PSA: Wi-Fi

Seeing another deal on an Alexa enabled plug - $12 with code 7FRQNW4M. This is one is a little different in that it includes energy monitoring/tracking.
Which leads to my public service announcement for the day...

I've been snagging all these Alexa enabled devices and one thing they seem to have in common is that they only use 2.4 GHz. This is the crappy, crowded, interference ridden, only 3 non-overlapping channels band. That's bad, but workable (generally the range is better), so not the end of the world. But, as a general rule, make sure all your important devices (Smart TV, streaming devices, laptops, etc.) are using 5 GHz.

Deal via Kinja Deals.

Eufy Genie (Amazon Echo Dot Clone) - Follow-up

I bought a couple of the Eufy Genie devices - one for $29 and one for $19. They are basically clones of the Amazon Echo Dot. They seemed like a good deal at $29, but then the Dot was reduced to $29. If I had know that was coming, I would have stuck with the official product for the same price.

My decision seemed to be really bad when I got them out of the box and started using them. I felt like I could time the responses from Alexa with a calendar. The good news is that, after some automatic firmware updates, I can say its performance is on par with the Echo Dot. If you can catch one for $19, it's definitely the way to go.

Anker Echo Dot Clone - $19.99 via Amazon Prime Today Only

I paid $29 for my Anker Echo Dot clone... so I'm in for another one since it is only $19.99 today only for Amazon Prime members.


Edit: This deal may be for everyone, but shipping charges might apply for non-Prime folk.

Voice Control Security

I love my Echo, but the attack vectors are scary...

Turns out hackers can take control of Siri and Alexa by "whispering" to them in frequencies humans can’t hear. https://t.co/TMTw1BjGLB

— Fast Company (@FastCompany) September 6, 2017

Via @Jruys

Alexa and Cortana

The new Laverne and Shirley...

"Available later this year, this collaboration will allow you to access Alexa via Cortana on Windows 10 PCs, followed by Android and iOS in the future. Conversely, you’ll be able to access Cortana on Alexa-enabled devices like the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot and Echo Show."

Which leads to interesting questions...

What happens if Amazon does a deal with Apple but Microsoft doesn't? "Cortana, ask Alexa to tell Siri to call mum"?

— Tim Bradshaw (@tim) August 30, 2017

I assume this will work with my new $29 Eufy Genie Echo Dot clone.

Eufy Genie (Amazon Echo Dot Clone)

I've been thinking about getting another Amazon Echo Dot for a while now. I was especially tempted when they were available as refurbs for $40.

So, it should be no surprise, that I bought the Eufy Genie for $29. Eufy is a division of Anker - which has a good reputation for the quality of all their phone accessories.

The Eufy Genie is very similar to the Echo Dot, but is missing a few features like Bluetooth and the ability to complete calls between Alexa devices. I've never used the Bluetooth, so that's a non-issue for me and Eufy says additional features will be added via firmware updates. I read a few reviews and folks were split on saving a few dollars vs. getting the actual Echo Dot. For me, I think I'll be happy with it even if it isn't perfect. We have one Echo Dot today and I wouldn't mind having several more. If this works well then I can save some money, but otherwise it might go in a less used location.

Eufy Genie Amazon page. 

Refurb Microsoft Surface 3 - $254

Tempted... Refurb Microsoft Surface 3 - $254.99.

Prime Day: Buy Kindle Book, Get 40% Back for Your Next One

I've had a few Kindle books in my wishlist for a while, so I might as well pull the trigger on one since I will get 40% back on my next purchase.

Certified Refurbished Echo Dot (2nd Generation) - $30 for Prime Members

Certified Refurbished Echo Dot (2nd Generation) - $30 for Amazon Prime Members.

Amazon Echo Dot Pricing

I'm not sure I understand the pricing...

You can get a new Echo Dot for $39.99 (limited time offer).

Or you can get a refurbished Echo Dot for $37.99.

They both have the same warranty, so no real risk to save $2 dollars, but with the prices so close I don't get it.

Refurb Amazon Echo Dot - $38

You can get a refurb Amazon Echo Dot for $38.

But don't do it... it is a slippery slope. I've got voice control of my thermostats. I added two plugs to control a couple of outlets last week. Now, I'm looking for a deal on light switches.

I don't know about that...

Hysterical... Amazon Echo Silver by SNL.

By the way, I got my Echo Dot to control my Honeywell thermostats. Pretty cool to ask her what the temperature is upstairs or down and get her to make the changes. I'm surprised how frequently I find the voice control to be handy. (I have CarPlay and really like using Siri to make calls and read or send messages.)

Via @Scott_WZ0W

Kindle Device Deals for Prime Members

My eyes are bothering me and I don't know if I'm finally to the point where I need readers or if it's just the start of allergy season. I've been reading a lot of books on the Kindle app on my iPhone, so I thought that might not be helping. I dug out my old Kindle Touch and after a good charge and some gyrations, it came back to life after being in a drawer for months. When I didn't think it was going to boot, I though the deal on Kindle devices might have been a sign. I'm still tempted since I'm sure they are much easier on the eyes.

For Prime members:

Kindle - $49.99 (instead of $79.99)
Kindle Paperwhite - $89.99 (instead of $119.99)
Kindle Voyage - $149.99 (instead of $199.99)

If you don't want a Kindle, you can get a refurbished Amazon Fire HD 6 Tablet for $35. That's like disposable Chinese radio prices!

PSA: Don't Buy an Amazon Echo Dot

Don't buy an Amazon Echo Dot. It is a gateway drug. Now I want to buy Alexa-enabled outlets and switches. And maybe I need this battery pack, so I can move the Dot from room to room with me.

It'll cost me a few bucks up front and it will be great when it works. It also means, invariably at some point, I'll have to troubleshoot something that never fails like an outlet or light switch.

Fields of Fire

I've been getting most of my books via electronic loan from my public library. It's a shame they won't have Marko's latest: Fields of Fire (Frontlines Book 5).

The timing is good as I'm like #5 or worse on all the books in my library's queue, so I'll pony up a whole $5 for this one and have something to read now. (The other books are still $1 for the Kindle version if you need to catch up.)

Amazon Discount

Today only and kinda random, but Amazon is giving you $8.62 off of any order over $50 with code:

BIGTHANKS

Via Kinja Deals.

Joke of the Year

I know it's early, but as a follow-up to yesterday's post about addressing your Amazon Echo as "Computer," I cracked up reading this fantastic comment:

Hey, now you can just say "computer" to give your @amazonecho a command. Does that mean it's Enterprise-ready? https://t.co/R43Hv8Z6bY pic.twitter.com/30S93cC24B

— Gomix (@gomixme) January 24, 2017

Computer

I've been toying with the idea of buying an Amazon Echo.

They've made the wake word configurable, so you can say "computer" and Alexa will respond.

I'm definitely going to order one now.

For those that don't get the reference (the fun starts around the 1 minute mark):

Amazon Echo Dot Sale

So tempted to pick up an Amazon Echo Dot at the sale price of $39.99.

Amazon Echo Dot

I resisted buying an iPad for a long time, because I wasn't sure how much we would use it. I'm quite certain we've gotten our moneys worth and more out of the iPad 2 over the years.

Likewise, I'm wondering if the Amazon Alexa voice activated personal assistant service would prove to be a good value over time. I really didn't want to pony up $180 for the Amazon Echo to try it out.

With the Amazon Echo Dot, I can dip my toes for only $50, so that makes it a little more tempting.

(If you wanted to really commit, you can buy 5 get 1 free or buy 10 and get 2 free with codes DOT6PACK or DOT12PACK.)