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Amazon Echo Show

amazon.com

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Re: Amazon Echo Show

#41

Post by mustacheemperor »

colemannugent wrote: post #19

I feel like this entire product could be a Chromecast-esque dongle that connects to a TV. Having a personal dashboard would actually be quite useful, but this seems like they want to sell appliances not experiences. Maybe they've gone with this form factor because of the 2x 2" speakers? But why would I want that when it could be plugged directly into my home audio setup? Or maybe it's so they can include a touchscree…

It'd be awesome if I could connect my Chromecast to the Google Home and have the Home use my TV as the display for content like this.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#43

Post by p0rkbelly »

FLGMwt wrote: post #3

Any echo owners feel like they would get additional value out of this? 90% of my interaction with my standard echo has been "what's the weather". Even when I want visual controls for music, I'd rather pull out my phone than walk over to a screen.

My Echo is basically for music and weather as well. However, my less tech inclined -- not always attached to a laptop -- friends and family (e.g. my parents) love theirs and seem to do a whole lot more. I think HN is not necessarily the demographic that is the focus.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#44

Post by jaboutboul »

eclipxe wrote: post #21

People are missing this: "With the Alexa App, conversations and contacts go where you go. When you’re away from home, use the app to make a quick call or send a message to your family’s Echo. Alexa calling and messaging is free—to get started download the Alexa App." Alexa is now in the messaging and communication game. https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/09/amazon-enables-free-calls-...

Well they are definitely pushing into that space with Amazon Chime, so it only makes sense.

This is also absolutely going to kill Nucleus[1] which was the first device released with Alexa Voice Service integrated and was heavily hyped by Amazon at the time.

[1]: https://nucleuslife.com/

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#45

Post by Nullabillity »

eclipxe wrote: post #21

People are missing this: "With the Alexa App, conversations and contacts go where you go. When you’re away from home, use the app to make a quick call or send a message to your family’s Echo. Alexa calling and messaging is free—to get started download the Alexa App." Alexa is now in the messaging and communication game. https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/09/amazon-enables-free-calls-...

But... why?

Presumably everyone who would even consider buying this already has a computer at home, which does that better anyway.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#46

Post by mhermher »

colemannugent wrote: post #19

I feel like this entire product could be a Chromecast-esque dongle that connects to a TV. Having a personal dashboard would actually be quite useful, but this seems like they want to sell appliances not experiences. Maybe they've gone with this form factor because of the 2x 2" speakers? But why would I want that when it could be plugged directly into my home audio setup? Or maybe it's so they can include a touchscree…

Agreed on most points, however there is a bit of utility in it. Every time your echo directs you to the Alexa smartphone app, you realize how useless it is. I know how to use the Internet. If I wanted to look something up, I know how to do it and I wouldn't need to use the Alexa app.

I think the key part of the screen is how it functions as output rather than as input. It can "fail" more gracefully when it has no idea what you're talking about, or when there are troubleshooting issues.

And on that point, I have sort of come to the same conclusion that these home assistants would be best as plug ins to a TV with HDMI pass through. Keep the audio input interface but default to a video output interface that overlays on your TV, somewhat similar to what the Xbox used to do with snapped windows.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#48

Post by bovermyer »

GrumpyNl wrote: post #35

Why would you wanna have a electronic spy at home is beyond me.

Because I want a Jarvis, and this is the closest thing.

If you can think of a way to have an artificial assistant of that class without being tied in to a corporation, I'm all ears.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#49

Post by ryanwaggoner »

yalogin wrote: post #39

Great now the echo will record all video as well and "anonymize" it and use it to improve their systems. This class of devices are the most puzzling to me. People know their value proposition is to record everything but then keep buying them. I keep waiting for the day when the scales tip in favor of privacy but that never happens.

Actually, people don't know that. The Echo doesn't "record everything", and I'd challenge you to provide any evidence that it does.
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