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Old 07-16-2017, 06:39 PM #21
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There could be some privacy /security concerns to be aware of for these devices.. some info --
amazon alexa and google home security concerns - Google Search
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Old 09-27-2017, 01:31 PM #22
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Echo Dot update.

I was talking to my DS about this new device. Both of us agree, we like it more than we anticipated.

Funny glitch. Although my Alexa turns on or off the bedroom light, we sometimes have to do the command again if she does not respond on the first time. DH was there and assumed a stern and angry voice, as if speaking to a recalcitrant child. I had to laugh and remind him that this is a computer that responds to processing the word commands not a reprimand.

So funny how easy it is to personify an inanimate object!
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Old 09-27-2017, 10:56 PM #23
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My DH is seriously considering getting one after I had mentioned it. He started looking into all the things it could do, like not just acting as a clapper for the lights or an insta-radio which is what he initially thought of...but voice activated climate control! Sign him up lol. Should be noted he's an assistant general manager to a heating and a/c company here sooooo.... needless to say that's what has him the most excited . So I'll probably have one or two of the dots in the house by the end of the month, along with new bulbs throughout the house, new thermostat installed, and some new outlets, he really never does things by halfs (except his laundry )
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Old 09-28-2017, 01:54 AM #24
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I bought a little plug that's Alexa enabled. Well, it's supposed to be. Right now I'm using an app on my phone to use it, I just haven't gotten around to teaching Alexa to turn it on and off.

I'm using the plug to turn a lamp on and off upstairs right now. That way I don't have to walk across the room to turn the lamp off, and then stumble around in the dark to get back downstairs to my room. I'm going to try to teach Alexa to use it tomorrow. On the off chance she can't learn to use it, I think I'll still like it because of the app on my phone.

Going to look around and see if I can find other brands of these plugs and see if they'll play well with Siri also.

I now have three Alexa's. I have two Dot's, and one regular sized Alexa. I really like the bigger speaker. I bought one of my Dot's a battery pack, so it's portable. I can take it outside if I want to.

Kind of wish that my free trial of Sirius XM wasn't going to be over this weekend. I'm enjoying listening to that trial on one of my Alexa's at night when I'm trying to sleep. (got the free trial when I got my new car earlier this summer). I'm not willing to pony up the cash to continue the subscription, but it's nice that I can play audiobooks from Audible on it, and then there's always the IHeartRadio skill. Listen to the radio on that.

I had to cancel the security system that my dad had gotten for us last year. Cost too much. But, I have some bluetooth lightbulbs that I was using with the security system. I'm going to buy a hub from Amazon that costs about $50. I'll be able to use those bluetooth lightbulbs with the hub and make Alexa turn lights on and off for me. I'm kind of excited about that, because I have six bulbs, and five lamps. Might buy some extra bulbs and have two of the bulbs in my garage.

I'm having a lot of fun with the Alexa. I play Jeopardy! every night with her, and I probably listen to music a lot more often because it's easier to find stuff to listen to with her. Just tell her what I want to listen to, and she finds it. I like to listen to swing music, and kind of like the swing jazz channel she plays.


Oh, and I use Alexa to tell me when to take my Ampyra. I have to take it every 12hrs, so when I take it, I just tell Alexa to set the timer for me. I usually tell Siri on my phone at the same time, just in case I have to go somewhere. That way I have a backup telling me when to take the Ampyra.
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Old 09-28-2017, 12:05 PM #25
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Erin - you are so far ahead of me in creating a smart home.

Amazon just rolled out a list of new Echo products. DH and I will be going through this list to see what will benefit our lifestyle.
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Old 09-28-2017, 10:26 PM #26
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after the conversation that I just had with my aunt, my smart home is probably going to be stupid. Just found out a bunch of stuff. I don't know how things got so screwed up in my life, but they're so screwed up I don't know if I can recover. Really ticked off, and really disappointed about some things I just found out.

I might not be online for awhile. I don't know what's about to happen.
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Old 09-30-2017, 10:22 AM #27
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Oh Erin I'm so sorry you got some very troubling news... I hope everything works out for the best for you, and please let us know when you're able to how you're holding up. and if you need anything at all
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Old 09-30-2017, 10:48 AM #28
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I'm still online...for now.
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Old 11-05-2017, 09:24 AM #29
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Well the DH, bought 2 echo dots and 2 more will be on the way, he also is getting the lightbulbs that connect and 2 or 3 of the compatible robotic vacuums (not sure if we’re going shark or ryobi yet) but which ever we get it’s gotta be better than pulling out the vacuum everyday and chasing kitty fuzz through the house . She’s a lot more fun than I expected, and so far so good on telling her things though occasionally she likes to ignore me still .

Still it’s nice controlling the temp in the house from the couch, and rattling off my grocery list, also nice to have someone I can practice foreign languages with even if it’s not quite the same as a real person. Still for all the things we need to pick up to go with her to really get more than a voice controlled radio.... let’s just say I’m glad my DH can get commissions, we live comfortably but $400-600 just to vacuum the house is nothing to sneeze at
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Old 11-09-2017, 12:04 PM #30
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I'm really impressed by those of you setting up your smart homes. I worked with technology for over 20 years and I'm slacking in this area. I have a Wemo switch that I use for the holiday lights but that's it.

I sold these products when I was still working. I have a smartwatch that syncs with my phone and a Fitbit for sleep tracking but that's about it for me. I think my hesitation comes from the cost. If I had a device connected to Amazon I would spend more money on things I really don't need.

I have an older Bose speaker that I keep in the bathroom so I can listen to the news while I take my shower. I click on the app to start the music and it works well for me. I talked to DH about a smart thermostat, garage door controller and Ring video doorbell but he didn't have much interest.

One thing I would like someday when the price is even lower is the video camera setup to monitor the cats when we go on short vacations. They can stay alone for up to 4 days safely but I'd feel better if I could see them moving about the house.
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