Amazon announces: Echo

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by pidgeon92

You think? I don't agree, especially when discussing audiobooks.

Why do you say that? Speakers aren't audiobook players.

[fjtorres]

It seems Google wants to play in Echo territory:

http://www.cnet.com/news/ces-2015-go...home-speakers/

Sony, Denon and others are going to use the new Google Cast software to stream music and "other" content directly to speakers. "Other" sounds like it may be audio books.

[pidgeon92]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Why do you say that? Speakers aren't audiobook players.

No, but it is an accessory for audiobook listening. We discuss cases for ebook devices, easels for ebook devices, why not external speakers for audiobooks? I have one and use it all the time.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

It seems Google wants to play in Echo territory:

http://www.cnet.com/news/ces-2015-go...home-speakers/

Sony, Denon and others are going to use the new Google Cast software to stream music and "other" content directly to speakers. "Other" sounds like it may be audio books.

What does this do that Bluetooth can't?

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by pidgeon92

No, but it is an accessory for audiobook listening. We discuss cases for ebook devices, easels for ebook devices, why not external speakers for audiobooks? I have one and use it all the time.

As an accessory in a generic thread, that I can see and agree with you on.

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

What does this do that Bluetooth can't?

Bluetooth is just a replacement for wires: all the actual work is done elsewhere.

These new speakers do the streaming and decoding themselves, much like Echo.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

Bluetooth is just a replacement for wires: all the actual work is done elsewhere.

These new speakers do the streaming and decoding themselves, much like Echo.

I fail to see the advantage. This setup requires dedicated speakers and a phone/tablet. The end result is to stream music and I can accomplish that right now via bluetooth speakers and a phone/tablet.

The Echo's advantage is that it doesn't need a phone/tablet to stream music. All I need is a voice. That's why I got it. If the Echo required the use of a phone/tablet to play music like Google Cast does, then I never would've purchased one. I would've continued the bluetooth route.

I'll consider Google Cast when it can function without the use of a secondary device (phone/tablet/computer/box/etc).

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

I'll consider Google Cast when it can function without the use of a secondary device (phone/tablet/computer/box/etc).

Hey, I never said I like it.

I merely pointed out they are trying to follow in Echo's footsteps. Might work, might not.

For all we know, maybe their speakers *will* work off Audible.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

Hey, I never said I like it.

I merely pointed out they are trying to follow in Echo's footsteps. Might work, might not.

For all we know, maybe their speakers *will* work off Audible.

I'm aware that you're just reporting it.

Echo's big advantage is that it's a self-contained system. It can stream music without the use of another device. Google Cast can't do that. It needs a tablet/phone in order to stream music.

I really don't care which apps Google Cast gets onboard; and that includes Audible. My bluetooth speaker already plays Audible.

Again (and I ask this rhetorically), what's the big deal with Google Cast? Bluetooth speakers already stream music wirelessly; and they can do it with any music app available.

[Purple Lady]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

I'm aware that you're just reporting it.

Echo's big advantage is that it's a self-contained system. It can stream music without the use of another device. Google Cast can't do that. It needs a tablet/phone in order to stream music.

I really don't care which apps Google Cast gets onboard; and that includes Audible. My bluetooth speaker already plays Audible.

Again (and I ask this rhetorically), what's the big deal with Google Cast? Bluetooth speakers already stream music wirelessly; and they can do it with any music app available.

I'm not finding that it streams music without a device very well. If the word metal or rock is in the name of the radio station on Tunein Radio, it thinks you're asking for a genre station and it says only iheart radio can be used for genre music. Since my favorite stations have these words it doesn't work for me. I sent feedback so hopefully it will be fixed.

[Tarana]

J.A.R.V.I.S. Echoes out in the world soon (if they do allow us to change the name as promised).

Mine will be Dave. Estimated delivery is Jan. 14. I love gadgets.

[SCION]

Woo Hoo!!! Just got my invite. Haven't been thinking about it for the past few days. Yay!!!

[pidgeon92]

I finally got one, too. Looking forward to trying it out.

[Blossom]

I applied for one about a week ago and the invitation just showed up. I did not expect to get one. Now I am sitting here trying to justify buying it.

Someone help me out. Why do I need this? Why do I not need this?

[ApK]

Originally Posted by Blossom

I applied for one about a week ago and the invitation just showed up. I did not expect to get one. Now I am sitting here trying to justify buying it.

Someone help me out. Why do I need this? Why do I not need this?

My wife's entire justification was "It's cute and I don't know why I want one, but I do."

Her two favorite uses since she's had it:
Shopping list. It works remarkably well.
Asking for the time. She's blind without her glasses, so Alexa is now her bedside clock.

My kids favorite uses:
Asking Alexa to tell them jokes, and trying to get unexpected responses from her.

Fact of the matter for me:
It's a pretty impressive voice interface device that I can see a lot of potential in, and I was willing to spend $99 be an early adopter and amuse my wife and kids.

If all else fails, it's a Bluetooth speaker with voice control.

ApK