[QUAD-L] Echo Calling

[Jeffrey Gaede]

Whatever cell phone contains the Alexa App that set up your Echo is where your 
contacts for calling will exist. I am pretty sure they get imported into the 
Alexa App automatically. Having someone else load the Alexa App on their cell 
phone, combined with their name/number being in the Alexa App contact list that 
set up your Echo, should allow you to call that person's cell phone. I was able 
to call my attendant, who does not have an Echo, but did download the Alexa 
App, and it rang through to her cell phone, but she received some kind of 
microphone setting error that may be specific to her phone.
Alexa Calling & Messaging - Amazon Official Site
  
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   |

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Alexa Calling & Messaging - Amazon Official Site
 With Alexa you can use your Echo device to call or message anyone with a 
supported Echo device or the Alexa App ...  |   |

  |

  |

 

[QUAD-L] Echo

[greg]

I need some Echo help.
I have 2 Echos and 2 Dots, set on same account, in different roomes.
I can call 1 box to another box, with Drop-In. But, when I call from box 1 to box 2, it doesn't always call box 2. It calls the last one that called box 1. 
 
If I say "Drop in on Kim" it repeats Kim, but then calls Jo.
 
Anyideas?
 
And now and then it will just say something, not from noise. Middle of night, no noise.
 
Thanks, Greg

[QUAD-L] Echo

[greg]

I've been playing with the Amazon Dot and Echo. It is pretty cool, but very limited. And should be more clear on what you need. I have the Echo and 3 dots in other rooms. The Echo cost 3x as much as a Dot, but the only difference is the Echo has a bigger, slightly better speaker.
 
I can call 100% hands free, from either unit to another. And talk with anyone in the room. I can turn on lights, tv, etc. But you need to replace you wall light switch, or get special bulbs. And you need to buy a Harmony Hub to do your tv. As of now I can only do volume, on/off, channel up/down. No dvr, etc.
 
I think you can set it to chat with friends who have Echos or Dots too. I'd say, Drop in on John Doe and it turns into an intercom. As long as they are in your contact list. Still not sure what I can do using the cell phone.
 
Greg

Re: [QUAD-L] Echo

[Jeffrey Gaede]

I keep hearing about Harmony Hub for TV, so now I'm wondering about this 
Anymote.  I'm starting out with an Insteon Hub, so I can operate some things in 
my room but then I'll be moving to some kind of TV control, all through Amazon 
Echo.



  From: Joan Anglin <poaj...@sbcglobal.net>
 To: 'Jeffrey Gaede' <jsga...@yahoo.com>; 'greg' <g...@eskimo.com>; 
quad-list@eskimo.com 
 Sent: Wednesday, August 2, 2017 8:26 AM
 Subject: RE: [QUAD-L] Echo
   
#yiv8496180219 #yiv8496180219 -- _filtered #yiv8496180219 
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p.yiv8496180219msonormal0, #yiv8496180219 li.yiv8496180219msonormal0, 
#yiv8496180219 div.yiv8496180219msonormal0 
{margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:11.0pt;}#yiv8496180219 
span.yiv8496180219EmailStyle20 {color:windowtext;}#yiv8496180219 
.yiv8496180219MsoChpDefault {font-size:10.0pt;} _filtered #yiv8496180219 
{margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}#yiv8496180219 div.yiv8496180219WordSection1 
{}#yiv8496180219 I decided to go with Anymote for my TV and I am glad that I 
did.  I looked at Harmony, but because I do not have an elaborate sound system 
it didn’t seem worth the money.  Now I see that Dish works with Echo so imagine 
that Direct TV will follow shortly.  Love my Echo.  From: Jeffrey Gaede 
[mailto:jsga...@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2017 3:33 PM
To: greg <g...@eskimo.com>; quad-list@eskimo.com
Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Echo  Greg, why was the Harmony booster necessary?  From: 
greg <g...@eskimo.com>
To: quad-list@eskimo.com 
Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:59 AM
Subject: [QUAD-L] Echo  The Echo is pretty cool. understands me better than my 
old SiCare and that's my recorded voice commands. My only issue is it seems you 
have to buy a new add-on piece every time you want it to do something new. The 
EchoHarmony HubHarmony Booster I understand having to buy the plug sockets or 
light switches, but the Echo should have that other stuff built in. And should 
be more specific in the description. I bought a switch for the ceiling fan. 
Said it works with the Harmony Hub. After installation, trying to go though set 
up, it says you need to order the Harmony Booster for it to work. Frustrating. 
Should say all this on the package. So you can order it and not have to wait. 
Greg   

   

RE: [QUAD-L] Echo

[Joan Anglin]

I decided to go with Anymote for my TV and I am glad that I did.  I looked at 
Harmony, but because I do not have an elaborate sound system it didn’t seem 
worth the money.  Now I see that Dish works with Echo so imagine that Direct TV 
will follow shortly.  Love my Echo.

 

From: Jeffrey Gaede [mailto:jsga...@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2017 3:33 PM
To: greg <g...@eskimo.com>; quad-list@eskimo.com
Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Echo

 

Greg, why was the Harmony booster necessary?

 

  _  

From: greg <g...@eskimo.com <mailto:g...@eskimo.com> >
To: quad-list@eskimo.com <mailto:quad-list@eskimo.com>  
Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:59 AM
Subject: [QUAD-L] Echo

 

The Echo is pretty cool. understands me better than my old SiCare and that's my 
recorded voice commands. My only issue is it seems you have to buy a new add-on 
piece every time you want it to do something new.

 

The Echo

Harmony Hub

Harmony Booster

 

I understand having to buy the plug sockets or light switches, but the Echo 
should have that other stuff built in. And should be more specific in the 
description. I bought a switch for the ceiling fan. Said it works with the 
Harmony Hub. After installation, trying to go though set up, it says you need 
to order the Harmony Booster for it to work. Frustrating. Should say all this 
on the package. So you can order it and not have to wait.

 

Greg

 

 

Re: [QUAD-L] Echo

[Jeffrey Gaede]

Greg, why was the Harmony booster necessary?

  From: greg <g...@eskimo.com>
 To: quad-list@eskimo.com 
 Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 9:59 AM
 Subject: [QUAD-L] Echo
   
The Echo is pretty cool. 
understands me better than my old SiCare and that's my recorded voice commands. 
My only issue is it seems you have to buy a new add-on piece every time you 
want it to do something new. The EchoHarmony HubHarmony Booster I understand 
having to buy the plug sockets or light switches, but the Echo should have that 
other stuff built in. And should be more specific in the description. I bought 
a switch for the ceiling fan. Said it works with the Harmony Hub. After 
installation, trying to go though set up, it says you need to order the Harmony 
Booster for it to work. Frustrating. Should say all this on the package. So you 
can order it and not have to wait. Greg 

   

[QUAD-L] Echo

[greg]

The Echo is pretty cool. understands me better than my old SiCare and that's my recorded voice commands. My only issue is it seems you have to buy a new add-on piece every time you want it to do something new.
 
The Echo
Harmony Hub
Harmony Booster
 
I understand having to buy the plug sockets or light switches, but the Echo should have that other stuff built in. And should be more specific in the description. I bought a switch for the ceiling fan. Said it works with the Harmony Hub. After installation, trying to go though set up, it says you need to order the Harmony Booster for it to work. Frustrating. Should say all this on the package. So you can order it and not have to wait.
 
Greg
 

Re: [QUAD-L] Echo ?

[greg]

Thanks much,
So far I have an Echo, Dot, Harmony Hub.
I can turn tv on/off, turn channel, vollume. I can't bring up drv, guide, on-demand. Not sure it can do that yet. But I can use voice with my Cox Cable remote. But I have to hit a button first.
The Dot is in another room and I can talk with anyone in that room.
So it pretty cool, but it would be nice to be able to use it to control the whole remote.
Greg
> This page lets you check which devices the Harmony Hub works with
>  devices are on the list. Pretty much any TV with an IR remote will
> work.
>
>
> This article is really good at explaining setting it up and using
> the Echo (any model).  harmony-amazon-alexa-echo/>.

Re: [QUAD-L] Echo ?

[Jim Lubin]

This page lets you check which devices the Harmony Hub works with <
https://support.myharmony.com/en-us/compatibility>. Check if your devices
are on the list. Pretty much any TV with an IR remote will work.

This article is really good at explaining setting it up and using the Echo
(any model).
.



On Fri, Jul 21, 2017 at 12:19 PM, blan...@verizon.com 
wrote:

> Blumoo Went out of business (or so say comments on Amazon page)
>
>  I too are looking for a method to consolidate 4 remotes preferably by
> voice.
>
> They are: LG OLED TV, and Amazon fire stick with hack and and Onkyo 7.1
> receiver.
>
> Will be echo dot suffice for a voice control of the Harmony Hub?
>
>
>
>  Billy
>
> On Jul 11, 2017, at 6:52 PM, Jim Lubin  wrote:
>
> To control the TV and cable box (mine is the Comcast X1 DVR) with the
> Amazon Echo, I use the Logitech Harmony Hub  roduct/B00N3RFC4Q/>. You need a smartphone app to configure it but not
> required to use it.
>
> I had tried the Blumoo smart remote  oo-0010-2-00-Smart-Remote-Control/dp/B00JEMMD9Q/>, it worked but
> required that the app is running on an iOS device (not Android) in order
> for it to operate. I think it was discontinued but it is still for sale
> much cheaper than the Harmony.
>
> Voice control has been hit and misses with me. My voice is not all that
> loud being on a ventilator. The Echo can't always hear me over the sound of
> the TV.
>
> I have not tried it, but if you have the Echo call another Echo, so that
> might work for you to call a caregiver in another part of the house. <
> https://www.cnet.com/news/bug-your-family-with-amazon-
> echos-new-intercom-feature/>.
>
> I found this D-Link DCH-S220 mydlink Wi-Fi Siren <
> https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00PVDV3CK/> that might work with the Echo
> using an IFTTT recipe.
>
> The Echos (Echo, echo dot, echo show) are on sale today, July 11 Amazon
> Prime Day.  node=11851273011>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Jul 11, 2017 at 2:00 PM, greg  wrote:
>
>> I was hoping someone might help me with info about the Amazon Echo.
>>
>> I'm hoping to do 2 main things:
>> 1. Control TV, my cable box. Can I control volume, channels?
>> 2. Call caregiver at night. Can I have it ring a chime or something?
>>
>> What all do I need? The Echo, and what accessories?
>>
>> Thanks Much, Greg
>>
>>
>
>
> blan...@verizon.net
>
>
>
>

[QUAD-L] Echo vs Google home

[Eric Olson]

Greg-keep an eye on google for tv control

https://www.cnet.com/news/google-home-vs-amazon-echo/#ftag=CAD-04-10aac3d


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

Re: [QUAD-L] Echo ?

[Jim Lubin]

To control the TV and cable box (mine is the Comcast X1 DVR) with the
Amazon Echo, I use the Logitech Harmony Hub . You need a smartphone app to configure it but not
required to use it.

I had tried the Blumoo smart remote , it worked but
required that the app is running on an iOS device (not Android) in order
for it to operate. I think it was discontinued but it is still for sale
much cheaper than the Harmony.

Voice control has been hit and misses with me. My voice is not all that
loud being on a ventilator. The Echo can't always hear me over the sound of
the TV.

I have not tried it, but if you have the Echo call another Echo, so that
might work for you to call a caregiver in another part of the house. <
https://www.cnet.com/news/bug-your-family-with-amazon-echos-new-intercom-feature/
>.

I found this D-Link DCH-S220 mydlink Wi-Fi Siren <
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00PVDV3CK/> that might work with the Echo
using an IFTTT recipe.

The Echos (Echo, echo dot, echo show) are on sale today, July 11 Amazon
Prime Day. <
https://smile.amazon.com/b/ref=ods_DP_Multi_PrimeDay?node=11851273011>



On Tue, Jul 11, 2017 at 2:00 PM, greg  wrote:

> I was hoping someone might help me with info about the Amazon Echo.
>
> I'm hoping to do 2 main things:
> 1. Control TV, my cable box. Can I control volume, channels?
> 2. Call caregiver at night. Can I have it ring a chime or something?
>
> What all do I need? The Echo, and what accessories?
>
> Thanks Much, Greg
>
>

[QUAD-L] Echo ?

[greg]

I was hoping someone might help me with info about the Amazon Echo.
 
I'm hoping to do 2 main things:
1. Control TV, my cable box. Can I control volume, channels?
2. Call caregiver at night. Can I have it ring a chime or something?
 
What all do I need? The Echo, and what accessories?
 
Thanks Much, Greg
 

[QUAD-L] echo

[Quadius]

I made a discovery today. I decided to pair my iPad to my Amazon Echo and
it worked well. The interesting part was when I started playing a book from
my Talking Books app and simply asked Alexa to pause or stop, not only did
it pause in the room where I was at, but it stopped and started the app on
the iPad.

This a significant for me because it allows me to have a little bit of
control over the playback of the talking books. With the current digital
player I don't any control, but I so enjoy the ability to download books
directly from the Internet. It also has a really good rewind and fast
forward function. The iPad app doesn't have as good a navigational
function, but all in all I like it.

Just thought I would share.
Quadius

Re: [QUAD-L] echo

[Bobbie Humphreys]

I've been using a Wemo switch (not to be confused with Wemo light)
Cost for each is $39.99
You'll need one for each device, fan, lights.
Only one Wemo switch will fit in an outlet but you can fit a bunch on a strip.
You will need to name each one and ask "Alexa" to turn your device on/off
I've never had a problem 
You do not need any "special" bulb to operate from Wemo 
Bobbie

Smile Everyday

> On Aug 21, 2016, at 9:39 PM, Quadius  wrote:
> 
> I am presently using X 10 to operate lights and fans, but I would like to 
> switch to a newer system because X 10 is becoming more and more difficult to 
> acquire and it isn't that effective any longer.
> 
> I purchased an Amazon Echo, but I'd like to get a hub which can work with 
> different devices in order to open locks, operate door openers if possible, 
> turn on lights and fans. I would eventually like to switch over to something 
> I can operate with my cell phone, but right now my phone doesn't work well 
> with Google Now. So I am currently using Dragon Mobile Assistant to make all 
> of my phone calls and text messages, but this doesn't really give me full 
> access to my mobile phone.
> 
> I would generally just like some feedback on what's good, price effective and 
> actually works well. It would be a plus if it's not too difficult to set up.
> 
> I'm thinking about purchasing the device which allows me to operate TV and 
> things like that with echo, but I'm wondering if you have to have one for 
> each area your operating. I also don't like the fact that you have to tell 
> echo to turn on something through whatever the name of the device is. I 
> presently just have to activate my ECU, then give the TV command and say turn 
> on and then I can do a multitude of things from there.
> 
> Hopefully this isn't too confusing.
> 
> So basically I just like to know what you're using with your echo and what 
> you recommend. I would really rather not reinvent the wheel, if you know what 
> I mean.
> Quadius

[QUAD-L] echo

[Quadius]

I am presently using X 10 to operate lights and fans, but I would like to
switch to a newer system because X 10 is becoming more and more difficult
to acquire and it isn't that effective any longer.

I purchased an Amazon Echo, but I'd like to get a hub which can work with
different devices in order to open locks, operate door openers if possible,
turn on lights and fans. I would eventually like to switch over to
something I can operate with my cell phone, but right now my phone doesn't
work well with Google Now. So I am currently using Dragon Mobile Assistant
to make all of my phone calls and text messages, but this doesn't really
give me full access to my mobile phone.

I would generally just like some feedback on what's good, price effective
and actually works well. It would be a plus if it's not too difficult to
set up.

I'm thinking about purchasing the device which allows me to operate TV and
things like that with echo, but I'm wondering if you have to have one for
each area your operating. I also don't like the fact that you have to tell
echo to turn on something through whatever the name of the device is. I
presently just have to activate my ECU, then give the TV command and say
turn on and then I can do a multitude of things from there.

Hopefully this isn't too confusing.

So basically I just like to know what you're using with your echo and what
you recommend. I would really rather not reinvent the wheel, if you know
what I mean.
Quadius

RE: [QUAD-L] Echo

[Joan Anglin]

Good morning

It normally only wakes up to the command Alexa, however it sometimes will
wake up and state "I do not understand the question" or something similar.
Dogs barking do not affect it, and it does respond to everyone's voices,
including my six year old granddaughter who loves to ask Alexis silly
questions.

It does not do facebook nor google.  

 

From: Ismael Cavazos [mailto:ismaelcavaz...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 9:28 PM
To: 'Joan Anglin' <poaj...@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: RE: [QUAD-L] Echo

 

Hello let me ask you a couple questions I would like to get the echo device
but it makes me wonder if it's going to only pick up my voice or somebody is
the other room and the person is talking are they going to pick up their
voice or only my voice and the other question also where sample a dog barks
that echo is going to pick up the sound is it very sensitive that is my main
question and the last question with the echo device can a person who did the
Facebook thank you and God bless you

 

 

From: Joan Anglin [mailto:poaj...@sbcglobal.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 10:45 PM
To: 'quad-list'
Subject: [QUAD-L] Echo

 

For those other echo owners, I would like to share a couple of things that
might be applicable.  I purchased an device called Anymote Home, and after
many trials and tribulations with lots of help from the company (a big part
of the problem was that I have a Samsung galaxy S4 which has an unusual IR
blaster) I can now operate my top box and my TV by voice.  Just in time for
the Olympics so I don't have to sit through all the commercials!!  

I also read about an app called Iris that will e-mail a contact for you in
case of emergency.  It is under the skills part of Alexa.

I wanted a holder for my Echo that would keep it away from the wall as is
recommended, and decided to go looking for a hurricane lamp type holder.  We
found a wrought iron hanging LED hurricane lamp for $7.00 at Big Lots.
Removed a couple of screws, broke that glass and Alexa fits perfectly, then
I got a decorative plant hanger for $3.00 and it now hangs above my head
when I'm in bed so I don't have to raise my voice during the night.

Now I'm on the hunt for more things that it can do for me, although I do
enjoy the music, using it as a whole house system is what appeals to me.

I also use Alexa to set appointment dates in my calendar.  It is very
convenient to be able to verbally put down my appointments and goings on.
However, she does not always understand me correctly.  The other day I told
her to add an event to calendar, Advanced Insect Identification for master
gardeners.  A couple of days later I am looking at my Google calendar and
see that she has written Advanced Anal Sex Identification For Master
Gardeners!!!  Whoops.  Hopefully no one else who shares my calendar is
wondering what I am getting up to in my old age.

Have a great day every one, I plan on it.  Joan

Re: [QUAD-L] Echo?

[Lori Michaelson]

Hi Greg,

It connects to your phone (an app) and operates by voice. I am mostly
probably like your friend and use it to listen to music, talk radio,
weather information, general information (like asking it some random
question like how old is Elton John), etc. I can also ask it to add certain
things to my grocery list, which can also be accessed on my phone. But
since I need other people to do 100% things for me (including picking up my
phone, because I just use a Bluetooth to operate it) I haven't done much
else with it... yet.

I had to purchase something called a "Wink Hub" to tell it to turn my
bedroom light on and off by voice. The thing is... I had to also purchase a
certain light bulb (from Amazon) so that it will understand/connect to my
app. You are right however that it does. Much much much much more. It will
operate anything in your house by voice, BUT you have to own your own home
and purchase whatever is needed for any particular thing to operate it by
voice. Say, for example, you want to open your blinds by voice... you have
to buy something to connect to your blinds so that it will recognize your
command. Or it will open your garage door or do whatever.

Now that I am on the other side of the country and saying my live-in
caregiver has something go wrong with her and she is unreachable... my
niece looked up how, through my Amazon Echo, I might be able to do that.
And she found out how. It is through something called IFFT. I will go into
that below.

All you have to do is to a Google search on "What all does Amazon Echo do?"
Although Greg... I think that you already know that anything you want to
know can be found through a simple Google search. :-)

ALSO, there is something else out on the market that does exactly the same
thing and it is called IFFT but it operates through the Amazon Echo.
Whatever you ask Amazon Echo to do... it is called a recipe. There are two
recipes I use through IFFT that are commands that will go to my nieces
smart phone to first call my live-in caregiver's cell phone in her bedroom.
And if she is unresponsive, I give it another command, where buying my
niece will know to call the local ambulance or police or whatnot. To learn
about what IFFT does. Just click here and it will tell you:
*https://ifttt.com/* 

I hope this helps!

~Lori
​

On Thu, Jul 14, 2016 at 11:28 PM, greg  wrote:

> How does the Amazon Echo work?
> If I bought one, how hard is it to connect to and control your TV? Or can
> it?
> Would it control every option or just on/off?
> Ceiling Light?
> Do you have to buy a receiver for each object?
>
> Friend bought one but only uwes it to control music. I thought it did more.
>
> Greg
>



-- 
"Petting, scratching and cuddling a dog could be soothing to the mind and
heart and deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer." ~Dean
Koontz

[QUAD-L] Echo?

[greg]

How does the Amazon Echo work?
If I bought one, how hard is it to connect to and control your TV? Or can it?
Would it control every option or just on/off?
Ceiling Light?
Do you have to buy a receiver for each object?
 
Friend bought one but only uwes it to control music. I thought it did more.
 
Greg