Alexa vs. Echo

socal78

Well-known member
Alissa... Alexandra... Alexa whatever her name is vs. Echo. What's the difference? I'm Christmas shopping on Amazon right now and I am so confused. I don't even really know what an Alexa or Echo is or does. The Dot(?) and the 2nd gen are on Mr. SoCal's Amazon wish list. Do you need a subscription for these things? Are they related products? Same thing, different brand? I Googled a little bit. I don't get it. TI tech help, please. Man, I feel like these folks right now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvT_gqs5ETk
 
I feel so lost. This is worse than a guy trying to pick out jewelry.  :'(

I just bought him this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0777YX85X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

But now he says he's going to pick out his own bulbs and start small. I'm considering cancelling this order and getting just the cylinder thing. I have no idea what I'm doing.

People -- Do I need a subscription??

Also, what's the diff between the dot and the can thing?

 
irvinehomeowner said:
I recommend getting the Alexa, not the Echo.

:)

I've been ruminating for the past couple hours trying to figure out why you're smiling. I know you. So well.

I did some research. I think Alexa and Echo are actually the same thing.  O_O
 
Alexa is the AI service and Echo is the device.  You can see all of Amazon's devices here:
https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Echo-And-Alexa-Devices/b?ie=UTF8&node=9818047011

All of the Echo products come with Alexa.  The newest Echo products also can control a smart home making it easier than having a separate smart home router.  You will need to be part of Amazon Prime to enjoy the full functionality of it.

I recommend this Echo model: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075RWFCHB/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_c_x_3_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=WWW9DE8PZV2F590Z321P&pf_rd_r=WWW9DE8PZV2F590Z321P&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=fdbf9b9e-9d42-4e10-94d1-3ad750851b76&pf_rd_p=fdbf9b9e-9d42-4e10-94d1-3ad750851b76&pf_rd_i=9818047011

We have the taller one in our family room and each bedroom has the smaller one (Dot).  A cool feature is the intercom where we can talk to the kids instead of yelling from downstairs to upstairs and vice versa.

Google Home is a competing product and while the AI is better, the sound quality is terrible and you barely can hear it at parties or get togethers. 
 
Be warned that home automation is a slippery slope. You'll be blowing $$$ on all sorts of smart devices. Door sensors, motion detectors, light bulbs, dimmers, switches, etc ...
 
peppy said:
Be warned that home automation is a slippery slope. You'll be blowing $$$ on all sorts of smart devices. Door sensors, motion detectors, light bulbs, dimmers, switches, etc ...

Door sensor: ?

Motion detectors: ?

Dimmers: ?

Ceiling Fan: ?

Thermostat: ?

Washer & dryer: ? but the smart features don't get used

... He's not Amish like me. Complete opposite as far as this goes. He likes this type of stuff and is handy at installing everything himself. So, I "let" him have his fun and get whatever he wants. "Let" because I'm still the boss.  :)

Hey, Amazon just delivered the Echo and Philips smart bulbs as I type: ? ?




 
aquabliss said:
SoCal don't buy those bulbs it's a waste, just buy the Echo dot or regular size and get insteon or wemo switches that work with Alexa, then buy these for all your lamps:https://www.amazon.com/Plug-Work-Alexa-Function-certification/dp/B075WPMB27/

I even have one on my Christmas tree so the kids are always shouting "Alexa turn on the Christmas tree".  They're also very nice for light timers.

Good idea. Maybe I will just do both. Could these be used in conjunction with the Smart Bulbs I already bought? The Alexa & Smart Bulbs are already wrapped and under the tree.

Maybe I could get those Smart Plugs for the next holiday (Valentine's Day? Bahahaha!) I also got him gift receipts so he can return whatever he doesn't want. I will definitely suggest those Smart Plugs when he opens his gifts. He's going to wonder how I even know what they are. I'm going to feel like the most sophisticated person in the world thanks to your suggestion.  8)
 
Hey, Iho, my toaster died so today I bought this LEVERLESSSSSSSSS TOASTER. Behold. The toaster of the future. I just might be more high tech than you now! So... Do YOU have a leverless toaster? ;)  :) Actually, you probably already have an app for that.
 
SoCal said:
Hey, Iho, my toaster died so today I bought this LEVERLESSSSSSSSS TOASTER. Behold. The toaster of the future. I just might be more high tech than you now! So... Do YOU have a leverless toaster? ;)  :) Actually, you probably already have an app for that.

So close.

You should have bought one that connects to Alexa so you can ask her to make your toast... now that?s leverless. :)

And yes, my iPhone can toast bread with the LED flash.
 
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