Echo Tips

In this episode we delve back into the Amazon Kids+ service, for little Johnny. We take a look at voices again, story time, news, and a super cool literacy feature for kids.

These new character voices for kids are pretty wild. They are only available to Amazon Kids+ subscribers.

These 7 voices or accents have been around for a while, but now you can easily switch to them with a simple verbal command. Thanks to Shaun, of Shaun of the Shed for mentioning this recently. #FriendOfTheShed

In this episode we discuss the all-new follow-up mode for reminders. This allows you to receive prompts every hour after a reminder goes off, to confirm that you actually completed the task! We'll also look at how to remind little Johnny to take out the trash and no bother everyone else in the family with that specific reminder.

In this episode you learn about the typical retail prices for the various Echos, so you'll know a deal when you see it. We'll also compare some basic feature differences and cover a new feature on the Echo 15.

Apple's Podcasting database is the granddaddy of them all. Learn in this episode about the new resume feature, podcast placement sync, and setting Apple Podcasts as your default podcast search provider. 

In this episode we discuss the new music features of Amazon Music Prime and compare it to the Unlimited Music package.

In this episode, I take the podcast home to demo my brand-new Haiar Over-the-range Microwave, which supports Alexa control, via the SmartHQ Skill from GE Appliances.

During Amazon's recent announcements, they mentioned updates to Amazon Kids to make Alexa more kid friendly and educational. Learn more in this episode.

In this episode we take a look at the all-new rain and snow notifications. We also review the long standing severe weather alerts, since it seemed appropriate.

During the Amazon Event, in September, several new Echo Dots were announced. Learn all about the new 5th generation Echo Dots, in this episode.

From our archives we revisit turbo charging your reminders.

The SongPop Trivia game has a ten-year history and has won awards, now it is on the Amazon Echo! Listen as David demo's this fun filled game, that will work your brain to the max!

In this episode we demonstrate how to reboot your Amazon Echo hands free using a routine and smart-plug. We also introduce a new segment, called "Amazon Why Not?".

In this episode learn about how to pull from various podcast databases, on your Amazon Echo. Learn how to play a previous episode or even by episode number. Or if you don't know what to listen too, learn how to search for podcasts by a given category or genre. 

Voice Pad is a powerful but simple tool that allows you to dictate a note or message and then have it sent to your email. Easy-peasy. 

This week we take a look at the Samuel L. Jackson Trivia game and the Quiz of the Day Skill. 

In this episode we geek-out on the new Star Trek Trivia game.

In this episode you'll learn about Photo Frame mode, a feature originally unique to the Echo Show 15, but now available on all modern Echo Shows. This feature allows you photos to be viewed in all their glory minus the time and annoying news blurbs covering them up.  Link to Website Mentioned in Podcast: About Amazon Blog Website with Alexa Updates

I've used this feature since the beginning. But only recently learned you could invoke it via voice.

Learn how I use People Detection, Routines, and Smart Plugs to make a apartment seem dwelled in, even when I'm not around.

In this episode we highlight the Dot to Dot podcast which is passing 2,000 episodes this week. It is a powerful resource for learning about Alexa Skills.

In this episode we compare the Echo Show to the Google Nest Hub. We'll highlight two features that differentiate the Nest Hub from the Echo Show. We'll try to revisit this topic, since there's a lot more to say.

In this episode you'll learn about live captioning of a video call that can be placed on your Amazon Echo Show. Additionally, you can change the font, font size, font color, and background to aid easier viewing.

In this week's episode we review the Braille Bot and Braille Dots Skills. One serves as a reference tool and the other is a game to help with learning various Braille symbols.