Amazon announces: Echo

[Skydog]

Originally Posted by Purple Lady

So they also sync buffering? That's pretty cool for an early model. Or do they not do any buffering?

Yes, of course, there is buffering when streaming from the internet. One device may be selected as the main or "master" device and all the others stay synced to it.

[NNolan]

Ubi comes with network issues right out of the box, so it won't connect. A quick Google search shows that the answer from Ubi support is to set up another network on my router...ugh. I think I may be sending the Ubi back. A shame, too, because the Ubi demo shows it doing more of the things that I need, like verbal reminders. One of the things I want is for these devices to verbally nag me to take my medication. The Ubi is probably closer to being able to do that right now than the Echo is. However, if it can't connect to my network it's even less useful than my Echo. I guess I'm stuck with the little pop-up reminders on my Mac calendar for now.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by NNolan

Ubi comes with network issues right out of the box, so it won't connect. A quick Google search shows that the answer from Ubi support is to set up another network on my router...ugh. I think I may be sending the Ubi back. A shame, too, because the Ubi demo shows it doing more of the things that I need, like verbal reminders. One of the things I want is for these devices to verbally nag me to take my medication. The Ubi is probably closer to being able to do that right now than the Echo is. However, if it can't connect to my network it's even less useful than my Echo. I guess I'm stuck with the little pop-up reminders on my Mac calendar for now.

Do you have a smartphone. I use a medicine reminder app that works great. It not only reminds you but it's works like an alarm too if needed.
My phone is always with me or near me so I don't need a $300 speaker to remind me to take my pills.

[NNolan]

I have a smartphone, but I don't have it on me at all times, and the battery drains quickly.

The Ubi cost me $99 (not $300) so it was worth a try.

[whitearrow]

I know this is tangentially related to the Echo, but it directly impacts how useful Echo will be for me.

If I use the PC app to import my iTunes music and playlists into the Amazon PC app, then pay for the expanded storage and use the exporter to sync my music with the Amazon cloud, will my playlists also sync? I have a number of playlists with 200+ individually chosen singles, and I wouldn't enjoy having to recreate those on Amazon.

Thanks for any info on this -- I've searched the help but just can't find this info, and I'd like to know before I pay and invest the bandwidth in uploading my music.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by whitearrow

I know this is tangentially related to the Echo, but it directly impacts how useful Echo will be for me.

If I use the PC app to import my iTunes music and playlists into the Amazon PC app, then pay for the expanded storage and use the exporter to sync my music with the Amazon cloud, will my playlists also sync? I have a number of playlists with 200+ individually chosen singles, and I wouldn't enjoy having to recreate those on Amazon.

Thanks for any info on this -- I've searched the help but just can't find this info, and I'd like to know before I pay and invest the bandwidth in uploading my music.

No you have to remake all playlists. We have asked Amazon over and over for a Playlist importer but so far no go.

[whitearrow]

Ugh. Okay. That's a decision I do not understand in any way, shape or form, if they are trying to tempt people away from iTunes. Guess I will keep my $24.99.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by whitearrow

Ugh. Okay. That's a decision I do not understand in any way, shape or form, if they are trying to tempt people away from iTunes. Guess I will keep my $24.99.

They do need to give some love to the Music Cloud Player I will say that. It's pretty bare bones.

[DreamWriter]

There's a new Echo update: 2221.

Mine's still stuck at 2100. I never did get the previous update.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by DreamWriter

There's a new Echo update: 2221.

Mine's still stuck at 2100. I never did get the previous update.

Are there any more detailed release notes anywhere, or would everything be right there on that page? Ours is on 2171.

[DreamWriter]

Originally Posted by ApK

Are there any more detailed release notes anywhere, or would everything be right there on that page? Ours is on 2171.

There are no detailed release notes that I know of. Amazon needs to send information about feature improvements via app update! Echo users would like to know if there are any additional capabilities.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by DreamWriter

There are no detailed release notes that I know of. Amazon needs to send information about feature improvements via app update! Echo users would like to know if there are any additional capabilities.

When has Amazon every had release notes on anything. Sometimes they mention a few new features but most updates are called general improvements.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Blossom

When has Amazon every had release notes on anything. Sometimes they mention a few new features but most updates are called general improvements.

Yep; this is their idea of a release note:

The latest software version for Amazon Echo (2221) includes bug fixes and performance improvements.

[DreamWriter]

My Echo updated from version 2100 to 2221 overnight.

[Skydog]

The Echo app on my phone does not show the software version, it is missing under "Settings." : (