it lets you set the location when installing the skill, so once installed you say 'Alexa Open Big Sky' and you'll get your local weather.

I couldn't find this skill?

bk · 23-10-2016 12:17PM

mrcheez wrote: »

There's no idea to buy, its Amazon themselves that say the 2nd gen Dot has improved mics which will be brought across to the 2nd gen Echo later (or upgrading existing ones via firmware update perhaps)

Shrug, yet I've both an Echo and a 2nd gen Echo Dot and the Echo is definitely better at understanding me and everyone who has tried it then the Dot is!

Perhaps they already both the new processor in the Echos sold in UK?

But either way, real world experience shows me that the Echo understands better.

Maybe it is the way that it is higher up, the Dot you are more likely to have it resting directly on a table or shelf, where the Echo is more raised up. Maybe that makes a difference.

shellyf12345 wrote: »

Was thinking of buying the Echo I have an iPhone and Spotify account will this work in Ireland?

How do I get the app on my iPhone?

You have a few options.

1) Create a UK iTunes account and get the app from there. Or

2) Go to alexa.amazon.co.uk in Safari and in safari show the desktop version of the site and you can then run it from the browser.

Thelomen Toblackai wrote: »

Where did you hear of or see that other Irish people had it working ? Because from what I see location is tied to the zip code which is why the weather and traffic don't work. Even though it accepts Dublin it's not recognized as a location.

Commuting directions are working for me. Well it can't find my exact address, but I was able to use the address of a house a few doors down the road.

For weather, you just have to say "in Dublin"

The reason addresses aren't good in Ireland is actually Microsofts fault. Amazon are using Microsofts Bing Maps for addresses, which is terrible for Ireland. If you go to Bing Maps, you can see that it is making the exact same address suggestions as Bing Maps.

v10 wrote: »

For those with their address set in the UK, I've found that a skill called 'Big Sky' is a reasonable solution as it lets you set the location when installing the skill, so once installed you say 'Alexa Open Big Sky' and you'll get your local weather.

Or just say: "Alexa what is the weather in Dublin"

It is just two extra words.

paulbok wrote: »

A question for those with multiple devices. Can you set a particular light or group of lights for a room to a specific dot/echo so you can say "turn on the lights" and Alexa knows which room you are in by the nearest device that hears you?

Good idea, unfortunately no. I have to create separate groups for each room and say:
"turn on living room lights" "turn on kitchen lights" "turn on bedroom lights"

mrcheez wrote: »

Would it be worth setting up a sticky with all the questions answered that constantly gets updated with latest findings?

Definitely. Probably job number one for the new Home Automation forum that is currently being set up.

Thelomen Toblackai · 23-10-2016 12:22PM

jobless wrote: »

I couldn't find this skill?

I think he meant US and not UK. There's a load of skills for the US Alexa and f-all for the UK one.

I did see a reddit post from whoever made that Big Sky skill though from about three weeks ago saying he had submitted for review to make it available in the UK. So maybe it will be available soon.

Thelomen Toblackai · 23-10-2016 12:45PM

bk wrote: »

Commuting directions are working for me. Well it can't find my exact address, but I was able to use the address of a house a few doors down the road.

For weather, you just have to say "in Dublin"

The reason addresses aren't good in Ireland is actually Microsofts fault. Amazon are using Microsofts Bing Maps for addresses, which is terrible for Ireland. If you go to Bing Maps, you can see that it is making the exact same address suggestions as Bing Maps.

Or just say: "Alexa what is the weather in Dublin"

It is just two extra words.

.

Commuting directions work because it's a separate location used based on the maps to find route times. The location used for everything else is the one set in the settings and it's relying on the zip code to find addresses which which it matches with accuweather forecast locations. It can only be set for Dublin in Ireland with with default zips of 1-15 which don't match to any actual locations.

And that's all right for Dublin but it doesn't work quite as well elsewhere. For example weather in some locations doesn't work at all even specifying the county and country. E.g Galway and Wexford wont work for me for some reason. Weather for anywhere outside Dublin you have to say Ireland or it will pick up a similar named US location.

And while it's just 2/3 extra words it's doubling the length of commands for a whole host of things meaning twice as much chance it doesn't understand or gets it wrong and it also changes it from whats supposed to be which is a responsive AI answering actual questions like "Will it rain tomorrow" or "Do I need an umbrella today", "whats the weather like" to a glorified search engine "Will it rain tomorrow in Cork in Ireland". It's not massively inconvenient but you're not going to talk to the echo like that all the time saying stuff that's not really natural either so it's reducing its usability.

Suppose beggars can't be choosers either. At least we can use it in some form and hope it gets better because it's probably never going to be fully available and supported here.

v10 · 23-10-2016 02:40PM

jobless wrote: »

I couldn't find this skill?

Language needs to be set to English (United States) it seems ?!

bk · 23-10-2016 07:06PM

Thelomen Toblackai wrote: »

And that's all right for Dublin but it doesn't work quite as well elsewhere. For example weather in some locations doesn't work at all even specifying the county and country. E.g Galway and Wexford wont work for me for some reason. Weather for anywhere outside Dublin you have to say Ireland or it will pick up a similar named US location.

You are correct ,Galway and Wexford don't work, just tried! However Dublin and Cork do.

BTW I definitely don't have to say "in Dublin, Ireland", just "in Dublin" or "in Cork" and it specifically says "The weather in Dublin, Ireland is..." Perhaps you still have your Echo set to the US.

I agree it is inconvenient, but I suppose it depends on what you mostly using Echo for. Me, it is mostly Spotify and Home Automation control and for the most part it is excellent at that. I'm not at all too worried about weather forecasts, this is Ireland after all, just assume it might rain on any particular day!

RoYoBo · 23-10-2016 07:33PM

bk wrote: »

I'm not at all too worried about weather forecasts, this is Ireland after all, just assume it might rain on any particular day!

I use Windows for my weather - the ones I have installed in my walls :pac:

I'm trying to figure out if the Dot is a good option for my OH as a Xmas present. He's not very technical, but generally willing to be persuaded. He has an Ipod and a PC with a lot of music on and has a Logitech Squeezebox radio - would the Dot allow him to access these? I would be happy to include a bluetooth speaker in his present if that would help?

Other than that, I'm not sure if it would be a justifiable purchase - lighting is not something we have an interest in and we both have just the free Spotify. Our heating is on a bog standard timer that is wired into it, so would have to get it 'unwired' to use a relevant plug. I'll keep reading this thread to see if there's anything else that might attract us/him. Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far - I'm learning a lot

Thelomen Toblackai · 23-10-2016 07:34PM

bk wrote: »

You are correct ,Galway and Wexford don't work, just tried! However Dublin and Cork do.

BTW I definitely don't have to say "in Dublin, Ireland", just "in Dublin" or "in Cork" and it specifically says "The weather in Dublin, Ireland is..." Perhaps you still have your Echo set to the US.

I agree it is inconvenient, but I suppose it depends on what you mostly using Echo for. Me, it is mostly Spotify and Home Automation control and for the most part it is excellent at that. I'm not at all too worried about weather forecasts, this is Ireland after all, just assume it might rain on any particular day!

No it's set correctly. Some counties work but others get picked up as US locations. Maybe it's just my bogger accent.

I did notice from my tests that the weather was pretty much identical regardless of where in Ireland you ask about.

I'm actually finding all the other random questions you might ask to be really handy.

Thelomen Toblackai · 23-10-2016 07:44PM

RoYoBo wrote: »

I use Windows for my weather - the ones I have installed in my walls :pac:

I'm trying to figure out if the Dot is a good option for my OH as a Xmas present. He's not very technical, but generally willing to be persuaded. He has an Ipod and a PC with a lot of music on and has a Logitech Squeezebox radio - would the Dot allow him to access these? I would be happy to include a bluetooth speaker in his present if that would help?

Other than that, I'm not sure if it would be a justifiable purchase - lighting is not something we have an interest in and we both have just the free Spotify. Our heating is on a bog standard timer that is wired into it, so would have to get it 'unwired' to use a relevant plug. I'll keep reading this thread to see if there's anything else that might attract us/him. Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far - I'm learning a lot

It doesn't work with free spotify or saved music. Only through a premium spotify account or amazon prime music and for amazon music you need a UK address and credit card. There's probably workarounds but for out of the box default music play you'll need to subscribe to spotify.

As a gift ignoring all the home automation stuff personally I think its great for the price. If he follows the premiership it will give updates on teams and games. You can ask what the score was in a particular game or what the next game is ect. You can ask loads of questions on all manner of stuff. Get it to tell you whats in your calendar for the day or add something to it, read you news updates, play audio books, add stuff to shopping lists and to do lists.

Plus on top of all that he might find a new hobby expanding on its usage and automating things around the house. If nothing else you;ll get good mileage out of it Christmas day asking it 6 million questions. Worth the 50 quid in an of itself probably.

Stoner · 23-10-2016 07:56PM

Thelomen Toblackai wrote:

I'm actually finding all the other random questions you might ask to be really handy.

Like what ? It doesn't understand any of mine, must be my north side Dublin accent

Dont be at yourself · 23-10-2016 08:35PM

Have a six pack of Dots set up around the host. Love being able to walk into any room and play music just with my voice!

Haven't been able to get it to accept my Dublin address; seems to only accept US or UK addresses. Anybody else had luck with this?

Thelomen Toblackai · 23-10-2016 08:36PM

Stoner wrote: »

Like what ? It doesn't understand any of mine, must be my north side Dublin accent

Any random thing you want to know.

What's <Actors> latest movie
When did <Famous person> die
When was\is <movie> released
When is Halloween
When is the next bank holiday
How many days till Christmas
What date is next Friday
How many pounds in a stone
How many calories in pepperoni
Whats the exchange rate between sterling and euro
Will it rain today in Dublin
Whats the circumference of the earth
Tell me a recipe for <dish>

I find the to do list, shopping list and calendar really handy. Any time something pops into my head I'll tell it to add to a list or add a new entry in the calendar. Then you can say "What have I got on tomorrow" and it will read out your schedule.

bk · 23-10-2016 08:48PM

Thelomen Toblackai wrote: »

I did notice from my tests that the weather was pretty much identical regardless of where in Ireland you ask about.

Just tried Dublin and Cork and it gave different forecasts for both.

Stoner wrote: »

Like what ? It doesn't understand any of mine, must be my north side Dublin accent

Well today if you said "Alexa, good morning", it gives a hilarious answer. Go try now if you read this before midnight Sunday.

Also you can ask it "what is the meaning of life, the universe and everything".

And of course don't forget to ask it to "open the pod bay doors" for you, You know, the standard questions

Dont be at yourself wrote: »

Haven't been able to get it to accept my Dublin address; seems to only accept US or UK addresses. Anybody else had luck with this?

Some Dublin addresses do work, but not all. Try the streets around you or just put in Dublin 1.

Stoner · 23-10-2016 08:53PM

Thelomen Toblackai wrote:

Any random thing you want to know.

My wife is laughing at this.

It told us what's in Shepard's pie.

She thinks it's a great clock.

I asked "Alexa is divorce a good idea"

Alexa told me "a horoscope is not a coffin"

Made us laugh anyway

paulvwalshire · 23-10-2016 08:54PM

Just received amazon echo dot to Ireland. Unable to download echo app in playstore...not available in Ireland. Any suggestions?

Thelomen Toblackai · 23-10-2016 08:56PM

List of commands I done stole from a year old Reddit post. there's probably more up to date ones as some of these don't work.

Basic Commands
* how is traffic? (route must be set up in app)
* what is the weather today [in city (if other than home)]?
* who won the [sports team] game?
* when do the [sports team] play next?
* what was the score of [sports team] game?
* how many [units] in a [unit] (e.g., tablespoons in a half cup)
* what is [math problem] (e.g., square root of 50, 13x57, 12/18, etc.)
* add [item] to my shopping list.
* add [task] to my to-do list.
* set the alarm for [time].
* what is the alarm set for?
* set a timer for # minutes.
* how much time is left on the timer?
* what time is it?
* what time is it in [city/state/country]?
* play [band].
* play [station] on Pandora.
* play [playlist name] playlist
* play [song] by [band].
* what’s playing?
* volume [down/up or #]
* next song.
* define [word].
* how do you spell [word]?
* how many calories are in [food item]?
* what is the capital of [state]?
* what’s going on today? (i.e., news brief)
* listen to a pod cast.
* is there life on Mars?
* Wikipedia [topic].
* who won best actor Oscar in 1973? (Try other trivia as well)
* how do you say [word] in [language].
* tell me about the solar system.
* what does the Earth weigh?
* what's the answer to life, the universe, and everything?
* are there UFOs?
* do aliens exist?
* stop/off

Easter Eggs
* tell me a joke.
* knock knock.
* who’s on first?
* flip a coin.
* heads or tails?
* roll the dice.
* random number between “x” and “y”.
* what number are you thinking of?
* count by ten.
* rock, paper, scissors.
* rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock
* define rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock
*random fact
* Simon Says [anything]. (Echo will repeat whatever you say)
* do you like green eggs and ham?
* one fish, two fish.
* what was the Lorax?
* why do you sit there like that?
* why do birds suddenly appear?
* why did the chicken cross the road?
* which came first, the chicken or the egg?
* show me the money!
* I want the truth!
* say hello to my little friend!
* who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
* all your base are belong to us.
* is the cake a lie?
* what color is the dress?
* how much is that doggie in the window?
* do you know the muffin man?
* why is a raven like a writing desk?
* Romeo, Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo?
* what’s in name?
* to be or not to be.
* beam me up.
* I am your father.
* may the force be with you.
* Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.
* Warp 10
* fire photon torpedos.
* live long and prosper.
* open the pod bay doors.
* set phasers to kill.
* these aren't the droids you're looking for.
* take me to your leader.
* does this unit have a soul?
* Rosebud.
* party time!
* party on, Wayne.
* my name is Inigo Montoya.
* you killed my father.
* inconceivable.
* what is your quest?
* what is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
* your mother was a hamster
* what is the sound of one hand clapping?
* surely you can’t be serious.
* how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
* elementary, my dear Watson.
* I've seen things you people wouldn't believe.
* Simon says Wilford Brimley has diabetes.
* I've fallen and I can't get up.
* how much wood can a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
* how Much Wood can a Wood Chuck Chuck, if A Wood Chuck Could Chuck Norris
* how many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick?
* define supercalifragilisticexpialodocious.
* what is the meaning of life?
* when is the end of the world?
* when am I going to die?
* is there a Santa?
* make me a sandwich.
* make me [breakfast/dinner].
* what is the best tablet?
* mac or pc?
* what do you think of [Apple/Google/Microsoft]?
* do you know Siri?
* where do babies come from?
* how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?
* volume 11
* do you really want to hurt me?
* what is love?
* who is the real slim shady?
* who is the walrus?
* where have all the flowers gone?
* who let the dogs out?
* who shot the sheriff?
* what is the loneliest number?
* how many roads must a man walk down?
* what does the fox say?
* never gonna give you up.
* do you believe in life after love?
* war, what is it good for?
* more cowbell.
* sing me a song.
* tell me a story.
* do you know the way to San Jose?
* who is the fairest of them all?
* who you gonna call?
* who loves ya baby?
* who’s your daddy?
* do you have any brothers or sisters?
* what are you going to do today?
* where do you live?
* where are you from?
* do you have a boyfriend?
* do you have a girlfriend?
* how much do you weigh?
* what is your favorite color?
* what color are your eyes?
* will you marry me?
* are you in love?
* how tall are you?
* what are you wearing?
* do you believe in god?
* do you believe in ghosts?
* are you sky net?
* are you lying?
* do you want to fight?
* do you want to play a game?
* give me a hug.
* high five!
* I [love/hate] you.
* can you give me some money? (ask twice)
* how do I get rid of a dead body?
* do you want to play a game?
* do you want to build a snowman?
* I think you’re funny.
* where in the world in Carmen Sandiego?
* where’s Waldo?
* where are my keys? (ask twice)
* testing 1-2-3
* I'm home.
* see you later alligator.
* thank you.
* good night.

j0ey2069 · 23-10-2016 08:59PM

paulvwalshire wrote: »

Just received amazon echo dot to Ireland. Unable to download echo app in playstore...not available in Ireland. Any suggestions?

I had the same issue. Just got it from APK Mirror: apkmirror.com/apk/amazon-mobile-llc/amazon-alexa/

Stoner · 23-10-2016 09:34PM

I just tried to get it to read and audio book and Alexa directed me to www.audible.co.uk

I thought is would have linked to my Kindle account. I must look into that.

degsie · 23-10-2016 11:18PM

Kindle account is seperate from audible one.

RoYoBo · 24-10-2016 12:05AM

Thelomen Toblackai wrote: »

Any random thing you want to know.

What's <Actors> latest movie
When did <Famous person> die
When was\is <movie> released
When is Halloween
When is the next bank holiday
How many days till Christmas
What date is next Friday
How many pounds in a stone
How many calories in pepperoni
Whats the exchange rate between sterling and euro
Will it rain today in Dublin
Whats the circumference of the earth
Tell me a recipe for <dish>

I find the to do list, shopping list and calendar really handy. Any time something pops into my head I'll tell it to add to a list or add a new entry in the calendar. Then you can say "What have I got on tomorrow" and it will read out your schedule.

Thanks - I'm convinced now

He will love all these spoken queries as he is a 'hunt & peck' typist and hates working with keyboards of any kind. I might get him the Spotify premium as well, especially if I can persuade a few family members to bite for the family offer and share it around. I've seen it mentioned on the Bargain forum here and it seems like a good deal.

Just one other query for those who have the Dot - does it work ok with more than one voice? Some people have reported it doesn't do well at recognising multiple inputs. Not a dealbreaker, but I'd like to be able to use it too.

Thelomen Toblackai · 24-10-2016 12:35AM

RoYoBo wrote: »

Thanks - I'm convinced now He will love all these spoken queries as he is a 'hunt & peck' typist and hates working with keyboards of any kind. I might get him the Spotify premium as well, especially if I can persuade a few family members to bite for the family offer and share it around. I've seen it mentioned on the Bargain forum here and it seems like a good deal.

Just one other query for those who have the Dot - does it work ok with more than one voice? Some people have reported it doesn't do well at recognising multiple inputs. Not a dealbreaker, but I'd like to be able to use it too.

Haven't had mine long, just a few days but it's had no problem understanding anyone as long as they were clear. Whatever issues it had understanding seemed to be universal and related to the Irish accent and pronunciation of certain things.

I think over time it probably learns and adapts best to whoever uses it most but I'm sure you'll have no trouble using it as well as himself. Bit of advice though, it would be worth investing in a decent bluetooth speaker if you can. If you just use the Echo it finds it hard to hear you when it's playing something from it's speakers and trying to listen from the mic next to them. So if you pair it with a speaker it works a lot better.

mrcheez · 24-10-2016 09:55AM

Ask it "when does daylight savings time end in Ireland?"

I know it's the 30th, but didn't know that till I looked it up. Would be handy to have asked Alexa

Also ask it, "how do you pronounce assume?" ... if it says "ashoom" then it must be set to the UK language

Cabaal · 24-10-2016 12:50PM

paulvwalshire wrote: »

Just received amazon echo dot to Ireland. Unable to download echo app in playstore...not available in Ireland. Any suggestions?

Go to the Amazon website and download the Amazon Underground app - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-com-Amazon-Underground/dp/B004GJDQT8

This will allow you to download the Alexa app no problem

uck51js9zml2yt · 24-10-2016 12:55PM

Stoner also kindly posted a link to the apk for me yesterday.

Amazon Echo FAQ

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