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Post by Slinger on Apr 20, 2019 13:44:50 GMT
Firstly, apologies for starting yet another "Alexa" themed thread, but I thought that by keeping the title of this one fairly general I (and anyone else, of course) could put all future posts on the subject in here rather than have me spamming the board with variations on a theme by Google. N.B. Skills are what Amazon calls the apps for AlexaHere's a useful skill that's just come to my attention - Sainsbury's. I do my online grocery shopping at Sainsbury's and I can now check what's in my trolley via Alexa. Generally, I do the bulk of my shop at the start of the week, but don't have it delivered until Saturday. I tend to add to, or subtract from my order as the mood takes me and as the week progresses, or even if the weather changes suddenly. (Hmmm. Maybe I'll make a salad and not the stew I had planned as " Alexa, what's the weather?" tells me it's going to be sunny.  ) With the new Sainsbury's skill I can check what's in my shopping basket without having to log into the Sainsbury's site. I can also add things to my current order, or subtract them via Alexa. I haven't fully investigated it yet, but from the little test I've just given it - " Alexa, ask Sainsbury's to add milk to my order." It seemed to access my " favourites" list at Sainsbury's and added the type of milk I order every week. How it deals with non-favourites/one-off items I don't know yet. I do think it'll be getting some use, though. It certainly won't replace the way I currently do my shopping, but as an added feature, so-to-speak, it could definitely prove useful. There are similar skills for Morrisons, and Ocado. Most of the other skills I'm using are either music stations, or are news related. Alexa can aggregate your news skills under the banner of " Alexa, what's my flash briefing?" There are many more skills, and many more categories of skill too. If this link works you'll see the categories listed on the left-hand side of the page. |
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seanm
Rank: Trio
Posts: 169 
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Post by seanm on Apr 20, 2019 13:56:11 GMT
Last summer, I bought an echo dot (the small one with barely a speaker) and a 3rd party speaker/rechargeable battery base, (This makes the sound almost the same as the full sized echo and adds portability). I was slow coming to voice control.
I find the generic shopping list really useful.... The key is that you tend to think of buying stuff when you are either cooking, cleaning or in the shower. There is no need for dry/clean hands, just instantly shout at Alexa. When you are in the shop, the list is on my phone. This has really improved the accuracy of my shopping each week and allowed me to keep a smaller stock of things in reserve without running out.
For similar reasons, when I am cleaning or cooking, I find voice control of music quite useful. Do not underestimate the ability to navigate straight to a track deep within a hierarchy of artists and albums. Currently, this is mostly driving spotify and Amazon music. I have had some success with getting it to operate spotify connect running on my Pi which in turn feeds my "main" system here (recall I am a nomad).
Cheers
Sean
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Post by Slinger on Apr 20, 2019 14:11:16 GMT
I'm loving it, all of my lights are now voice-controlled. I've got three Dots, one each in my Lounge, Kitchen, and Bedroom - They were bought in the Amazon Black Friday sale last year - and the one in the lounge is hooked up to the audio system there, although the Pi/Volumio into the same system leaves it for dead. I'm currently debating whether to use a spare SMSL, or Topping, amp and a pair of speakers for the bedroom Dot. As I remarked to Martin, a little while ago, I asked it to play me some Bach while reading in bed and the limitations of the Dot speaker were apparent when it launched into the Toccata and Fugue in D minor. There wasn't a great deal of bass to be heard.  |
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Post by MartinT on Apr 20, 2019 14:27:31 GMT
You couldn't have chosen a worse piece!
However, you two are leading the charge in home automation.
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Post by Slinger on Apr 20, 2019 14:51:27 GMT
You couldn't have chosen a worse piece! That's the thing, Martin, I didn't choose that piece, I just asked for "Bach," hoping for something fairly soothing.  |
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Post by speedysteve on Apr 20, 2019 15:14:41 GMT
I usually open demoing my system with the Lionell Rogg Toccata and Fugue in D minor  Best version for organ bass I've found. |
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Post by Slinger on Apr 20, 2019 17:27:36 GMT
I usually open demoing my system with the Lionell Rogg Toccata and Fugue in D minor Best version for organ bass I've found. I've just ordered a copy of this...:format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1572843-1229380534.jpeg.jpg) |
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Post by speedysteve on Apr 20, 2019 17:46:19 GMT
This is the one I use.  Track 1. It's so powerful it makes my phone shake! lol Have the cd / Flac but Spotify is just as powerful  |
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Post by MartinT on Apr 20, 2019 18:16:36 GMT
Added to my Qobuz Classical playlist.
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Post by MartinT on Apr 21, 2019 14:44:22 GMT
Added to my Qobuz Classical playlist. Damn, wrong one. It seems that only Volume 2 is available on both Qobuz and Spotify. Where did you find it, speedysteve ? |
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Post by speedysteve on Apr 21, 2019 21:21:11 GMT
It's on Spotify first track up I think..
I did have to search for it a bit I remember.
Here is the track.
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Post by MartinT on Apr 22, 2019 7:30:55 GMT
Got it, thanks Steve. On my playlist for later.
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Post by Slinger on May 12, 2019 16:00:36 GMT
I'm rather pleased with myself. I've just picked up an "open box" Amazon Echo Dot 3rd gen for £22.49 inc. postage. It's always handy to have a spare.
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Post by MikeMusic on May 12, 2019 16:46:56 GMT
Anything really useful needs a second one ! Certainly if you happen to be me and it resembles technology even remotely |
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Post by Slinger on May 24, 2019 13:26:24 GMT
I just thought I'd mention the Amazon Echo Input. Basically, it's an Echo Dot without the speaker, with a 3.5mm output, and bluetooth connectivity. They're currently selling at £19.99 and all you need is one of these and an external speaker, or you can plumb it straight into your hifi with a 3.5mm to RCA lead. Indeed, that's how I've got the Dot in my living room setup. It's just another inexpensive way of letting Alexa into your life.  |
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Post by MartinT on May 24, 2019 13:30:19 GMT
or you can plumb it straight into your hifi with a 3.5mm to RCA lead Alexa: "WINTER IS COMING", right over your Beethoven's Fifth! |
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Post by Slinger on Jul 12, 2019 23:29:17 GMT
Amazon are currently selling the Echo Dot (3rd Gen) at £24.99 instead of £49.99 if anyone's interested.
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Post by Slinger on Jul 14, 2019 14:03:58 GMT
Amazon have now reduced the Echo Dot (3rd Gen) to £22.00 If you've been wavering, now would be an excellent time to buy one, or two, or three.
The deal is for Prime Members, and lasts until Midnight on Tuesday I believe.
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Post by Slinger on Jul 15, 2019 13:49:35 GMT
This is interesting, to me at least (unfortunately) the Echo Show 5 is on sale at £49.99 instead of £79.99 until midnight tomorrow, Tuesday. Amazon are also flogging a year's worth of Prime membership for £59.00 instead of £79.00 until the same time.  REVIEW |
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seanm
Rank: Trio
Posts: 169
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Post by seanm on Jul 15, 2019 14:40:44 GMT
A "suitable"* Amazon fire tablet plus the associated "show dock" charging port/stand more or less equals an echo show. I have this for a 8" fire tablet purchased last summer.
* suitable, from memory, last summer, it was the 8" or 10" fire tablets
Cheers
Sean
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