Amazon Echo

[andyb]

nigelpugh7 said:

Mine was deliverd today.

So far it's total st***

It won't connect to any of my networks, and keeps having issues with setup.

Can't be arsed to play with it any more.

It's going back for a full refund first thing Tommorow.

Mine wouldn't connect to wifi using the app on my phone (as my phone kept dropping the Amazon wifi and going back to the normal one). But tried with a tablet and worked fine, so try a different device before returning.

Its worth persevering. I was dubious about the voice control (my Garmin sat nav is attrocious at spotting the start word) but it works really well. Kids had fun this morning asking it all sorts of questions... and its also nice to have an internet radio / online music player that doesn't need a phone to operate.

[nigelpugh7]

andyb said:

Mine wouldn't connect to wifi using the app on my phone (as my phone kept dropping the Amazon wifi and going back to the normal one). But tried with a tablet and worked fine, so try a different device before returning.

Its worth persevering. I was dubious about the voice control (my Garmin sat nav is attrocious at spotting the start word) but it works really well. Kids had fun this morning asking it all sorts of questions... and its also nice to have an internet radio / online music player that doesn't need a phone to operate.

Thanks for that advice Andy.

Sadly I have now tried multiple IOS devices, they all connect to Echo fine and I get the audible connection.

We then go through the automated set up where it asks me to pick one of my wireless networks.

The Alexa app then goes about 50% through the completion indicator and just stops.

It's the same on my Mac too.

I have tried changing the settings on the BT home hub, but to no avail.

In the end Alex speaks - " I'm having trouble connection, I will keep trying "

Then the wifi connection from the IOS or Mac is dropped and the orange light goes back to purple.

Looking at other peoples issues with BT, they suggest giving echo a fixed IP address.

They suggest doing this is the advanced settings to the Alexa app, but I can find an option for advanced on IOS or OSX versions of the Alexa app.

The IP address indicated on the echo is odd too, it's 10.201.126.247 with a router IP of 10.201.126.241.

Not sure what else I can try now!!

[BOBTEE]

We've had a laugh asking her loads of questions... 'how much is that doggy in the window?' is a good one Loads of others on Google

[nigelpugh7]

Right I've managed to get mine working now.

Not sure what exactly did it, but I turned off the hub firewall and disabled the parental settings.

Then whilst doing something else, it connected on its own and Alexa announced " your echo set up is complete!"

I've turned both of those settings back on now, and it's all working fine.

Now to have some fun with asking here weird and wonderful Stuff!

I've already tried " Alexa - Open the bomb bay doors" - hilarious response!

[Cotty]

I think the first I will do is change the wake up name from Alexa to Echo. I work with an Alexa who is an annoying cow and don’t wish to be reminded of her.

[BOBTEE]

I'm starting to really like her, great for radio... 'Alexa, stream BBC Radio1/2/6' all work a treat.

I was just watching some rallying full screen on my PC, didn't know what time it was so just asked Alexa rather than faffing with my playback.

We also have a saga every time we dish up rice. The girlfriend watches her portions so weighs out the rice so we have to weigh the full bowl, minus the weight of the bowl itself and then half what's left, Alexa did all the maths for us last night

[chopper602]

I changed the name to Echo too, as I think the wife was getting jealous!

Try "Party on Wayne"

[Cotty]

BOBTEE said:

We also have a saga every time we dish up rice. The girlfriend watches her portions so weighs out the rice so we have to weigh the full bowl, minus the weight of the bowl itself and then half what's left, Alexa did all the maths for us last night

You should be able to put the bowl on the scales. Zero the scales with the bowl in place, then it will only be weighing the rice being poured in.

[Xaero]

Set mine up OK today, and I'm on BT.

Playing music is the most useful thing, not sure how much I'm going to use it really. It is heavier and bigger than I was expecting.

Is the shopping list just a memory within echo? I thought it would actually add the items to my amazon basket so I can buy them later.

[smn159]

Xaero said:

Set mine up OK today, and I'm on BT.

Playing music is the most useful thing, not sure how much I'm going to use it really. It is heavier and bigger than I was expecting.

Is the shopping list just a memory within echo? I thought it would actually add the items to my amazon basket so I can buy them later.

You can view the list within the app on your phone and tick them off as you wander round the supermarket.

It's a good feature IMO

[Richyboy]

She doesn't read kindle ebooks but other than that I can't complain, worth £99.99 easily.

[Big E 118]

smn159 said:

Xaero said:

Set mine up OK today, and I'm on BT.

Playing music is the most useful thing, not sure how much I'm going to use it really. It is heavier and bigger than I was expecting.

Is the shopping list just a memory within echo? I thought it would actually add the items to my amazon basket so I can buy them later.

You can view the list within the app on your phone and tick them off as you wander round the supermarket.

It's a good feature IMO

Or automatically re-order items you have ordered through Amazon previously.

I bought one for the wife and have it set up in the kitchen, she as a completely non-tech person loves it! It's mostly used for music and news but she also does weight conversions and loves the shopping list and to do list.

I've got lots to set up yet and want to integrate opening our front gates and windows (remotely operated Velux in the eaves and staircase) as well as lighting and heating.

The kids like her jokes as well....

[BOBTEE]

Cotty said:

BOBTEE said:

We also have a saga every time we dish up rice. The girlfriend watches her portions so weighs out the rice so we have to weigh the full bowl, minus the weight of the bowl itself and then half what's left, Alexa did all the maths for us last night

You should be able to put the bowl on the scales. Zero the scales with the bowl in place, then it will only be weighing the rice being poured in.

We weigh the bowl of cooked rice, minus 520g for the bowl which leaves the amount of cooked rice, then we weigh out half again each using the method you describe

I cannot for the life of me get Alexa and IFTTT to work together to turn my TV on via Harmony!

[Stu-nph26]

I said good morning Alexa and it replied good morning I think we need to wake Green Day up 😀

[boxedin]

I think Amazon's Mr. Robot shows what the Echo is designed for, and it ain't shopping!

[dxg]

I'm really looking forward to my Dot arriving and going into the kitchen (for radio, music and timers).

I'm already having visions of buying a second one for the bedroom (for lights and music) and another for work (so I can call out to do tasks which I can than sort out when I'm back at home).

[Bullett]

What questions have you asked her?

The Amazon guys are geeks for sure, I asked her about the airspeed of an unladen swallow and got the right response. Ask her about Hal and apparently they don't talk after the incident.

[BOBTEE]

I asked her for a date... Friendzoned!

[Cotty]

Would this be handy
The complete list of Alexa commands so far
https://www.cnet.com/uk/how-to/the-complete-list-o...

[Cotty]

Can someone tell me what Alexa says when you ask her

"Alexa, I want the truth."