That Wemo switch is a good idea.
Thanks for checking. I would prefer simultaneous, but it's not a big deal. I am looking forward to messing around with it, if they ever send me the darn thing.
I got my Dot last night and it is indeed awesome, especially with my Hue lights and WeMo switches. I tried out the Bluetooth and it looks like I can say "pair device" and "disconnect device" to move from Bluetooth to Aux and back. I also set it up to use my calendars and Grocery Reminders list in iOS (via "if this then that"). I am going to try it out with J River this evening and see how that works for my local library, but I really like it so far.
What is impressive is just how good Amazon Echo is right out of the gate. It will be interesting to see how others implement this type of functionality into their ecosystems.
I got a chance to look at their demonstration of Google Home. It definitely looks interesting if you are in the Google ecosystem and don't mind them listening in. If you open up your every move to Google, then this could be the best assistant by a mile even if Apple gets in the game. Apple's stand on privacy will definitely put them in the backseat for intuitive features regardless of whether they get in the game or not. ( Though, I still want them to come out with something similar even if it is less intuitive. If it worked with Apple Music and AirPlay, I would be on board). That being said, Apple and Google both have advantages over Amazon because they are on most people's phones.
Lots of snark in that article, but the premise seems like a very logical move on Apple's part. (of course, it has been an obvious move since they came out with Siri) I will wait and see what they offer. I am pretty happy with the Echo and find some new use for it everyday. But if I had to
, I could always find a different, but very useful place for it.
I don't blame them. I have read articles saying Apple is way behind in this area, but when I look at the market to see exactly where they are so far behind, I don't see it.
Wow! Looks good for Amazon. I wonder how those numbers will hold up after Google enters the market, though. Personally, I don't want Google listening in my home, so I will stick with the Echo. However, if Apple gets in the market, it may make my decision more difficult...depending on whether they open up Siri to more third party developers.Whoa, Amazon completely turned the wireless speaker market upside down last year!
http://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-echo-speaker-sales-beats-bose-and-logitech-2016-1
https://www.1010data.com/company/blog/can-you-hear-me-now-the-surprising-success-of-the-amazon-echo/
It wouldn't surprise me if Amazon got into this business, but I found the "partner at Venrock" assessments very strange. He thinks it will have more impact on Apple than Spotify. I think just the opposite is true. There are many reasons, but the main one is that Spotify would lose its competitive advantage of being the only on-demand paid streaming service on the Echo. It also doesn't do anything to impact Apple's advantage on their own ever-growing ecosystem.
I saw those when I bought the Dot, but they got very mixed reviews. I spent $5 or so on the Lexi app for my iPhone and it works when I need Alexa to be portable.
