Amazon Echo

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1797 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 120

Reply # 1666536 9-Nov-2016 13:59

mattwnz:

xbmcnut:

tripp:

So am I right in thinking that the dot is just a cut down of the Echo?

I.e. I don't need an echo to just use a dot?

Correct. Does everything the same without the big speaker. So if you don't need a powerful bluetooth speaker, DOT all the way.

So does it still have a speaker in it? If so is it loud enough?

I believe it does still have a speaker, but it is not intended for music use, solely Alexa feedback.

xbmcnut

136 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

Reply # 1666540 9-Nov-2016 14:04

mattwnz:

So does it still have a speaker in it? If so is it loud enough?

Yes, it still has a speaker and its plenty loud enough. Unit can also pair to another bluetooth speaker or be connected to an amplifier through the 3.5mm audio output.

xbmcnut

136 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

Reply # 1666543 9-Nov-2016 14:07

Disrespective:

I have a Sonos speaker in the kitchen already that (apparently) i'll be able to pair the dot with for playback.

I don't believe the Echo/Sonos integration has been released yet?

Disrespective

1797 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 120

Reply # 1666546 9-Nov-2016 14:14

xbmcnut:

Disrespective:

I have a Sonos speaker in the kitchen already that (apparently) i'll be able to pair the dot with for playback.

I don't believe the Echo/Sonos integration has been released yet?

Nope, private beta end of 2016/start of 2017 and then they'll probably release the implementation in stages rather than giving us the whole lot of control in one go.

A good video about the (probable) usability cases is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFJ7O7N5Yok

richms

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Reply # 1666634 9-Nov-2016 16:05

My big echo is now in the kitchen since it's inbuilt speaker is very meh for music.

Dots are great but the lack of being able to switch between the inbuilt speaker and the 3.5 out means I have them over Bluetooth in a couple of places. Certainly not one of the good Bluetooth codecs in use on them.

Richard rich.ms

nurcopolics

133 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 7

Reply # 1667297 10-Nov-2016 12:06

NZ TIMEZONE CHANGE FOR ECHO

Got my echo dot programmed to NZ time and postcode weather report. Here's my code I put in to request maker chrome extension:

This also works for the Big Echo

{
"deviceAccountId": "YOUACCOUNTIDHERE",
"deviceAddress": null,
"deviceAddressModel": {
"city": "Tauranga",
"countryCode": "NZ",
"county": null,
"district": null,
"houseNumber": null,
"label": null,
"postalCode": "3116",
"state": "CA",
"street": "CA-123"
},
"deviceSerialNumber": "[removed]",
"deviceType": "A3S5BH2HU6VAYF",
"distanceUnits": "METRIC",
"firstRunCompleted": true,
"locale": "en-us",
"notificationEarconEnabled": true,
"postalCode": "3116",
"responseStyle": "CONCISE",
"searchCustomerId": "[removed]",
"supportedLocales": [
"en-US",
"en-GB",
"de-DE"
],
"temperatureScale": "CELSIUS",
"timeZoneId": "Pacific/Auckland",
"voiceCastEnabled": null,
"autocastToThisClient": false,
"isSaveInFlight": true
}

This will be of benefit to anyone wanting to make their echo NZ time and country compatible. This is the information youll need to make it all work

http://beebom.com/how-to-set-up-and-use-amazon-echo-outside-us/

Does not work on chromebooks for some reason.

[Mod edit (MF): removed device serial number from JSON]

xbmcnut

136 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

Reply # 1667304 10-Nov-2016 12:17

nurcopolics:

Got my echo dot programmed to NZ time and postcode weather report.

So this all stuck and if you ask Amazon for the weather, it gives you your City without mentioning the City? I've tried this dozens of times using the Request Maker method and it has never worked (past 1st October).

xbmcnut

136 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

Reply # 1667312 10-Nov-2016 12:32

nurcopolics:

Got my echo dot programmed to NZ time and postcode weather report. Here's my code I put in to request maker chrome extension

The link you shared documents the cURL method but you mention the Request Maker method at the start. Which method did you use?

xbmcnut

136 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

Reply # 1667559 10-Nov-2016 17:20

@nurcopolics

I have tried the Request Maker method this evening using your data (Tauranga and 3116) and am puzzled how you got it working. While everything always updates just fine if the label field is null, the device uses the existing address for weather in your case a street in California. If you can indeed confirm weather is working for Tauranga, can you please share your steps?

fizzychicken

274 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 62

Reply # 1674942 21-Nov-2016 13:10

My echo turned up at work this morning, it is now sitting on my desk staring at me.

Just wanted to check that I should be OK using a standard US to NZ power point converter with this without the need for any kind of step down etc?

What are the recommendations for the best current 'noobs guide' to setting up this thing in NZ....there seems to be a few different options.

https://keybase.io/fizzychicken

richms

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Reply # 1674961 21-Nov-2016 13:27

The AC adapter will list its acceptable voltage range on it. Unless they have changed since the ones I bought then it will be good to 240 so yes, but really you need to read it yourself and double check rather than just taking an internet forums word for it.

Richard rich.ms

xbmcnut

136 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

Reply # 1674965 21-Nov-2016 13:33

Found out last night you can play a local radio stations. Just say "Play 96.6" said as "Play ninety six point six". For stations like 95BFM that are 95.0, you have to say the '0'. That is the TuneIn Radio service that has the logo on the box but does not show as part of the supported music services in the app.

richms

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Reply # 1675029 21-Nov-2016 15:16

That has to be easier than trying to get alexa to play hauraki on tune in by asking for it by name ;)

Richard rich.ms

SipTank

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 1675171 21-Nov-2016 21:19

In response to a couple of these I have also been able to get the timezone correct (Pacific/Auckland) but not the weather. Viewing the available options for the fields I can't see anything Auckland based for addressing so not sure how anyone was able to achieve this.
For Tunein stations I've found my best success was to chose the tunein station from the alexa app then just say 'play tunein" and she goes with just playing the last station.
Finally, I saw Pandora become available on the alexa app this morning and was able to link it to my account. Alexa was also showing offline. Now it's back online and I don't have access to Pandora anymore.

tieke

282 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 49

Reply # 1675210 21-Nov-2016 21:53

It's a bit of a kludge, but I've always just specified the location in weather requests, ie "Alexa, what's the weather forecast for Waikikamukau, New Zealand tomorrow".

Couldn't get the TuneIn frequency thing to work - maybe it has to be in the name of the station? The few TuneIn names I've tried worked though "Alexa, play Radio New Zealand National" etc.

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