First look at the Smart Column Amazon Echo. Smart Column With Voice Assistant Amazon Echo Smart Column Amazon Echo

Since then, Amazon presented his voice assistant for the first time in 2014,
Amazon confidently became the most popular mention in the "Smart Home" section. And unexpectedly, almost every IT company decided to integrate his product with a virtual voice assistant from Amazon - Alex.

Such integration is constantly continuing with reinforced pace and sometimes it is very difficult to even imagine what kind of product will support Alex. The website of Amazon himself tries to show the top of the most popular products with the possibility of working with Alex, but information about all products with support for the alexes is not very well structured.
In addition, for obvious reasons, the fact is often mastered that to work with such devices and to use all the capabilities of the Alex ecosystem, you do not even need to have an ECHO device itself.

In this way, not only Amazon Embeds Alex in its new devices (Echo Plus, Echo Spot and Fire HD 10 tablet), but also the company allows you to embed the support of Alexa to third-part manufacturers in their products, such as Ford has become embedded by the voice assistant from Amazon to their new Models of cars.

In order to understand what Alex reached, we decided to make a detailed guide.
Below is a list of products, one way or another using the possibilities of voice assistant from Amazon.

Devices with Alex
Hubs smart home
Light control devices
Species, dimmers, sockets
Castles, Cameras, Security
Devices for heating and cooling
Cars
Services
miscellanea

Devices with Alex

Although Alexa Echo remains flagship, it has long been not alone. Constantly appear new versions, as well as devices from third-party manufacturers.

So, a small review:

Amazon Echo (2nd Gen.)

Announced September 27, 2017, the second generation of ECHO has the same opportunities, but has smaller dimensions and more convenient functionality.

In essence, it is a bluetooth column with sensitive microphones and with the AlwaySon feature. It can manage smart home devices, play music from your phone, Amazon Prime or Spotify, as well as order products from Amazon and all this with voice commands.

With the help of the Alexa application, you can customize the virtual assistant as you like, and with the help of hundreds of skills, we can do almost everything - from obtaining an exact weather forecast before reproducing any indecent sounds.

The price of such a device begins with $ 99, which is almost twice as cheaper and less than the first generation ECHO dimensions and with a fabric coating of the case. Covering the device body can be selected from several options, thereby choosing the most suitable for each room.

Also in the echo of the second generation, the best sound reproduction is stated thanks to the Dolby system, which was represented by last summer - so-called. Multic aware audio system.

This makes it possible to compete echo with other similar systems to play audio, in particular such as Sonos.

The second generation of Echo is available to pre-order $ 99, the start of sales is scheduled for October 31, 2017.

Amazon Echo Plus.

Amazon Echo Plus looks like an echo flagship upgrade. The same design, but a new color appeared - silver. From the new feature - Echo Plus can work as a hub for a smart home.

Just ask Alex about the installed devices in your home and she will manage them.
A smart Hue lamp from Phillips is a gift for pre-ordered.

Amazon Echo Show.

One of the most recent innovations in the Echo - Show family. Added touchscreen, camera and smart speaker, allowing you to make video calls, smoothing camcorders, watch Amazon Prime Video, of course, buy things from Amazon and much more.

Price - $ 229.99

Amazon Echo Connect.

Echo Connect - a $ 35 device that turns any alexus compatible device into a wired telephone.

Allows you to connect your home phone to Alex and makes it possible to make and receive calls through the smart column.

Amazon Echo Spot.

Echo Spot - Hybrid Echo Show and Dot, price - $ 129.99. Pre-ordered, sales will begin on December 19, 2017.

Echo Spot allows video calls to other owners of Alexa Show and Spot, view weather forecasts, Alarms, timers, etc. ...

A small device that can be placed in any room has a built-in bluetooth, internal speaker and audio output to connect to the amplifier.

Amazon Echo Dot.

Take Echo, cut up the top and you will get Echo Dot. Dot got rid of high-quality dynamics to reduce the price, but remained as smart.

A small built-in speaker will allow you to communicate with Alex, but is not sufficient for high-quality reproduction of stringy audio.

Instead, you can connect an extra amplifier both through bluetooth and via wire audio output.

Separately, DOT is sold for $ 49, but Amazon makes discounts when buying several pieces or when buying with a BOSE audio system or with other devices for a smart home.

Amazon Tap.

Amazon Tap took the main functionality from Echo and packed them into a portable bluetooth column. Because It works from batteries, Amazon Tap does not always listen keywordlike Echo or Echo Dot. You need to click on the microphone button to tell the command. However, the new update will work in Hands-Free mode for about an hour.

Although Tap is portable, it requires Wi-Fi connection (no 3G or LTE option), so if you are outdoors, you need to use your smartphone as a point of access.

Price $ 129.99

Amazon Echo Look

Recent addition in the Echo, Echo Look family is a camera with built-in Alex, which allows you to work as an assistant as your stylist.

You can make photos and video of your appearance and using Machine Learning Alex will advise how you look better and of course, it will recommend buy new clothes.
Echo Look is not yet available, but you can apply for a purchase in Amazon for $ 199,99.

Amazon Fire TV.

New Fire TV will be available from October 25, 2017, pre-ordered for $ 69.99, compatible with
4K Ultra HD and HDR TVS and 40% more powerful than Fire TV Stick.

The device does not have all the functions of the Alexa as in Echo, but it can be managed by a smart home and use Alexa Skills. You can control CBS, NBC, Hulu and Netflix vote applications. The main difference in management - you need a TV and you can talk to Alex through the path of Fire TV Remote. There is no function of Always-on Listening, but it can be a plus when you want to keep privacy.

Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote Nakua supports Alex by using the same interface remote control. The same functionality, like on Fire TV and at the same time the opportunity to buy a virtual assistant for only $ 50

Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet

The popular tablet from Amazon for $ 80 is now with support for Alexa. You can watch the strorming TV and movies, use thousands of applications, read books in Kindl format and much more. It is very convenient to use Alex to search for the desired application or TV show that you want to see, especially when your hands are busy.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

The new Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet is an improved version of the popular Fire HD 8. In addition to 10 inch screen and greater resolution (1080p), this tablet also has a built-in alex. The price begins with $ 150 per model with 32GB, there are 3 colors - black, red and blue.

Amazon applications

Want to use Alex anywhere, not just at home? Thanks to the recent upgrade of the Amazon application for the iPhone, now a virtual assistant and in this popular shopping application. It does not support all the functions of Alexa compared to Echo, but will allow you to use Alexa for example to search for goods in Amazon.

Unfortunately, nothing is said about when the Android version will be released.

Alexa Gadgets.

Amazon announced a whole line of gadgets with the support of the alexes, designed specifically for collaboration With echo devices.

While we just know about Echo Button worth $ 20, which are used for games with friends, such as Trivia.

About the start of sales is not yet known.

Huawei Mate 9.

When for the first time, Huawei said that Mate 9 would be the first smartphone with built-in Alex, it made a lot of noise.

The phone works under android, but instead of using Google Assistant.The company retreated from Google, preferring a virtual assistant from Amazon.

The price is $ 464, there are 2 days of work from one charge and the Leica chamber (64GB).

Smart Thermostat Ecobee4.

If you decide to use Alex everywhere in your home, then the smart EcoBee4 thermostat you just need. If you replace all the thermostats in the house on Ecobee4, then you will not only get smart thermostat, but also permanent access to Alex, thanks to the microphone and dynamics built into the thermostat. Available for pre-order at a price of $ 249, sales start - May 15, 2018.

Ecobee Smart Switch

EcoBee Smart Light Switch is the first switch which will allow you to use Alex in each room. Also has light sensors, but that's all we know. More information about the price, apparently available in the nearest release of companies.

Invoxia Triby.

If you want to make your refrigerator smarter without spending thousands of dollars, pay attention to Invoxia Triby. This is the first device from a third-party developer who offers integration with Alex. It has a built-in speaker to play music, screen and the ability to make phone calls.

Price - $ 120

Ford Sync

Ford cars with the latest version of the Ford Sync system will have integration with Alex, including both the basic Echo functions and a special automotive assistant functionality.
Such integration last year won Ces Editors "Choice Awards.

BMW and Mini.

Ford's status as the only company offering the alexes functionality in the car, comes to an end.

BMW and Mini will produce cars with built-in Alex in on board computer Already in mid-2018.

You can find out the nearest refueling, weather forecast, flipping musical tracks and much more without distracting attention from the road.

In addition, if you have other devices of a smart home, you can access them while you are on the way. Now you will not forget to close the garage gate or the entrance door.

Smart Home Hubs.

Although Alex can manage a large number of smart home devices, many integrations of the smart home require the use of a hub as a binder. Uncomfortable? Yes. But since devices with Alex required wireless connection To communicate directly with each other, this kind of interaction is necessary for in the foreseeable future we can more effectively do it.

Samsung SmartThings Hub.

SmartThings from Samsung is one of the most advanced systems for a smart home market.
Integration with Alex allows you to manage almost all SmartThings compatible devices that can be turned on and off.

Also in the list of compatible devices, you can enable smart lamps, fans, outlets and switches, locks and thermostats.

Wink Hubs.

Wink is possible the main competitor SmartThings, although it has fewer supported devices. Using a hub from Wink, Alex receives access to managing smart lamps, switches and sockets, thermostats. The company offers a second-generation hubs for $ 99 and the first generation hubs for $ 69 - the main difference is that the second generation has a bluetooth and a more powerful processor.

Insteon Hub.

Insteon may not be as known as SmartThings and Wink, but the support of old ecosystems of a smart home remains a very interesting option. Alexa can manage devices using a hub from XSteon. It will not work with all the hubs, but using the Insteon Hub model (2245-222) you can control sockets, switches and wired thermostats.

Alarm.com Hub.

On CES 2016, the company announced integration with Echo Amazon, which allows you to control the devices to control light and thermostats. You can also drive a security system voice.

Vivint Hub.

Vivint - a system installed by authorized representatives and also on CES 2016 was announced by the integration with Alex. Here Alex can be used to include the security of a smart home, control of lamps, thermostats, garage doors and even smart locks.

Even though vivint is the system installed dealers, it is considered the best voice control system among smart home systems, although competition in this segment is growing rapidly.

Nexia Home Intelligence Bridge

Nexia is not yet a very famous brand, but knows how to work with a crowd of Z-Wave compatible devices for a smart home. Also, Alarm.com and Vivint, Nexia announced integration with Alex, but until it did not present in detail the general public about what kind of devices will be compatible with Alex.

Universal Devices ISY HUBS

You may never hear about Universal Devices, but gickers home automation know this company as thanks to Insteon compatible ISY Habam ("IZZY"). The company offers 2 hub - ISY-994I Series and ISY-994IZW Series. Both are compatible with XSteon, but also added support for Z-Wave. You can separately enable integration with Alex and you can control light, door locks, thermostats, etc.

HomeSeer Home Controllers.

HomeSeer offers 6 different controllers (hubs) for a smart home whose functionality is more suitable for guys than for an ordinary user. With integration with Alex, HomeSeer allows voice to control light, locks, thermostats, garage gates and a security system.

Simple Control Simple Hub

Simple Control was initially focused on audio / video control devices and a home theater, but the powerful controller of this company allows you to manage many other devices, including SmartThings systems from Samsung and Insteon.

This system is quite complex and notable, but allows you to make many customized settings. Alex in a pair with such a system can control televisions and even switch channels.

Almond Smart. Home WiFi. Routers.

Instead of buying a separate hub and separately a Wi-Fi router, SECURIFI "S almond combined these device in one piece of iron. Two Router from the Almond - Almond + and Almond 2015 line can also work with Alex and Echo. With such integration you can activate various Scenarios and controllers operating modes (Dinner Scene, Evening Scene, etc.)

Smart lighting

The light control was the very first operating mode in the smart home, which began to make Alex and today's huge number of smart lamps (as well as switches, dimmers and sockets) capable of working with ECHO, clearly show how far alexus advanced.
Most of these devices are smart lamps, which, on the one hand, are quite complex devices, and on the other, it is fairly easily configured by ordinary users, which allows them to immediately feel like a smart home.

PHILIPS HUE WHITE STARTER KIT

Philips makes the best smart lamps in terms of price / quality ratio, so they are our favorites. Lamps work with Siri and can work with Alex what gives additional features and a choice for voice control. In a set for $ 69, there are 2 lamps at once, but you can also purchase them separately.

Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit

Very good set and that's why they not only have good characteristics, but also can work in third-party ecosystems. As well as the usual set, can work with Siri and Alex from the box.

Philips Hue Go (Via Hue Bridge)

Philips Hue Go is a color lamp with batteries, with a luminosity of 300 lumens and work time up to 3 hours. The Philips Hue Bridge is required (included in the set presented above) and can be controlled by a special application or Alex.

Philips Friends of Hue LightStrip (need Hue Bridg)

Another device from the HUE line is LightStrip - a luminous multicolor tape that can be cut. Also need Hue Bridge to work with Alex.

LIFX SMART BULBS AND LIGHT STRIP

LIFX has a small product line - LIFX 19 - Multicolor lamps, LIFX + A19 - Multicolor lamps with infrared radiation for night vision chambers and LiFX Z - luminous tape. Philips Hue Making Alternative, since these lamps are managed directly via Wi-Fi and do not require a hub. And since they work through Wi-Fi, they are easily integrated with Alex.

TP-LINK WIFI SMART BULBS

When you hear TP-Link name, then you will probably think about Wi-Fi routers, but the company also produces very interesting devices for a smart home, including 4 species of various smart lamps working with Alex. The lamps also do not need a hub, which makes them available at a price ($ 18).

CREE Connected LED (need SmartThings Hub or Wink Hub)

CREE Connected LED lamps are one of the most attractive at the price and in functionality. Prices are contemporated with Philips Hue White lamps and can work almost with any hubs for smart home. This makes them the best in the long run, if you decide to use CREE Connected LED to build your own ecosystem of the smart home. With hubs from SmartThings or Wink Hub you can control these lamps using the alexes. The line has lamps with a temperature of 5000K.

Price - from $ 15.

GE LINK BULB (work with Wink Hub)

Lams from General Electric Ge Link attempts to compete with CREE Connected LED for the price, functionality and color temperature, but do not reach other characteristics. Also can work with Alex through a hub from Wink.

OSRAM Lightify Smart Bulb (need SmartThings Hub or Wink Hub)

The Lightify Lights Lights from OSRAM cannot change color, but can change the color temperature in a bit of smaller than LIFX White 800. Work with Alex through a hub from SmartThings Hub or Wink Hub.

TCP Connected Smart Bulbs (Need SmartThings Hub or Wink Hub)

TCP Connected lamps are not the best solution. They need their own controller and they are not impressive with their characteristics. But they can also work with Alex through a hub from SmartThings Hub or Wink Hub.

Switches, dimmers and sockets

In a sense, this is an addition to light management, but here you can control smart switches, sockets and forks. Starting from ceiling fans to garbage gridors, there are many things that you can make smart with a socket or switch. And of course, if you use the devices described below, we will be able to control them with the help of the alexes.

Belkin Wemo Light Switch

If you just want to turn on-off and want to work with Alex, then Belkin Wemo Light Switch the best choice. In contrast to competitors, this switch works with Wi-Fi directly, which means that you can control through Alex without a hub.

Belkin WEMO SWITCH

The name WEMO SWITCH is a bit deceptive - this is a smart socket, not a switch. The switch is called only because that you can turn on / off using the button on the housing or using the application. It also works with Wi-Fi, and easily integrates with Alex.

Belkin Wemo Insight Switch

Insight Switch is the same functionality as in WEMO SWITCH, but it is added to monitor the use of the energy of any device included through this outlet. Fashionable feature for only $ 10 to meet with WEMO SWITCH, but it is unlikely that you will ask for an alex how much energy for the month has spent your coffee machine.

ihome Smart Plug (via Wink Hub)

Also, like BELKIN switches "S WEMO, IHOME Smart Plug allows you to turn on / off light or various devices. Works with Apple Homekit (Siri Support), Nest and Wink. Although it works directly from Wi-Fi, you only work with Alex through Hub Wink.

Samsung SmartThings Outlet (via SmartThings Hub)

SmartThings produced this outlet long before Samsung acquired this startup and releases to this day. Works through the ZigBee protocol instead of Wi-Fi, which means that you will need smartthings hub if you want to control the outlet with alexus.

D-Link WiFi Smart Plugs

As well as TP-Link, D-Link offers 2 types of smart sockets working with Alex -
The usual DSP-W110 Smart Plug and with power consumption monitoring function - DSP-W215 SMART Plug.

Insteon Switches, Dimmers, And Outlets (through Insteon Hub)

Insteon, in contrast to other manufacturers of systems for a smart home, independently produces dimmers, switches and sockets. Thanks to integration with ECHO, all devices can work with alex.

GE Z-Wave Switches, Dimmers, And Outlets (via SmartThings Hub)

General Electric can be and moves down the production of devices, but the company sells a large number of Smart switches, dimmers and sockets. Amazon does not mention that these devices work with Alex, but since they are all compatible with SmartThings controller, then this means that they should work with Alex.

Leviton Switches, Dimmers, And Outlets (via SmartThings Hub or Wink Hub)

Just like General Electric, Leviton produces smart switches, dimmers and sockets that can be controlled by Alex through the hubs from SmartThings or Wink.

Lutron Caséta Wireless Switches, Dimmers, and Remotes

LuTron is probably the largest brand that releases switches and dimmers. The company uses its proprieritarian protocol for wireless transmission Data called Lutron ClearConnect, which means that these devices can only work with Caséta Wireless Smart Bridge or Wireless controllers.

If you decide to purchase Lutron products, you are only through a smart bridge you can link the Wink hub with HOMEKIT support, so it depends on whether you want to work with Apple ecosystem or Wink. But you will not have problems with the integration of the alexes through the Wink or Lutron Bridge.

ENERWAVE SWITCHES, DIMMERS AND OUTLESS (via SmartThings Hub)

Enerwave is not as famous as Lutron, Ge or Leviton, but Z-Wave devices from this company work with SmartThings hub. So the whole line must also work with Alex.

Evolve Switches, Dimmers and Outlets (via SmartThings Hub)

Also as Enerwave, Evolve is not very famous, but the entire company line works with SmartThings, which automatically means that all devices can work with Alex.

Castles, cameras and security systems

Surely the safety of your entrance door does not criticize except lazy, but know that the locks become smart too. Almost all major companies producing castles - and plus a few startups - have already begun to produce them.

Smart locks not only can find out that you are near (using a smartphone) and open the doors. They also allow you to temporarily provide access to your home to whom you want.

August Smart Lock (second generation)

The second generation of Smart Castles August Smart Lock was ingenious with Alex quite unusual way. This is the only castle that you can lock using Alex (unlocking available in all alex-compatible locks) - you need to say a certain pins. You can also find out the door with the alex or not if you are out of the house.

Scout Alarm

Scout Alarm is a very simple security system that works with Alex. The company offers a wide range of teams to interact with Alex, including the possibility of setting / disarming and call assistance.

NetGear Arlo Security Cameras

Thanks to the ECHO SHOW device, you can see live broadcasts from the formation chambers. NetGear is one of the first manufacturers who offers such integration and our tests have shown that NetGear Arlo Pro is one of best Systems Video surveillance.

Ring - Doorbell with camera

Like NetGear Arlo Camera, broadcast from the doorbell and other cameras can be viewed on Echo Show.

Climate Management

Recently, Amazon expanded the capabilities of the alexes, adding control of thermostats. Thanks to Alexa Skills Kit you can now manage the temperature in your home, as well as use some third-party climatic devices for this purpose.

Nest Learning Thermostat.

Until recently, it was, no doubt, the most demanded integration with Alex, judging by the huge number of all sorts of integrations through iftt. And during the recent time you could manage the thermostat only through the crutches from IFTTT or through Hub Wink, but now Nest works directly with Alex.

Honeywell Lyric Thermostat (via SmartThings Hub)

No one wants the startups by bypasses them and therefore the long-time manufacturer of Honeywell thermostats created its own, by analogy with Nest and called Honeywell Lyric Thermostat. Latest version Works with Apple Homekit and Alex, thanks to integration with SmartThings.

Honeywell Total Connect Comfort Thermostats (via SmartThings Hub)

Not so cute, as his collected Lyric Thermostat, Honeywell Total Connect Comfort has a great functionality, but his main focus is made at work on a schedule. Thanks to official integration with SmartThings, they can also be managed by Alex.

Ecobee3 - was the first thermostat working with Alex directly, without a hub. This is also the first thermostat that supports Apple Homekit.

SENSI WIFI PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT

SENSI is a less well-known smart thermostat from Emerson, a second thermostat working with Alex directly. He has no unusual design and there is no cool color display, but there is a work schedule, direct Internet connection and an attractive price.

Ceiling fans Haiku Home

In April 2018, Alex will work with HAIKU HOME ceiling fans, which allow you to control the light and speed of the fan. All Haiku Fans from Senseme Technology, including the H, I and L series will work with Alex.

Keen Home Smart Vents (via SmartThings Hub)

If you have problems with climate adjustment in different rooms of your home, then Keen Home Smart Vents offers an excellent solution. They can integrate your thermostat through the Nest, SmartThings and Lowes "IRIS to distribute the air flow into different rooms, without making it too holly or hot. And since it works through the SmartThings hub, you can also control the system with the alexes.

Cars

Echo and Alex pretty quickly captured at home, and with new integrations like Ford Sync, they also suddenly appeared in machines and garages. Until very many compatible devices are presented on the market, but it is only a matter of time.

Automatic.

Automatic - small devicewhich connects to the diagnostic port and collecting different data - for example, the fuel level, fault codes and much more and sending them to your smartphone via bluetooth.

With integration with Alex, you can ask how much fuel you have left where you last time Parking and how long you drove at a certain period of time.

Garageio.

Garageio is a small device with Wi-Fi, which you can place on the door of the garage and remotely open and close them (you can control up to 3 different gates) from your phone.
With Echo and similar devices you can do it and voice, through Alex.

Various services

In addition to various devices that you can control through Alex, there are many services with which you can work.

You can brought the domino pizza, call Uber, check your bank account with Capital One and much more.

IFTTT (Abbreviation IF This, Then That) is possible the most trusted service that you can connect with ECHO. It is almost infinitely flexible Midle Maine, which helps to connect Alecra with thousands of other devices and services that do not have official integration with Alex.

With Spotify and Echo integration you can listen and manage tracks using your voice.

Capital One Bank.

The first bank service informed with Alex, Capital One Bank allows you to make current payments, check your balance and listen to your transactions.

With the integration with Alex, you can remove the Uber with voice. You can also find out how far from you the nearest car and even cancel the trip.

Google Calendar

Amazon and Google are not always getting among themselves, but since Alex is declared open, Amazon added support for Google Calendar. This allows you to check the calendar using the alexes and add new events.

Domino "S.

The fast delivery network of pizza always introduces new technologies, from the tracking of pizza delivery to the order of pizza with an emoji. With the integration of Alex you can make an order only by voice.

USA Today Network.

Our USA Today colleagues are always looking for new ways for their news and now they began to use Alex. USA Today offers skills in which you must select news from a specific section, as well as Flash Briefing from 7 different podcasts.

1-800-Flowers.com.

Need to urgently order delivery of colors? Thanks to the new integration of Alex will take care of it. Just say what you want to order and it all organizes.

The popular Kayak travel search engine is the first site with the integration with Alex and this adds several interesting features to the assistant repertoire. You can make the tracking of flights, find out the flight schedule, learn information about hotels and rental cars and even find a trip over a specific budget.

Homeadvisor

Also, as Angie "S List and Pro.com HomeAdvisor will help you find plumbing, electrician, and so on. Recently, the service announced integration with Alex, which will make it possible to choose the desired service and make a challenge.

Perhaps one of the coolest inetagrations of Alex, Kidsmd - skill created by Boston Children "s Hospital. Allows you to describe the symptoms of your child's disease and find out whether you need to call the doctor and also find out the exact dose of this or that medicine based on the age and weight of the child. Of course You should not use this skill as a replacement to the doctor, but this service can help in case of a child's cold and even if something more serious happened.

OurGroceries.

Popular shopping app, OurGroceries allows you to add products to your sheet through Alex. If you notice that milk ended, just tell about this Alex and then the application will remind you about it when you will be in the store.

Because Echo has a built-in speaker, integration with the music service must be. With Pandora Alex can play your favorite Internet radio stations.

IheartRadio.

Want to listen to your favorite local radio stations on Echo? All you need is to activate integration with IheartRadio.

Tunein looks like IheartRadio, allows you to listen to stations from all over the country (from around the world - approx. Translator). The difference is Tunein also offers news, sports and spoken radio. This means that you can listen to CNN, NPR, ESPN Radio and much more.

Amazon Prime Music

If you have Amazon Prime Account, Prime Music gives you free access To thousands of old songs. And so on. This is an Amazon product, it makes sense to use a virtual assistant.

miscellanea

There are several products that can work with Alexa, but which are not suitable for any category above. The more products with integration, the faster we can smash them into certain categories.

Do you want Alex help you to stay healthy? With integration with Fitbit, you can ask the virtual helper as many steps you passed how many calories burned, how long you slept and much more. Do you think it's easier to click on the button on the bracelet or see in the app? No, it will not be so cool.

The first watering system with the integration with Alex, Rachio allows an assistant to control irrigation of various zones and managed with weather, not including watering if it suddenly rains.

Greeniq Smart Garden Hub

Greeniq Smart Garden Hub is another irrigation controller, but it is also combined with plant growth sensors and a weather station, which allows you to be better controlled with your garden garden. With integration with Alex, you can turn on / off watering, manage outdoor lighting and receive information on water consumption.

Ooma Telo.

Perhaps one of the most innovative integrations of Alexa is possible - you can call calls through Ooma Telo - IP telephony system. You can laugh at the idea of \u200b\u200buse home phoneBut Telo is not really a home phone. Internet connection is used and free calls are offered inside the country, which makes such an offer quite attractive if you want to continue to use the home phone.

Last years, many technologies are actively developing. Humanity has overcome the path from the first cell phones Smart gadgets equipped with voice assistants in years. This trend suggests that in the future, teams pronounced by man will be used to manage electronic devices. Already on the market there are a lot of similar developments, one of which is Amazon Echo, the price of which is located in the area of \u200b\u200b$ 180.

Features of the device and its capabilities

The device under consideration is a wireless column in which an interactive Alexa Assistant is integrated. To communicate with the assistant, you need to call his name and say what you are required of it. In the design of the gadget there are 7 microphones set from different sides, which allows you to interact with the user regardless of where it is located.

Buying this device The user will receive:

• virtual assistant who understands voice teams And manages the gadget based on them. In addition, it can search for the necessary information on the Internet, read news, reproduce music, remind of important affairs, scheduled meetings, etc.
• synchronization with postal accounts and calendars,
• connecting news resources and music services.

Capabilities software Constantly expanding, making it work more efficient. There is a more advanced version of the gadget, having a 7-inch display, a camera for 2 megapixels and a number of other distinctive parameters. We are talking about the Smart Column Amazon Echo Show, the price of which is approximately equal to $ 230.

Amazon Echo in the Russian market

First of all, when creating a device, developers focused on potential buyers in the United States and a number of other Western countries. Therefore, one should not be surprised that Alexa does not speak Russian. Actually this reason and influenced the low popularity of the gadget in Russia and the CIS countries. As for other states, the "smart" column Amazon Echo, the reviews of which will not be difficult to find on the Internet, continues to remain popular even several years later.

Amazon Echo is a voice control device connected to the "cloud", which is capable of not only to perceive your teams, but also give voice answers to them, and in general, act as a professional assistant. Echo concept built around his owner's voice. The device does not need to wear with you, since the seven embedded microphones are able to recognize your voice (thanks to the noise suppression technology) even during playing music. Also, as expected, Echo is able to provide excellent sound quality of any playable music.

The Amazon Echo device works in a bundle with Alexa's voice service located in the "cloud", from which all the information is drawn, are looking for answers to the questions asked, the selected music is played, the news is read, the results of sports meetings are given and describes the weather forecast. All you need is to ask a question. Echo begins to work instantly after you uttered the "activation" word, which are two to choose from - Alexa and Amazon.

AMAZON ECHO design

Echo turned out to be smaller than expected. In shape, this is a black cylinder with a height of 235 mm and a width of 83.5 mm. Such dimensions seem perfect to find the appropriate place in any room on any shelf without problems. At the same time, it is a sorry that is not yet available to purchase an echo version in white.

The lower part of the device is covered with a grid around the perimeter of the entire cylinder, while at the bottom there is an amazon logo in gray. The upper part almost does not stand out on the background of the entire device, with the exception of the volume adjustment ring at the very top, while it is also possible to reduce or increase the sound either by means of a voice or using a remote control panel that we will describe more than below.

On the upper face of Amazon Echo, there are two buttons: the first - turns off the microphone, the second is a multicast button. A feature of the volume rings is the backlight that turns on at the moment when you give any instructions to the device. It is located next to the family of microphones. In this case, the ring will be highlighted from the other side with which the microphone caught your voice is, that is, the backlight will be carried out in the direction of you. This can go unnoticed at first glance, but in general, such an ECHO behavior aligns the device.

Additionally, you can purchase for 30 dollars equipped with a microphone remote control, quite similar to the remote control for Fire TV. The dimensions of the device are 139.7 mm * 76 mm * 25.3 mm (DSHG). Agree that being in a noisy room will be much more convenient to press the microphone button on the console and calmly contact ECHO than trying to finish the device. In addition, the remote remote control allows you to adjust the sound volume and play music. It is also worth noting that the built-in 7 microphones perfectly cope with the tasks of voice control.

Setting up Amazon Echo.

Echo setting is quite simple. Connect to the echo network, download a special program for the device, after which follow the instructions of the program. An application for Echo is available for both Android and iOS devices. In addition, you can work with the program through a web browser installed on your computer.

The desktop application for ECHO is quite simple, it displays a list of recent questions and commands to the device. The program drop-down menu shows a list of available options, which is divided into three parts. The first part includes a "job list", "Shopping list", alarm clock and timer. In the second part there are musical settings. You can also connect to ECHO via Bluetooth and use the device as a regular music column to play local music. The last, third, part includes help options (HELP), settings (settings), voice training training (Voice Training) and a set of commands that are worth trying (Things To Try).

Voice control and portability

After turning on the device and its settings, you can start talking to the alex. Her voice is less robotic in comparison with Siri, but he is still far to the voice of Scarlet Johanson voiced the operating system in the film "She". Until you can change the voice, but the sake of justice it is worth noting that it is quite pleasant for rumor.

Echo turns on instantly after recognizes the "activation" word of the alex. Voice recognition works almost immediately as you have got a device from the box. In general, you should not have difficulty with Alex in terms of understanding it said by you, although sometimes still the device does not understand the spoken words. At the same time, the Alex service has a function of constant improvement of voice commands given to exactly by your voice, so over time you, what is called, be sure to "hate" to each other. Or you can do it yourself through the Voice Training option in the ECHO application.

In addition to the commands that you saw in a trial and in the Things To Try options, a number of other commands include adding alarm clock, creating lists, music management, receiving weather and news forecast, as well as ordinary commands like "REPEAT" (repeat ), "STOP" (stop), and "Cancel" (cancel).

It is worth noting that Alex turned out less than smart in comparison with Siri or Google Now. For example, Amazon's voice service, alas, is not able to check your email and other messages, which makes it less useful. At the same time, Alex can work with Google Calendar, but the service can only inform you about the scheduled events, but the function of adding new dates, alas, you are not available. The most useful, in this regard, the ECHO feature is the ability to create the so-called "task list" (to-do list). At the same time, the tasks to the list can be added both manually and by voting, while the deletion can be done only manually. Such limitations are somewhat inconvenient in cases where you orally asked Echo Add to the list Task "Buy toothpaste", and after a couple of seconds they discovered an almost complete tube under the sink.

Echo is not equipped with a battery, so even not looking at it relative small sizesThe device cannot be called portable. Of course, to transfer the device, you just need to turn off the power adapter and connect it to another socket, however, considering the absence of the battery and the presence of the remote control, it is clearly hinting that Amazon made a bet on the stationary use of ECHO. This is hardly necessary for me to taste. In the end, I always have a smartphone at hand (at the moment Moto X), which is capable of both the novelty Amazon go to the active mode, having walked the host's voice. Plus, the convenience of creating a "job list" is leveled by the need to stay in close proximity to Echo: If you are in the kitchen, I remembered that you need to buy broccoli, then I need to keep this idea in my head while I don't get into the bedroom where the voice assistant is installed Amazon.

And at the same time, there is something in Amazon Echo, which makes this device more attractive than an ordinary smartphone. For example, I never asked Siri convert different units Measurements are in the kitchen, and Alexa asked. And I never added items to the shopping list using Google Now, and with Alexa added. However, this does not mean that Alexa is smarter than Siri or Google Now; On the contrary, both of these voice assistants are more advanced and propose a solution for a larger spectrum of tasks. But, most likely, at the subconscious level, the fact that the main place "SPECIALS" Amazon Echo is your home, makes Alexa the most real home assistant.

Sound quality echo and final reviews

conclusions

"Amazon Echo is not just a column, even despite all its drawbacks, this is the first voice control device that is truly interesting to use."

• Excellent voice recognition
• Attractive design
• Excellent sound quality
• It is interesting to use

Vs

• No built-in battery
• High Volume Sound Distortion
• No access to K. e-mail and messages

Let's not forget that Amazon Echo, first of all, is an audio column. And in general, this quality of the device will not disappoint you. At the same time, in comparison with the popular audio column Bose Sound Link Color for $ 129, the NEW Amazon loses in two things: sound distortion when transmitting lower bass. Of course, in general, Echo provides you with high-quality sound, but, perching its price of $ 180, we can say with confidence that there is a sufficient number of models in the market, which cost cheaper and possess best characteristics (better sound, the presence of a built-in battery).

And yet, not even wanting to exaggerate the additional features of Amazon Echo, we can not not note that we are not just an audio column. Yes, on the one hand, the novelty Amazon does not open something new, and all its functions are available in the smartphone lying in your pocket or smart clocks on your wrist. But on the other hand, there is something in Alexa - or to be more accurate in Echo - what attracts you to this device. Therefore, considering the zeal and constancy of Amazon releases updates for Alexa, I will not be surprised at all if in a year we will use ECHO in such different areas that it will forget that this device can also reproduce music.

Amazon has the experience of creating its own devices for several years, so it's not at all surprising that setting up a smart Bluetooth speaker is extremely simple and is performed in just a few minutes: you connect the gadget to the network and download the Alexa application from the store (Amazon, iOS, Android) .

Then echo organizes his own wireless networkso you can connect mobile phone To the first setting device. Now you only have to enter a network password and use Amazon account - here, actually, and that's it.

By itself, the column of the cylindrical form offers few controls: There are "Action" and "Mute" buttons, the volume is adjustable using the upper ring, which is decorated with LED backlight. Among all this there is only the "Reset" button on the bottom side of the case.

Alexa, put my favorite music

Voice Assistant from Amazon, which carries the name Alexa, works on the same principle as Siri from Apple and New google Service Assistant, which is based on Google Now. Smart column listening to you all the time background modeBut react starts only after the code word - Amazon is "alexa".

An impressive assistant capabilities are demonstrated, for example, in the series "MR. Robot "- Excellent hidden advertising (Product Placement), which encourages the desire to check - how it all works in reality. The result, however, is obtained ambiguous, and two different things should be distinguished when assessing Alexa: actually recognizing speech and response to commands.

The assistant voice recognizes surprisingly well, and even at large distances and at a high level of surrounding noise. The weak site of the software still remains dialects, the reaction to which, depending on the severity of Alexa, there will be either silence, or the phrase "I can't correctly understand the question." Nevertheless, according to Amazon, Alexa will continue to "learn" and eventually be able to respond better to various language features of users.

Alexa is talking to a pleasant warm voice that sounds quite natural. In this regard, the Amazon service is currently much stronger than a competitor such as Google Assistant, and is about the same level as Siri from Apple.

The response to the command to the device has yet to be improved. Positive examples include the launch of music and audiobook from Prime Music and other sources such as Spotify and Audible. Volume control using voice too works first-class. In addition, Alexa can customize the alarm clock or set a reminder, read out loud weather forecast for the coming days or notes of the calendar.

If you want - you can listen to the anecdote or even conveniently make purchases on Amazon. You can not call a specific product, but you can designate the product group you are interested in, and Echo will offer some "bestseller".

The fact that the voice assistant is still where to develop is becoming quickly noticeable if your communication with him goes beyond frequently repetitive simple cases - this is a problem that all similar systems are separated to one degree or another. For example, Alexa knows nothing about whether "Who is Chancellor of Germany?" But the question correctly answers the question "Who is the Angel Merkel?". And on other questions such as "What is going to the cinema today?", "Who plays in the film ..." or "give me a cooking recipe ...", Alexa will not be able to answer.

Cost note functionality You can expand with the help of "skills". For example, helping the choice of food will help "Skill" "Chef". At the same time, it will be necessary to strictly follow a certain syntax, for example, "Alexa, ask the chef's recipe for the day." Good: If such a recipe is found, the smart column can read it out loud or send it to the smartphone. The collection of "skills" is still quite limited.

Currently, among other things, there are extensions such as "MyTaxi", "alarm on the door" and "Phonebook". The choice is likely to increase quite soon if the Echo from Amazon comes to a serious level of distribution.

Mediocre bluetooth column

The one who wants to use Amazon Echo as a conventional Bluetooth speaker will be somewhat disappointed. The sound here is not that is completely bad, but competing with "purely" wireless columns cannot in its price category. The sound is very warm and partly even flat. High frequencies are prone to distortion, especially if the volume is approaching the maximum, and the bass are unnecessarily dominated.

The one who needs only voice controlIt should take a closer look at Amazon Echo Dot worth about 60 euros (4150 rubles), which is about a third of the value of the elder brother - then there will be enough money for such a better sound Bluetooth column, as which costs about 8,000 rubles.

Amazon Echo manages home

One of the most interesting functions of Amazon Echo is the ability to integrate with smart home systems. Among other things, the voice commands can be controlled by Philips Hue (V2) lamps, Netatmo Energy thermostats and Honeywell EvoHome radiators. The corresponding "skills" for the ALEXA application is already available for download. Does the management of the smart home systems work quite reliably, we have not yet to say - for this we need to spend full-scale tests.

Amazon Echo cost

Purchase Amazon Echo and a small version of the device called Amazon Echo Dot Currently, you can only "at the invitation". The one who wants to get it can make the appropriate request on the product page in Amazon. When the manufacturer will release a device in open sale - it remains in question. Probably, the deadlines will depend on the success of beta testing.

Amazon Echo is currently about 180 euros (12,500 rubles). Amazon Echo Dot is estimated at about 60 euros (4150 rubles).

Verdict chip: The first impression of Amazon Echo is the desire to get something more. During test tests, the smart column from Amazon responds to teams quickly, and the voice recognition worked correctly at large distances, and in noisy surrounding. but european version It is not yet highly developed: at the time of starting the project, only a few applications support work with ECHO. In addition, the number of commands perceived by the system is still quite limited. Nevertheless, do not forget that Amazon Echo is practically in beta testing.

Overview Amazon Echo Dot | Introduction

Owners of respectable home audio systems will be able to make them even better with Amazon Echo Dot. For $ 49. Those who just want to evaluate the Smart Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa, but whoever does not want to spend $ 179 on Echo, can also count on this small device resembling a hockey puck. Echo Dot ("Point") is a strikingly universal gadget, and now, when Amazon has released him to free sale, it becomes one of the best budget devices for a smart home.

Overview Amazon Echo Dot | Design

Amazon Echo Dot. It looks as if someone cut off her head for $ 179. Externally, the "smart column" is similar to the black hockey puck (83.82 x 83.82 x 38.1 mm) with a running light ring on the top face, which performs simultaneously as a mode indicator, and the volume control buttons.

Inside the light ring there are two rows of perforated points, under which the loudspeaker is located. On the top panel, the power on and button and the disconnect button of the built-in microphone are installed. The bottom panel is a bit sticky to the touch - it will not give Amazon Echo Dot. Slip off the table. We had a modification in glossy black plastic on the review, but Dot is also available in a white version, which is perfectly combined with ceramic tiles.

Amazon Echo Dot. Surprisingly weighs a little: only 250 g, but since it should always be connected to the power grid, it cannot be called a truly portable. The original Echo was also not portable (235 x 83 x 83 mm and 763 g), and if you want to capture a smart Alexa assistant on the road, you need to buy a portable Bluetooth-loudspeaker Amazon Tap for $ 129.

Overview Amazon Echo Dot | Setting

Fortunately, Amazon Echo Dot. The second generation got rid of the most annoying limit of the original version: you could buy it only with the participation of Alexa. This meant that you had to first purchase Amazon Echo, Tap or Fire TV to order an echo dot voice - well, and, of course, it was impossible to do without account Amazon Prime. Now anyone can purchase Amazon Echo Dot. For $ 49 on Amazom.com. There are even offered packages from 6 or 12 "points", which allow you to save several dollars on each device.

When you deliver your Amazon Echo Dot., it needs to be included in the outlet and open mobile app Alexa (B. iTunes. or Google Play.). This app will suggest you step-by-step setting Echo dot.

Inside Amazon Echo Dot. There is a built-in loudspeaker, but neither Amazon nor we would recommend using it. It is better to connect this device for a smart home to high quality acoustic system - This can be done via Bluetooth or with a cable with 3.5-mm connectors.

Echo Dot will not work with the Bluetooth speakers, for mating with which the PIN code is required. Amazon is given list of recommended loudspeakers , among which are Bose Soundlink Color, Jawbone Mini Jambox and UE BOOM. We tested our "point" in a pair with Bose Soundlink Color.

To connect two devices, Amazon recommends keeping them at a distance of at least meter from each other. Turn on the volume on the stereo system, and then Alexa will be able to adjust it through voice commands. Amazon Echo Dot. It can simultaneously connect only to one Bluetooth device, this is done through the ALEXA application. I easily connected and turned off our "point" from the BOSE system by voice commands "Connect" ("Connect") and "Disconnect".

Overview Amazon Echo Dot | Using Alexa Voice Assistant

Amazon Echo Dot. Able to do the same as the oldest Amazon Echo. The built-in intelligent assistant may include music, read audiobooks, report news and weather forecasts, inform about the results of sports, set the alarms, to find the time of moving films in TV shows, manage lighting and thermostat, report traffic, buy products, create lists of affairs and much Other - without any additional settings. However, only Echo Dot can broadcast music on a Bluetooth-loudspeaker.

Using simple voice commands Amazon Echo Dot. Changed the settings on our Nest thermostat. Alexa reported to us that it was going to rain, and that Mets lost. I easily installed alarm clock, which was to be called in five seconds, and he called exactly in time. We listened to how Alexa read us audiobook "Wizards".

It turned out that Amazon Echo Dot. For half a second longer than Echo responds to voice commands before she is ready to listen to the following command. Because of this, I personally had to repeat the team several times, which was annoyed. But in general, Alexa was taken to execute any tasks immediately after receiving the voice team.

To make Alexa more smarter and even more useful, you can use the Amazon Skills service. It allows third developers to connect to Alexa, turning it into a fortune tune, gaming console, Psychotherapist or Pizza Delivery Service. Can be connected Amazon Echo Dot. To the IFTTT service and configure "recipes" to automate various processes, such as lighting settings in a smart home based on your geographic location.