Echo Tips

In episode 280, we briefly touched on Privacy options, such as verbal commands. But, now we take a deep dive, into options you'll find only in the Alexa App.

We revisit how to listen to old time radio via the Appbly.com skills.

In this episode we demo how to listen via NBC and the BBC.

In this episode we talk about an additional volume control, you never knew you had. But, if you didn't know it was there, you could really mess yourself up with Bluetooth speakers and headphones. We also, talk about the state of Podcast playback on Amazon Echos; have the bugs been fixed? We'll discuss some of the historic problems and ask you for your feedback.

In this episode we talk about the all-new Echo Spot. Its a hobgoblin mix of features between an Echo Dot and Echo Show. We'll discuss why I'm not impressed and due to Prime Day deals there's much better options for almost the same price!

Thought you knew everything there was to know about "Reminders" on the Amazon Echo, well think again! We cover it all. Regular Reminder, Repeating Reminders, Follow-Up Reminders, and more!

In this episode we tackle when will the new Alexa, AI empowered, edition roll-out? Will it cost money? What have we not seen in the beta, yet? And is Amazon really behind, when it comes to implementing AI into Alexa?

In this episode we look at a common need, and that is for a super simple stopwatch, and Alexa can help! We also take a look, at our mailbag with a great reminder from a listener about reminders.

In this episode we take a look at Apple's recent Siri announcements.

In this episode we take a break from the practical, an dip our toes in to straight up fun and gaming with several Tycoon Games! Enjoy!

We've had our FireTV 4k Max (2023 Edition) plugged in for weeks, but never seemed to find the Art Generation feature. Now we have! We revisit the AI Art Demo from Amazon's September announcement, then we demo the feature for you. This weeks album art work was generated using the Alexa AI Art Generation feature, enjoy!

In this episode you'll learn how I used a Broadlink RM4 Mini IR Blaster to control my HVAC unit via voice commands with Alexa. This particular IR blaster could likely be used for a variety of applications, likely remote controlling a wide variety of IR devices.

In this episode, New Vision’s technical instructor,  David Ward , dives into the intricacies of setting up and managing reminders on your Amazon Echo device. Whether you’re new to the platform or a seasoned user, understanding how to effectively use reminders can enhance your daily life. David covers the following key points: Creating Reminders : Learn how to set up reminders using voice commands....

In this omnibus episode, we tackle all the various features and configurations available for the Alarms feature, on your favorite Alexa device. We talk setting them, deleting them, creating repeating alarms, alarms that launch routines, alarms that turn on your lights, and who knows, likely a few other things will be covered as well.

In this episode we catch you up on all the Alexa AI Beta news from several episodes, going all the way back to our first experience in episode 278. We discuss the basics of launching the Beta, the types of information you can solicit, hallucinations, Conversation Mode, new hardware, and child safety features. Check out this omnibus episode to catch up on all the AI goodness!

In this episode we revisit an episode from our archives. Its a classic and historically very popular episode, that deals with how to set your Alexa alarm to wake you up to music, radio stations, and a whole lot more!

In this episode we play with some features in the Alexa AI Beta, which seem to suggest a capacity for various English accents. That right, have your Alexa talk like a southern from deep in Alabama, too a pirate on the high seas, and much more.

It looks like a version of the new AI Voice, for Alexa is here. Back in the September Amazon Event, we were told and even got to hear a small segment of what the new Alexa Voice would sound like, join us as we dive into the Alexa Beta and test out the new voice. Its hard to tell whether this is the same voice demonstrated on stage or a slightly less advanced version, but the natural sounding quali...

In this episode we discuss the Conversation Mode on the newest Echo Show 8 (3rd Generation). How will this influence the natural feel of having a conversation with the Alexa AI Beta? Does it apply outside the Beta? And how do you turn it on? That and more are discussed in this episode of the Echo Tips Podcast.

In this episode we take a look at Amazon's all new Alexa Accessibility Portal, where you can learn about various features and tools that make these devices usable by nearly everyone.

In this episode we revisit Amazon Kids Plus. We take a look at how easy it is to surface content on the Echo, using the Kids Plus features. An annoyance I have with Amazon blocking Podcasts entirely for parents using the free tool, and not granting some sort of whitelisting option.

In this episode we have a listen to two voices for Amazon Kids Plus, subscribers, I'd never heard before. The Tiger and Panda voices. We also, learn Kids can't listen to Podcast, unless their part of the Amazon Kids Plus package. That, an more on this episoe.

In this riveting episode, we delve into the intricate world of Alexa’s AI Beta. Buckle up as we revisit key discussions from previous episodes (286 and 262) and uncover the truth: blocking this elusive Beta is akin to chasing shadows. Blueprints, tools, and even routines stumble in their attempts to shield us from the AI Beta. Why the fuss? Because Alexa’s Beta isn’t your run-of-the-mill digital a...

In this episode we discuss the newly released Echo Hub. We'll compare it to the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) and the Echo Show 15. Additional Resources and Reviews https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/amazon-echo-hub-best-features https://www.thurrott.com/smart-home/298199/amazons-echo-hub-is-now-available-at-179-99

Amazon's September 2023 announcement mentioned a new high quality voice coming to Alexa. Where is it? When will it get here? More importantly, what can we expect, based on other movers and shakers in the field of voice technology. That and more discussed in this episode of the Echo Tips Podcast.