I thought Red Rising series was going to be a three book series, but Iron Gold: Book 4 of the Red Rising Saga is out as of today. As luck would have it, I'm between books, so I guess I'll pony up the $15 for this one.
A jack of many hobbies and a master of none - spending lots of time on amateur/ham radio, running, and technology.
Showing posts with label Amazon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amazon. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Monday, January 15, 2018
ZOLO Halo - Amazon Echo Clone
So Anker/Eufy is adding a better speaker to their Alexa device line up - the ZOLO Halo. (And yes, their naming is as bad as some of the Chinese radios.) I like my Eufy Genie - great purchase from a value perspective when I got it for $20. I don't feel the need for a better speaker, but if I did, then I'd definitely consider the ZOLO Halo at $40.
Friday, January 5, 2018
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.
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.
Labels:
Alexa,
Amazon,
Interference,
Smart Home,
Wi-Fi,
Wireless
Thursday, January 4, 2018
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.
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.
Labels:
Amazon,
Echo,
Eufy,
Genie,
Smart Home,
Voice Control
Monday, November 20, 2017
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.
Edit: This deal may be for everyone, but shipping charges might apply for non-Prime folk.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Voice Control Security
I love my Echo, but the attack vectors are scary...
Via @JruysTurns 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
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
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...
I assume this will work with my new $29 Eufy Genie Echo Dot clone.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
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
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.
Labels:
Alexa,
Amazon,
Echo,
Eufy,
Genie,
Smart Home,
Voice Control
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Refurb Microsoft Surface 3 - $254
Tempted... Refurb Microsoft Surface 3 - $254.99.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
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.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
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.
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.
Labels:
Alexa,
Amazon,
Echo,
IoT,
Voice Control
Monday, May 22, 2017
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.
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.
Labels:
Amazon,
Echo,
IoT,
Technology,
Voice Control
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
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
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
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
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!
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!
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
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.
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.
Labels:
Alexa,
Amazon,
Echo,
Electronics,
Technology
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
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.)
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.)
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Amazon Discount
Today only and kinda random, but Amazon is giving you $8.62 off of any order over $50 with code:
Via Kinja Deals.
BIGTHANKS
Via Kinja Deals.
Labels:
Amazon
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
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
Labels:
Amazon,
Echo,
Humor,
Star Trek,
Voice Control
Tuesday, 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):
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):
Labels:
Alexa,
Amazon,
Echo,
Star Trek,
Voice Control
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