REVIEW - Amazon Echo Dot / Alexa

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
Can you change the 'name' of these things? What would happen if somebody whose real name was Alexa lived in the house?
 

Jonah

Spouting nonsense since the day I learned to talk
I think you may be able to change it’s name to “Computer”. Which would suit a Star Trek fan.
 

Cue

Well-Known Forumite
These things are like a drug.

Since buying our full size Echo last year, we now have:

  • 4 Phillips hue bulbs
  • A Neato Botvac Connected
  • Three TP-Link WiFi plugs
  • A home automation server running HomeAssistant to allow for connecting stuff to Alexa and HomeKit that you otherwise cannot
  • When we had the garden done we had a Sonoff in-line switch put in for the garden lights so they’re hooked up to Alexa too
  • Working on the robot mower, gonna have to write that one myself
Beware. My parents are doing the same... my ma’s now got a few TP Link plugs and has just purchased an iRobot Braava Jet to help mop the floor. Even my grandparents now have an Echo and a TP Link Switch or two
 

Perrier

Banned
With the latest update the wife who is usually in her quiet room can now 'drop in' using her echo dot to the main full-size echo in the living room and demand her cup of tea .

This intercommunication also works through the Alexa app on my phone as well so I can't escape my duties :/
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Any thoughts between this and the google one? I use android for everything and google has all my photos etc. but I have an amazon prime unlimited subscription for the next 6 months which is probably it's primary use for me. Can it control plex? Or rather a roku I guess?
 

wmrcomputers

Stafford PC & laptop repair specialist
Theres an Alexa skill for Quick remote which can control roku devices, although I've not tried it myself yet. Will give it a blast and see how it goes, although for me my main use is the Amazon music and things you have to leave the sofa to usually do (like switching on the fire / lights etc.) When I have a Roku remote in my hand it seems more cumbersome to keep having to say "Alexa..... ask quick remote to..." etc.
The only possible reason I'd want to actually use such a skill is for showing off reasons really - which I wouldn't - so I probably wont! ;)
 

Glam

Mad Cat Woman
I'd like an Alexa for doing the bins, emptying the cats' dirt boxes, making me a cup of tea, washing up etc etc. I can dream...........
 

wmrcomputers

Stafford PC & laptop repair specialist
I'd like an Alexa for doing the bins, emptying the cats' dirt boxes, making me a cup of tea, washing up etc etc. I can dream...........
For the right fee, there are people that will do all of that and let you call them Alexa ;)
 

wmrcomputers

Stafford PC & laptop repair specialist
Right, @tek-monkey - dont bother yourself with the QUICK REMOTE app. 7 days free trial then 99p a month - for an app that lets me say "up up down down enter" etc. I'd rather use the chuffing remote!

However, I hadn't realised there was a Plex skill. Once installed within Alexa it was a right pain to get working but I eventually figured it all out and I can now say "Alexa, ask plex to play (movie title)" and it all works swimmingly. With my downloaded TV series stuff it also uses your plex servers "on deck" information so asks if you wish to continue from where you left off etc. Not too bad, but struggling with a few film titles. It can't understand me saying "we bought a zoo" no matter how clear I say it. Needless to say I almost asked her to recommend a glazing company - but then stopped myself from chucking her through a window!
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
Right, @tek-monkey - dont bother yourself with the QUICK REMOTE app. 7 days free trial then 99p a month - for an app that lets me say "up up down down enter" etc. I'd rather use the chuffing remote!

However, I hadn't realised there was a Plex skill. Once installed within Alexa it was a right pain to get working but I eventually figured it all out and I can now say "Alexa, ask plex to play (movie title)" and it all works swimmingly. With my downloaded TV series stuff it also uses your plex servers "on deck" information so asks if you wish to continue from where you left off etc. Not too bad, but struggling with a few film titles. It can't understand me saying "we bought a zoo" no matter how clear I say it. Needless to say I almost asked her to recommend a glazing company - but then stopped myself from chucking her through a window!
So, when you've got Alexa sorted and fully obedient, are you going to start on the wife?
 

wmrcomputers

Stafford PC & laptop repair specialist
A further update for you @tek-monkey - using Alexa, the plex skill tells your media server to cast it to the Roku. I had a few more buffering issues than I normally would but that could be my own router I can't be certain. Also, you seem to have to start the Plex app manually and give chance for the server to connect to it before giving Alexa instructions. As I expected, I'll most likely end up picking the Roku remote up as usual.

If buying an Amazon Echo though, do check out the "Ewelink fan" app combined with the Sonoff wifi switches on eBay. At around £5.50 a switch they're faultless at turning standard mains items / lights on and off (if you don't need snazzy multi-coloured bulbs and stuff). Which reminds me... I must order another and fit it to the electric blanket so that I can switch it on from downstairs 10 mins before heading to bed. Getting old and feeling the cold now. ;) The Ewelink app can be used to switch them from your mobile too so you don't have to just rely on Alexa. You can also set up timers via the Ewelink app which is great for lighting while your away from home, or checking that you did remember to turn the electric fire off etc. So many good points - especially for such a little amount of money.
 
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