Amazon Echo FAQ

Gadgetman496 · 16-09-2016 3:23pm

Zascar wrote: »

What do people use it for most?

To try and impress visitors

LiamG · 16-09-2016 3:34pm

true dat

mrcheez · 17-09-2016 11:48am

BobbyT28 wrote: »

Just seen a youtube video of a fella controlling his whole media library, Sony Bravia Smart TV (Change channels, Alexa...... Put on ESPN) and STB using the Echo. Very impressive.

Link for anyone interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMqcmXQhlt4

Going to get this working on my setup too I reckon

degsie · 17-09-2016 2:46pm

mrcheez wrote: »

Link for anyone interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMqcmXQhlt4

Going to get this working on my setup too I reckon

Looks interesting. Would like the ability to play local media, possibly using Kodi.

Hootanany · 18-09-2016 10:46am

Hi can anyone point me in the right direction to get the apk for alexa? PM please Mods i hope this is ok if not please delete.

donegal. · 19-09-2016 11:30am

Hootanany wrote: »

Hi can anyone point me in the right direction to get the apk for alexa? PM please Mods i hope this is ok if not please delete.

i found it here but you need to have your echo before you can use the app

yoshimitsu · 19-09-2016 1:15pm

BobbyT28 wrote: »

A little bit off topic!

Looking to get start with home automation after getting the Echo,

Can people post a few links to Wemo and other home automation gadgets that they have and will work with alexa.

Looking at the Wemo Insight

Anyone using the Logitech hub to control TV Xbox etc?

Anything else?

BobbyT28

Currently planning my set-up leading up to the arrival of my Echo.
For sure it'll involve Philips Hue lights (good started pack for £59.99 or €73 from Littelwoods) and it'll likely involve a Harmony hub.
Harmony hub would allow Alexa to control TV, Xbox, Horizon TV set-top box, Android box and my Roomba (robotic vacuum cleaner). Hue lights are already controlled by Alexa. You can also get a cheaper version of the LED light strips controlled via IR remote and have you Harmony hub "learn" to control those as well.
Read mixed reviews regarding the Wemo switch... willing to give it a try once everything is set up so that i can send it back to Amazon for a refund if it doesnt work
Keep u posted

bk · 19-09-2016 3:17pm

yoshimitsu the Harmony Elite remote works extremely well with Hue lights. The Elite remote has dedicated buttons to control Hue lights. Keep on eye out during Amazon Prime deals/sales, the price drops significantly during those.

BobbyT28 · 19-09-2016 3:20pm

yoshimitsu wrote: »

Currently planning my set-up leading up to the arrival of my Echo.
For sure it'll involve Philips Hue lights (good started pack for £59.99 or €73 from Littelwoods) and it'll likely involve a Harmony hub.
Harmony hub would allow Alexa to control TV, Xbox, Horizon TV set-top box, Android box and my Roomba (robotic vacuum cleaner). Hue lights are already controlled by Alexa. You can also get a cheaper version of the LED light strips controlled via IR remote and have you Harmony hub "learn" to control those as well.
Read mixed reviews regarding the Wemo switch... willing to give it a try once everything is set up so that i can send it back to Amazon for a refund if it doesnt work
Keep u posted

Thanks for the info, do you have a few links to the stuff your looking at? Cause it's exactly what I'm looking to do so would like to see what your lookibg at.

Tescos had a deal on wemo starter kits a few weeks back, Might be good to check there also.

Really looking forward to getting my tech, would love to be able to control all those things.

Dr. Dre · 19-09-2016 4:30pm

yoshimitsu wrote: »

BobbyT28 wrote: »

A little bit off topic!

Looking to get start with home automation after getting the Echo,

Can people post a few links to Wemo and other home automation gadgets that they have and will work with alexa.

Looking at the Wemo Insight

Anyone using the Logitech hub to control TV Xbox etc?

Anything else?

BobbyT28

Currently planning my set-up leading up to the arrival of my Echo.
For sure it'll involve Philips Hue lights (good started pack for 59.99 or 73 from Littelwoods) and it'll likely involve a Harmony hub.
Harmony hub would allow Alexa to control TV, Xbox, Horizon TV set-top box, Android box and my Roomba (robotic vacuum cleaner). Hue lights are already controlled by Alexa. You can also get a cheaper version of the LED light strips controlled via IR remote and have you Harmony hub "learn" to control those as well.
Read mixed reviews regarding the Wemo switch... willing to give it a try once everything is set up so that i can send it back to Amazon for a refund if it doesnt work
Keep u posted

The Harmony Hub isn't supported by Alexa yet - it's in beta testing phase.
I'm using the Harmony Hub and Smartthings integration to try and achieve similar to you, I would have to say it's flaky at best.

EDIT: I got Wemo sockets as a test and they worked very well, but I've been a lightwaverf guy for many years now, so that's my main installation.

yoshimitsu · 19-09-2016 4:53pm

BobbyT28 wrote: »

Thanks for the info, do you have a few links to the stuff your looking at? Cause it's exactly what I'm looking to do so would like to see what your lookibg at.

Tescos had a deal on wemo starter kits a few weeks back, Might be good to check there also.

Really looking forward to getting my tech, would love to be able to control all those things.

Disclaimer: I havent tried any of these "solutions" so cant vouch for the their robustness. They all seem to involve some level of customization through IFTTT although there are indications that Echo and Harmony will work together seamlessly at some point.

https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonecho/comments/4azafe/harmony_hub/

https://measuredcircle.wordpress.com/2015/11/25/how-to-use-the-amazon-echo-and-a-logitech-harmony-to-put-on-your-tv-shows/

http://www.slashgear.com/amazon-alexa-will-soon-blend-with-logitech-harmony-20444906/

I'll post add'l links if I more info.

yoshimitsu · 20-09-2016 10:01am

Get ready for some more alternatives (complexity!) in our voice-controlled, home-automation efforts!

GOOGLE: sent invitations for an event in San Francisco on October 4 where the web company is expected to introduce new smartphones and home-automation hardware, along with other new product upgrades.
# The text of the letter, which includes the phrase "Ok Google, add to calendar," suggests a bigger role for the Google Now voice assistant. The invitation also features an animated graphic showing a search bar that morphs into the shape of a smartphone.
# While the timing of Google’s new hardware isn’t a departure from the past, there’s a risk it could be overshadowed.

20-09-2016 11:35am

Guys I've pre-ordered one but I have a bit of a random question: would it be able to give horse racing results? I mean would I be able to ask "Alexa, winner of the 3:45 at Yarmouth please" and would it read out the results? Would be so handy for the rest of the family!! Bit embarrassed to ask and I was trying to wait until it arrived but feck it.

donegal. · 20-09-2016 12:11pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Guys I've pre-ordered one but I have a bit of a random question: would it be able to give horse racing results? I mean would I be able to ask "Alexa, winner of the 3:45 at Yarmouth please" and would it read out the results? Would be so handy for the rest of the family!! Bit embarrassed to ask and I was trying to wait until it arrived but feck it.

you can test alexa here

mrcheez · 20-09-2016 12:27pm

donegal. wrote: »

you can test alexa here

That's cool although it seems to just look at Seattle.

Q: "What's the weather like in New York?" ...
A: "In Seattle it's .... "

20-09-2016 1:08pm

donegal. wrote: »

you can test alexa here

Yeah tried that last week when the bargain was first announced. It's extremely limited compared to the real thing.

So my question still stands.

Arbie · 20-09-2016 3:33pm

Alexa now allows you to change location to Irish addresses.

Cabaal · 21-09-2016 7:34pm

Just something worth pointing out to those trying to get Amazon Music app on Android,
You won't be able to find it on Google Play in Ireland BUT you can easily get it off of the Amazon Underground app - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-com-Amazon-Underground/dp/B004GJDQT8

You don't need to use any of those apk sites to download it

21-09-2016 7:36pm

Are all you guys permanent subscribers to Amazon Prime? I notice from HUKD that if you have a NUS card it's substantially less. Anyone using one from Ireland please?

Cabaal · 21-09-2016 7:43pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Are all you guys permanent subscribers to Amazon Prime? I notice from HUKD that if you have a NUS card it's substantially less. Anyone using one from Ireland please?

Thats Amazon Student,
You need to be in a university of college in the UK to get it, (you'd need to provide this with documentation or a .ac.uk e-mail address)

Its charged a 39 sterling a year after the 6 month trial

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=help_search_1-1?ie=UTF8&nodeId=201292830

Its not exactly the same as Prime as it can't be shared with another Amazon account like Prime can be

21-09-2016 7:46pm

Ah I believe there's a sneaky way to get the NUS card (sign up for a mickey mouse online course) and then get the Amazon Student. But I take it that more people are getting the full Amazon account and sharing the cost?

If anyone out there would like to share the cost with me (and the account of course) please drop me a pm from the start of October onwards.

v10 · 25-09-2016 5:44pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Ah I believe there's a sneaky way to get the NUS card (sign up for a mickey mouse online course) and then get the Amazon Student.

Do you have an example of a course that would work for this ?

25-09-2016 5:49pm

They often crop up on Hotukdeals.com. Here's one from a few months back:

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/become-a-student-get-an-nus-card-for-22-accounting-book-keeping-course-from-wowcher-2433775

or this:

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/nus-student-extra-card-for-everybody-13-nus-including-half-price-amazon-prime-many-2393353

Both are expired now unfortunately.

Lots of others...just do a search there. Now whether us in Ireland can get one is unknown to me.

loughrey2887 · 26-09-2016 5:18am

He simply uses a smart plug to switch the TV on and off. He can't switch channels.

loughrey2887 · 26-09-2016 5:24am

I got Amazon Prime for only 59 pounds in May when they reduced it for a day in celebration of Jeremy Clarkson finding a name for his new car show on Prime. That runs me just about 6 euros a month for Prime Video, Prime Music, free one day shipping, and unlimited photo cloud storage to replace my expiring DFropbox. A great deal! I'll be buying Prime each year as it's way better than Netflix and works out cheaper at full price than Netflix for a year, but you get so many services for the price. Echo will make Prime Music even better more important to me, making the Prime subscription even better value.

loughrey2887 · 26-09-2016 5:29am

It really only integrates with Google Calander. It uses bing as the search engine and doesn't support Google Play. Amazon and Google have never been friends, and now that Google are introducing their version of Echo, they won't allow Amazon to piggyback their services.

OldMrBrennan83 · 26-09-2016 7:40am

This post has been deleted.

Cabaal · 26-09-2016 8:47am

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Thing is thats not true at all,
Without using any VPN's you can get the following services in Ireland using Prime
- Kindle Benefits
- Cloud Drive (Unlimited photos storage)
- Prime Music
- Early access to lightening deals

You can use delivery benefits to parcel motel which will allow you to receive prime orders in Ireland in only two days which is great. Also you don't have the min order amount to deal with, so if you want an item costing only 5e then its as easily as if the item is 100e to get it.

Even if all you use is the photo storage then Prime is still better value then Dropbox,

OldMrBrennan83 · 26-09-2016 9:02am

This post has been deleted.

Bacchus · 26-09-2016 9:05am

Cabaal wrote: »

Thing is thats not true at all,
Without using any VPN's you can get the following services in Ireland using Prime
- Kindle Benefits
- Cloud Drive (Unlimited photos storage)
- Prime Music
- Early access to lightening deals

You can use delivery benefits to parcel motel which will allow you to receive prime orders in Ireland in only two days which is great. Also you don't have the min order amount to deal with, so if you want an item costing only 5e then its as easily as if the item is 100e to get it.

Even if all you use is the photo storage then Prime is still better value then Dropbox,

So, to clarify on the posters question (to which you were replying), you don't get the video service? At least not without a VPN?

I signed up for Amazon Prime over a year ago, making that UK/Ireland error. Found it to be the most pointless waste of money if you're not living in the UK. Granted it seems the features have improved. The Kindle library sounds neat and music bundled in is also great. The photo storage was there but it has limited features so I went with another service and got a refund on my Prime account.

Cabaal · 26-09-2016 5:03pm

Bacchus wrote: »

So, to clarify on the posters question (to which you were replying), you don't get the video service? At least not without a VPN?

I signed up for Amazon Prime over a year ago, making that UK/Ireland error. Found it to be the most pointless waste of money if you're not living in the UK. Granted it seems the features have improved. The Kindle library sounds neat and music bundled in is also great. The photo storage was there but it has limited features so I went with another service and got a refund on my Prime account.

To be fair this thread is about the Amazon Echo so the most relevant prime feature to the Echo is really Prime Music, which does work...alot of people are not aware of this

OldMrBrennan83 · 26-09-2016 5:18pm

This post has been deleted.

degsie · 26-09-2016 7:00pm

My Prime Music account is associated with amazon.com. I cannot transfer it to .co.uk without a valid UK payment card

.
Has anyone figured this out?

Cabaal · 26-09-2016 7:46pm

degsie wrote: »

My Prime Music account is associated with amazon.com. I cannot transfer it to .co.uk without a valid UK payment card .
Has anyone figured this out?

You'd likely need to call Amazon and get them to stop the Amazon.com service and make it active on UK.

I had a similar issue with my clouddrive when I first tried to use it, it kept going to .com instead of the UK website so I couldn't use my Prime UK unlimited storage.

Bacchus · 26-09-2016 8:57pm

Cabaal wrote: »

To be fair this thread is about the Amazon Echo so the most relevant prime feature to the Echo is really Prime Music, which does work...alot of people are not aware of this

Oh, I'm not having a go at Amazon Prime, the new features sound really good and at a good price. I just wanted to clarify the video situation as that'd be the clincher to maybe move over.

Cabaal wrote: »

You'd likely need to call Amazon and get them to stop the Amazon.com service and make it active on UK.

I had a similar issue with my clouddrive when I first tried to use it, it kept going to .com instead of the UK website so I couldn't use my Prime UK unlimited storage.

Had that exact same issue. It was a pain. The co.uk people do not communicate at all with the .com people. They may as well be two different companies.

The Ayatolla · 26-09-2016 9:01pm

smartdnsproxy.com works with Amazon Video UK.

26-09-2016 10:57pm

Mine has changed to "Preparing for Dispatch".....money has been taken!!!

donegal. · 27-09-2016 10:31am

degsie wrote: »

My Prime Music account is associated with amazon.com. I cannot transfer it to .co.uk without a valid UK payment card .
Has anyone figured this out?

go to Amazon.co.uk>Your account>Digital content>Your amazon music settings>your country settings>change then put in billing adress with UK address.

i used the address of a parcel motel type place in derry. And my credit card is irish.

mrcheez · 27-09-2016 11:02am

I don't have an account with a music-provider such as Spotify or Amazon Prime so, out of the box, can I play anything on the Amazon Echo once mine arrives?

I plan to sign up to Spotify, but was curious if I could play any music on it the day it arrives?

Am I limited to TuneIn radio, or can I request to play music from a YouTube video?

degsie · 27-09-2016 11:11am

donegal. wrote: »

go to Amazon.co.uk>Your account>Digital content>Your amazon music settings>your country settings>change then put in billing adress with UK address.

i used the address of a parcel motel type place in derry. And my credit card is irish.

Believe me, I tried all the methods mentioned but to no avail

. Amazon chat confirmed it's not possible without a UK issued card.

Cabaal · 27-09-2016 12:38pm

Echo finally dispatched, should have me echo and Philips bulbs come Thursday

deejer · 27-09-2016 12:46pm

Cabaal wrote: »

Echo finally dispatched, should have me echo and Philips bulbs come Thursday

Didn't realise the echo was released this month. Have to wait another month for my dot

BobbyT28 · 27-09-2016 1:19pm

Cabaal wrote: »

Echo finally dispatched, should have me echo and Philips bulbs come Thursday

Which Philips builds did you get?

Cabaal · 27-09-2016 1:36pm

Echo is now registered on my Amazon account (once the echo is dispatched it shows up, the same as kindles do), everything seems fine but i can't seem to select any address in Ireland outside of the very big citys such as Dublin,. Somebody mentioned this can now be changed?

Although I can't set the location to say Kilkenny or Waterford I can set the traffic section to it, which just seems odd

Cabaal · 27-09-2016 1:45pm

BobbyT28 wrote: »

Which Philips builds did you get?

I picked these up on offer from Amazon.de
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B016151IRQ/

I know how things go by Thursday night

For those that have had a echo dispatched to them you can have a look at some of the settings by going to http://alexa.amazon.co.uk/

BobbyT28 · 27-09-2016 5:58pm

Cabaal wrote: »

I picked these up on offer from Amazon.de
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B016151IRQ/

I know how things go by Thursday night

For those that have had a echo dispatched to them you can have a look at some of the settings by going to http://alexa.amazon.co.uk/

Dam I need the other type of light fiting (Not the screw version) think its GU10

Can't see them on the .de site

adox · 27-09-2016 6:49pm

BobbyT28 wrote: »

Dam I need the other type of light fiting (Not the screw version) think its GU10

Can't see them on the .de site

You can buy adaptors for them for very little money which will sort you.
Have a look in the recent bargains thread for these bulbs. There's a couple of links for them.

Cabaal · 27-09-2016 7:52pm

BobbyT28 wrote: »

Dam I need the other type of light fiting (Not the screw version) think its GU10

Can't see them on the .de site

GU10 are these:

These are E27 (edison screw)
ledare-led-bulb-e27-400-lumen-dimmable-globe-opal-white__0362381_pe547440_s4.jpg

These are B22 (bayonet)

Amazon.co.uk sells all three, might also be worth checking .es
But if you want B22 .co.uk is your best bet. But as already pointed out you can buy convertors so don't worry too much

If you're buying the philips hue the colour changing B22 or E27 bulbs are expensive, the GU10's are really expensive but the standard B22 and E27 bulbs are much more reasonable.

The starter kit I went for is colour changing but I won't be purchasing anymore, I'll be going with the standard one's for the rest of the house.

BobbyT28 · 27-09-2016 9:37pm

adox wrote: »

You can buy adaptors for them for very little money which will sort you.
Have a look in the recent bargains thread for these bulbs. There's a couple of links for them.

Just ordered Philips Hue starter pack myself and the Hue dimmer switch https://www.amazon.de/dp/B014HGOBUM/ref=pd_luc_rh_bxgy_01_02_t_img_lh?_encoding=UTF8&th=1#Ask for the front room so I don't have to by 6 x GU10 Hue lights!!.

Remeber I have Ikea adaptors already at home.

:D

Any good deals on Smart plugs at the moment. What plugs are people using?

Thanks again,
BobbyT28

loughrey2887 · 28-09-2016 7:28am

why get the Philips Hue starter kit from Amazon Germany when it's basically the same price in the UK with free shipping and will get here much faster? You're not really saving much when you had 8 euros shipping.

Be careful of updating the bridge. I updated mine last week and half way through the update it failed and completely bricked my bridge. I have to get a replacement now. I won't be updating them again after that experience. The design of the bridges leaves a lot to be desired but the 9w bulbs are the brightest 9w bulbs I've seen. They shine like a 100w incandescent. I was blown away.

Amazon Echo FAQ

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