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.

Anniversary

The blog is 7 years old today. Funny how it gets older despite my lack of posting.

TYT MD-9600: KG4VDZ Video Review

KG4VDZ:

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

Etymology of Ham Radio

Good info for the next time someone asks about the origin of the term "ham radio" https://t.co/i8O65uEfTr #hamradio

— BobW (@K0NR) September 7, 2017

Zello

Business Insider:

"A walkie-talkie app called Zello is No. 1 in the App Store because of Hurricane Irma"

Definitely better than nothing, but nothing like having some real radio options.

Soldering Irons

The Wirecutter reviews soldering irons and recommends the X-Tronic Model #3020-XTS. The venerable Weller WLC100 comes in second.

Baofeng Tech: MURS-V1

The kind folks at Baofeng Tech sent me a couple of their new BTECH MURS-V1 radios. They introduce the MURS-V1 this way:

"MURS is a two-way, VHF short-distance voice or data communications service for personal or business activities of the general public.

The MURS-V1 is a great introduction to two-way radios as a step-up from common walkie talkies. The MURS-V1 introduces users to common PL (Private Line) tones and terminology. Standard CTCSS and DCS terminology is used without abstract Menu terms (such as "Tone 12") used by bubble-pack radios."

I'll have to recruit the help of my crack team to help me test these MURS radios out.

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.