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Amazon Echo Show

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Re: Amazon Echo Show

#61

Post by ejtek »

dkrich wrote: post #16
ejtek wrote: post #2

It continues to surprise me how far ahead of them Apple is letting Amazon/Google get in this area. I've always been a big fan of Apple (despite their closed ecosystem), but have to admit that Amazon is seriously outplaying them on this front. Hopefully Apple surprises me and comes up with something even more innovative that can compete.

When I saw this, I actually had the opposite reaction. I remember when I first saw an iPod Nano with the color screen and the scroll wheel that magically scrolled up and down by just moving your finger around it without actually turning a wheel. It seemed like magic. Same thing when I first saw the iPhone/iPod Touch. Apple's products were very carefully designed and only released when they were perfect, and very rare…

I agree Apple does release a far higher quality product which is why I'm a fan. Your point about the iPod Nano and iPhone/iPod Touch is a great one. Apple does have a track record of holding back and releasing a much more relevant and well thought out product in the end. I guess I question if this is even a product category they want to get into or if they feel that from a utility standpoint the ability to just say "Hey Siri..." from any apple device already fits the bill for most use cases.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#62

Post by digi_owl »

pryelluw wrote: post #5
ejtek wrote: post #2

It continues to surprise me how far ahead of them Apple is letting Amazon/Google get in this area. I've always been a big fan of Apple (despite their closed ecosystem), but have to admit that Amazon is seriously outplaying them on this front. Hopefully Apple surprises me and comes up with something even more innovative that can compete.

I figure Apple is letting them figure out the basics and then they will introduce Siri-in-a-box kind of thing. No sense in being first to market if your execution is flawed.

Bascially this. Since the return of Jobs, Apple has not been first about anything (and one may argue about them not being so back in the day as well). But Jobs always had a flare for marketing.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#63

Post by verytrivial »

I must be one of those old farts who prefers privacy over convenience.

I do not want what amounts to an always-on black-box surveillance device in my home and I simply do not understand why other people think it is okay. I honestly don't.

Down with this sort of thing!

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#64

Post by Nullabillity »

iplaw wrote: post #23
UXCODE wrote: post #9

In the United States, what is the need for speech recognition devices? At least in Japan and China, speech recognition technology does not reach practical level and needs are small.

There isn't a need; it's more of a want. I have a few Echos and use them to control my whole home audio system. "Alexa, play Kendrick Lamar on Spotify." Just like that, I have music throughout the house and in the front and back yards. You can also get more specific with commands in order to limit where the music plays, what music service is polled, etc. It is much easier than pulling out a device, navigating to the…

Presumably you only listen to chart-topping american pop and music made by people with common english names?

Because so far I've never had any luck whatsoever with anything else.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#65

Post by vineet »

The video calling capability seems especially neat - I wonder if they will interoperate with Facetime, Google Duo/Hangouts, and other video calling protocols. It will make our lives so much easier.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#66

Post by agracey »

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.

I could see a few use cases in the kitchen (that are probably still better solved with a tablet on a stand):

- step by step cooking tutorials that auto pause until you say "alexa, play/preview next step" - multiple named timers on the screen - shopping lists are way better visually - video calls to cooking tutors (I wonder if there's a market for this?)

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#67

Post by mhermher »

pwaivers wrote: post #13
pryelluw wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I figure Apple is letting them figure out the basics and then they will introduce Siri-in-a-box kind of thing. No sense in being first to market if your execution is flawed.

Isn't "Siri in a Box" basically the current Apple TV?

Does AppleTV have HDMI pass through? You would need it for it to compete with the echo. The echo is always on, always listening and accessible. Having to turn on the TV and change inputs and all that removes all of the conveniences of the echo.

My feeling is that some company is gonna do that eventually, use the set top box as the home hub, but there are some convenience issues to be figured out.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#68

Post by rrggrr »

This was the direction I expected Apple to take prior to Jobs passing. It seemed the rumored Apple TV would combine Siri with traditional television. Apple faces serious threats across the entertainment spectrum, from content to device.

Everyone speculating on Apple acquisitions should be considering a Sony or LG buyout. I own stock in neither.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#69

Post by ganfortran »

UXCODE wrote: post #9

In the United States, what is the need for speech recognition devices? At least in Japan and China, speech recognition technology does not reach practical level and needs are small.

Because I don't want to take the phones everywhere with me when I am at home?

Re: Amazon Echo Show

#70

Post by pickthenimp2 »

Nullabillity wrote: post #45
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.

hands free...one click answer on other end.
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