Echo Tips

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.

In the 286th episode of the Echo Tips Podcast , hosted by David Ward , we delve into a crucial topic: how to block the new Alexa AI Beta on your Amazon Echo . If you’re concerned about preventing youths or others from encountering explicit language or content, this episode is a must-listen. We explore whether it’s possible to block this beta feature and whether Amazon Kids’ parental filters can pr...

In this episode of the Echo Tips Podcast, we look at one of the very first games to demo Amazon's AI Large Language Models. We'll be playing a round of 20 Questions with Volley Inc.'s Amazon Skill called Volley games.

Are you playing with the Alexa Beta, but getting mixed results? If so, we'll show you how to figure out which Beta your on, at any given moment. We will discuss the notion of paying for a smarter AI enhanced Alexa and revisit some of the practical things you could use Character AI for. This an more on this episode of the Echo Tips Podcast.

In this episode we take a look at the all-new Character. AI Skill that was announced at CES 2024.

PopGun Labs announced during CES 2024 their Splash Music Skill on Alexa. Now using only your voice you can generate a song, lyrics, genre, and more simply via a voice command, using cutting edge AI! Have a listen as we go back down the AI rabbit hole!

As announced in September 2023, Character AI's characters are now available in the Alexa AI Beta. Imagine talking to Abraham Lincoln about a thorny political topic or asking Socrates a philosophical or moral question. Or imagine talking to Wonder Woman or Batman?! That's right, that's available and a whole lot more, check it out on this episode of the Echo Tips Podcast.

In recent news it was suggested that some advertising firms were selling info based on recordings acquired from 3rd parties. What's the real story about Amazon Echo's Alexa and her privacy controls? How does the technology work? Does she really listen to everything going on and record it? We'll tackle these items one by one and demonstrate some powerful privacy controls that are a sing...

What can the new Alexa AI Chat-Bot really do! Can it pull live content, can it pull website data, can it write a poem, and most importantly does it hallucinate? This an more, in this episode.

We heard back in September about new AI Large Language Model smarts coming to Alexa, an now we have a demo of these new Beta features to share with you! And as best as I can tell, we're the first to discuss and demo these new features.

In this episode we actually setup a Echo Dot that has been factory reset, to give you the feel for the setup process. The trick is making sure bluetooth is turned on, on your tablet or smartphone. This greatly speeds up and simplifies the process.

In this episode we cover how to setup a brand new Echo or Echo Show. The process has changed over time, and we'll mention some handy tips for various situations such as home automation setups & if your buying another Echo to augment your home.