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Amazon Echo Show (2nd Gen) Same Price - Better Device

Amazon Echo Show (2nd Gen) Review: Better In Every Way. I am perfectly happy with my first generation Echo Show devices. I have one on my desk at home and at the office. Video and big sound bring the Internet alive and there are thousands of skills that allow voice command. You can watch movies, videos, listen to the world's music, and even have video calls with other users. The new generation is sleeker, and better in every way, and a bargain at $229. However, I used mine when SWMBO was sick, and, while it is not very Stoic of me, I have an attachment to them. They work fine, and, unless there is a compelling reason to switch, I don't recommend paying over $200 for the new ones. However, if you haven't joined the smart speaker revolution, the 2d gen device is the one to buy. I use the "Echo" command to wake mine up, in order to distinguish between the Echo Dot devices I have around. The new ones will be able to show live TV soon. Now, let's get this day started: "Echo, play the Ride of the Valkyries by the London Philharmonic from Apocalypse Now". Nothing like Wagner to wake you up in the morning.

Top 80 Alexa Commands You Don't Use Enough

The 80 best Amazon Alexa commands. 25% of American households now have smart speakers in their homes. Some of us have them in almost every room. Some of us have both Google smart speakers, and Amazon smart speaker. It can be confusing. I have a Google home device in my office at home. However, when I say "OK Google" or "Hey Google", sometimes my smartwatches or phones answer. I distinguish between my Amazon Echo Show, which has a video screen, by using the "Echo" command instead of "Alexa". It is all so complicated, isn't it? But, the best thing about these devices is that, once you get into the habit of telling them to play your favorite music, or recited today's news or sports headlines, you almost forget you aren't talking to a human like robot. The best thing you can do is read a list like this, and adopt the commands that suit your lifestyle. You can worry about privacy another day. Having a smart computer friend in the room is too cool. "Echo, play some morning music. You know what I like".

Alexa, I Can't Hear You.

Amazon introduces the Echo Input, its first Echo without a speaker | TechCrunch. Okay, most of us have grown accustomed to hearing Alexa's voice, telling us the game scores, or the news, or the time. But, now Amazon is selling an Echo that doesn't have a built in speaker. Why, you may ask? Well, the speakers on the Dot and other Echo devices are tiny and tinny, and many of us already plug them into Aux jacks on existing stereo, amp or other speaker systems. So, Amazon is selling a cheap ($34.99) version of the Echo without a speaker. Called the Echo input, this tech is being included in many high end speaker systems already. Now, you can update your speakers with access to Alexa's sexy voice. The smart home (and office) is here.

Google Assistant Is Your Home And Office Security System

Protecting your home with the Google Assistant. I have heard all the scare stories about Google Home and Amazon Echo devices in the home and office. They record and analyze sounds and have video cameras. This is true; but, they can also be the best security assistant you have. I have WiFi cameras installed in public traffic areas at the office, and I can see what is going on in real time from my phone, wherever I am. Linked to Google Assistant, these cameras can be your eyes and ears, as well as give you the ability to speak to intruders. Smile, you're on security camera, is all that you need to say to get a prospective criminal to go away. You can set up barriers to the violation of your privacy. Have your home or office burglarized, and I bet you will accept the trade-off. Be careful out there. And, to all you prospective burglars, I say "Go ahead, make my day."

Best Buy Has The Google Home Speaker For $35

Best Buy's portable Google Home speaker is just $35 - CNET. This alarm clock, speaker, and Google Assistant combo is normally $150. You can get one for $35 at Best Buy, just in time for football season. This looks like a stylish alarm clock; but, the WiFi connection to Google makes it an intelligent assistant that can answer any question your fellow football fans want to ask during the game. It belongs in every living room. "OK Google. How many interceptions so far this season for our QB?"

Yes, Alexa Will Get Coffee

The One Alexa Skill Everyone Should Know. By now, you have an Echo or Echo Dot in every room in the house. If not, maybe you should reconsider. Unless you are paranoid, these are not evil devices that want to know everything you do all the time. They can learn routines, and you can now give them a series of If-Then commands that can automate your day. I am not that anal; but, it is nice to ask Alexa the time when I am half asleep, and to get all my news with a simple "Alexa, news" command. I may just get a smart plug installed on the coffee maker, however. How cool would it be to say "Alexa, good morning", and have Alexa start the coffee maker. And, like all good little computers, you can always turn her off if you wish. 

Like HouseGuests, SmartTVs Aren't Welcome After A While

The best smart TV is a dumb display and a streaming stick | Android Central. Smart this. Smart that. Smart TVs are monitors that have streaming capabilities baked in; and, which can connect to the Internet for all the WiFi goodness that implies. However, streaming technology is always improving; and, after a year or so, that Smart TV doesn't look so smart anymore. Get a $40 dongle from Amazon or Google, and plug it in to one of the HDMI ports on the back of a plain old TV display. Then, when you get an updated dongle, just plug it in, and your old TV is new again. Duh.

Alexa...Turn Off The TV

$29 For Two Etekcity Smart Plugs With Alexa Compatibility - Deal Alert | Computerworld. These smartplugs are compatible with your Amazon Echo, and can be turned on and off with a voice command. Too lazy to find the remote? Just tell Alexa to do it. Now, try to decide if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

Google I/O 2018 The Google SuperBowl

Google I/O 2018 preview: All of the big announcements you can expect | Android Central. It's that time again, and tomorrow at 1 P.M. Eastern time, Google will announce everything new under the Google sun. A new operating system for phones and tablets, and more secure Android, along with many other cool things. Here is a preview.

Amazon Acquires Ring - Now See Your Packages Arrive?

Amazon has acquired smart home company Ring for more than $1 billion. I love my Ring doorbells. They give me two way communication and video every time someone approaches the front doors of my home and office. I also buy a lot of stuff on Amazon, and always worry about criminals grabbing the boxes from the front porch. What if Amazon bought Ring, and combined the benefits of both? Not too many people like the new Amazon Key service which lets the delivery people open your front door. But, I also have an Amazon Echo Show, which could be used for two way video if installed in the door. At least, I would know that a package had arrived. Amazon is on the right track with this acquisition and I am interested in the implementation. In the meantime, if you come on my porch to steal an Amazon package, hide your face. You are on candid camera.