Anyone with Amazon Echo?

[ellenrr]

My situation:
no regular old-fashioned radio reception in my bldg.
Desktop is in living room; kitchen is where I want to hear.
I have wifi - the whole building was rigged for wifi by optimum.

I can of course livestream on my computer (when I get a new one anyway) bazillions of radio stations.
But if I make it loud enough to hear in the kitchen while i'm washing dishes etc, it may disturb neighbors.

so I went to best buy to look for wireless speakers.
the blue tooth ones they said only work within 3 feet of the source.

Then he showed me Echo.
wow.
I am not a high tech person at all, I still have a basic cell phone, a 10-yr old computer, and a 20 yr-old plain old tv.
And am fine with all that.

but echo, omg,
Hands-free I can command it to get radio, music, etc.
(particularly cool bec. my hands will be busy in the kitchen)
It is not bluetooth so is not limited to 3 feet range.

Is there any downside to Echo that I should know about?

Cuz I tell you - I am in love.

thanks.

ps- if this is in wrong forum pls tell me or move it- I could not find which forum to put this post in.

[BlueStateLib]

1. I'm thinking about getting one, I have wifi radio and really enjoy that

youtube probably has some good reviews

[ellenrr]

2. what kind of wifi radio do you have?

thanks for the tip, had not thought of that.

[BlueStateLib]

3. I have Grace Digital gdi-ird4000 allegro

I wanted something with small foot print

http://atmedia.imgix.net/5682a6593f215190771ded4d158be53d758cbb5d?auto=compress&w=540.0&h=394.0&fit=max

[eniwetok]

4. privacy....

I simply don't trust voice recognition devices not to be listening in when you don't want them too.

After all, it's not that the voice recognition is being done locally. These devices have direct links to voice recognition servers somewhere which translate your words to commands.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2014/11/11/how-closely-is-amazons-echo-listening/

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/nov/21/amazon-echo-alexa-home-robot-privacy-cloud

Privacy concerns are being raised about all these devices... including children's dolls that ask kids to tell them secrets.

[ellenrr]

8. I agree...

even tho a recording device in my home would not pick up anything illegal - or anything of much interest to anyone else! -
I do not choose to give my money to support another intrusion into our privacy.

[eniwetok]

5. On CBS news tonight... Echo records being subpoenaed in murder case

Since the Echo may never really shut off, it may have captured an argument or murder in progress. I doubt Amazon will keep voice files, but they might keep translated voice text output.

[teach1st]

6. Voice is uploaded to the cloud only following wake text

Echo doesn't keep or transmit voice date except for what is spoken after the "wake word."

The wake word is typically "Alexa."

So, if you say "I need a foolproof way to rob a bank," within earshot of echo, echo won't take notice. No voice output will be uploaded to the cloud. But, if you say, "Alexa, I need a foolproof way to rob a bank," that will be uploaded.

http://variety.com/2016/digital/news/amazon-echo-spying-privacy-1201948926/

[teach1st]

7. I have two Echo devices running in my home

I like it. I use the one in my kitchen for adding on to my shopping list ("Alexa, add bread to my shopping list&quot . I can add appointments to my Google calendar via voice command, check my commute, check the weather, and listen to NPR. That said, there are some shortcomings with Echo that appear to be addressed in Google's rival product, Google Home. You might want to read up on both products before choosing.

http://www.cio.com/article/3143137/open-source-tools/amazon-echo-vs-google-home-the-choice-is-obvious.html

[Cristian]

9. I personally like Google Home

I think Google Home is a complete product and will only get better as it evolves and updates. It's AI is far superior to anything currently on the market and as I said, it will only get better in time. Can't really say that about the Echo.

Further comparisons and community opinions about these two products: https://superiorthan.com/superior/Google-home-vs-Amazon-Echo-716