ALEXA - do I want one ??

castle96

feel as though I 'should' have one, but why/what for ? I don't need it to turn lights on, etc (the special bulbs cost £18 !). What do you use yours for/what does it do? Do I need anything else to make it work (apps, etc). Do I have to buy a music service ?
Seems there are many different models Echo, Echo Dot, Google.....

Is it all just a gimmick or worth having?

which one? Any advice please

dipsomaniac

I just use my Google home to switch a lamp plug on when phone is on charge. You will need a app to manage devices

elsien

Should/want/need - all different things.

I don't feel like I should have one.
I don't particularly want one as I'm low tech, wouldn't use it for listening to music, and do still have reservations about the potential privacy implications tech companies not having covered themselves in glory on that front so far.
Need - I don't think I do. But I felt the same about smartphones till I got one.
Any idea at the moment how you think you might use it?

NeilCr

I use mine for music. I pay for Amazon Music monthly and they do have a huge catalogue

For me it's a "nice to have". It's easy to ask for certain artists and tracks and I'd say I play more music now then when I was changing/looking for CDs and finding particular songs

But, then, my partner would tell you I am a lazy so and so!

castle96

Amazon Music = £? How doo you tie that in with Alexa. Could I use Spotify.
What model of Alexa to get. Why is one more expensive ? Better speakers or extra features ?

NeilCr

I've got an Amazon Echo. That links automatically to Amazon music but I think it's pretty straightforward through the Alexa app, anyway. If I can set it up anyone can!

The Amazon Dot is cheaper. I got the Echo because my friend has one and I was impressed by it. There are different types so worth a look round. Google them

Amazon Music is a tenner a month. I think Apple Music might be cheaper. Yes, you can get Spotify

RumRat

Google nest mini and Google music free and Spotify free....will give you a taste for it. No need to buy any subscriptions initially (or ever). If you do want to subscribe there are Google play music, Spotify, Deezer, Apple and few others.
I bought into Google Home initially (and still primarily) for the music.
Lights, heating etc. just came naturally, initially out of curiosity and now I wouldn't be without...
But, it's each to their own and only you can make the decision right for you.

Blackpool_Saver

Single device for music is 3.99 per month.
Alexa when set up almost becomes a friend, music, radio stations, info, weather, you can customise your news, have it speak back to you using your name etc. Set up routines for attached gadgets, make phone calls, and I know I am only scratching the surface. I never put on a radio now, everything comes through 'her'

castle96

thanks so far...
so do I go for the Alexa echo or the Google nest. I would never bother with setting it up to lights/doors, etc

Blackpool_Saver

castle96 wrote: »

thanks so far...
so do I go for the Alexa echo or the Google nest. I would never bother with setting it up to lights/doors, etc

I would go for an echo, but I am all things Amazon so it all ties in

winspiration

Free phone calls via Alexa, including to mobiles are handy - it uses your contact list in your smartphone and the calls look as if they are coming from your phone.



If you have Amazon Prime, you can get free music with that, obviously not as much as the paid for version. Alternatively, you can upload your own digital library of music to ibroadcast and play it for free via Alexa - probably via Google nest too.



I have an old style Echo and a couple of dots - I think that the dots have reasonable sound quality.


If you go for Amazon, they usually have lots of offers on their own devices on the run up to Black Friday.