(Part 2) Top products from r/amazonecho

My first one was the dot spot but I actually wanted to do a better built in solution from the beginning. I needed to put it on hold while I figured out some details like sound and mounting. I figured (I think) those things out and got my first shipment yesterday. The biggest problem with a built-in mount for the Dot is the speakers in the back and being muffled. After fiddling around with some ideas I tried making a sound channel that would focus the audio around the dot and out the front. It works really well. You can see there is a small gap all the way around for the sound if its not hardwired or set up for BT. It sits in the mount with pressure fit and the cable placement but can be removed really easy.

I just put it up on Amazon and wanted to share here since everyone was really cool on the first mount and gave me great feedback.

here: https://www.amazon.com/Flush-Dot-Mount-professional-built/dp/B072TLJQK1/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1498752308&sr=8-4&keywords=mount+genie

Im not trying to spam anyone. just putting it out to the group since you were super cool about the first one.
Charlie

OK, here's an approach that should work and has worked for others:

Use a TP-Link HS100 Smart WiFi/Alexa-enabled plug driving an isolated relay, e.g.. https://amazon.com/Enclosed-AC-Protection-Bounce-Terminals/dp/B017743I7S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483241234&sr=8-2&keywords=120v+Relay+switch

Here is a quote from a reviewer who controlled a fireplace:

>Does exactly what it's supposed to. I used this with a TP-Link Smart Plug to allow me to use my Amazon Echo turn my gas fireplace on and off. The project took literally 5 minutes to hook up and works great. If I were going to pick any nit, I wish they had a version with a solid state relay so it doesn't "click" on and off, but that's really minor, and for this price, it can't be beat.Does exactly what it's supposed to. I used this with a TP-Link Smart Plug to allow me to use my Amazon Echo turn my gas fireplace on and off. The project took literally 5 minutes to hook up and works great. If I were going to pick any nit, I wish they had a version with a solid state relay so it doesn't "click" on and off, but that's really minor, and for this price, it can't be beat.

Setup the smart plug at an AC outlet close to the FP. Then plug the AC cord that comes with the relay module into the smart plug. The two wires that control the FP connect to the Gnd and NO contacts of the relay. Those two wires are very low voltage and current ("Millivolt circuit") that turn on the fire when connected. They should never contact a 120V circuit, which is why you need the isolated relay module.

I'm doing what you described with the Harmony Home Control (Amazon link) and IFTTT.

What you do is setup the Harmony device with "Activities." So for example I have one Activity called "Watch AppleTV" that turns on the ATV, turns on the receiver and switches it to HDMI3 out, then turns on the TV and switches it to input1.

Then you login to IFTTT and add your Harmony and Amazon Echo accounts to IFTTT. Then you make a two IFTTT recipes for each activity. So I made an activity that turns on Watch AppleTV and another that turns off Watch AppleTV. You run these from the echo by saying "Alexa trigger run on the AppleTV." You need to say trigger to the Echo knows to send it to IFTTT. After about two seconds the command runs from the Harmony and you are all set.

The key is you need to make a Harmony activity on the Harmony for everything you want. Then those activities show in the dropdown list for Hamony on IFTTT.

The only one I'm not sure about is your up/down volume idea. I think you could make a Harmony activity for recover volume up then an IFTTT trigger to match. Then another activity and trigger for receiver volume down. I just use the Harmony remote for volume.

I know, right? It's like the people that made some of these never use them. You would think Reuters would be fixed by now, since it's really could be a simple fix. Others I've tried are either way too long and/or obviously biased. Some of the local news ones had potential, but again too long because they take a long story or weather report and just let Alexa read it. Another common problem with the recorded skills is they just aren't updated daily so you hear the same thing every day.

The only suggest I have that isn't already mentioned is This Week in Tech, aka TWiT as it's short, is well done and critically invites you to hear other stories on their full podcast which means it's supported and will continue to be updated daily.

[Meep] (https://www.amazon.com/Meep-LLC-Personal-News-Radio/dp/B01N75RKCH) which is a custom news podcast you can tailor to you actually looks pretty good and I'll be trying that out now. Another one that I just found is 60dB which sounds very similar.

What we really need is a skill which plays a list of brief podcasts of your choosing. Right now they are either stand alone skills that aren't implemented as flash briefings or just podcasts outside of Alexa skills. I could envision a hack solution which would download the podcasts on a PC and merge them, then upload to where a skill could simply play. Creating a publicly available skill is not likely unless Amazon gets on board though.

you can however listen to your voicemail hands free. It would be a much better seller if they worked out the hands free calling thing. But I would 100% suggest you check out the "MasterMind" skill. You will probably find it's almost what you are looking for. Hope that helps :)

link to mastermind https://www.amazon.com/Mastermind-Text-Messaging-Phone-Calls/dp/B01N0HFLPG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-skills&ie=UTF8&qid=1491932639&sr=1-1&keywords=mastermind+skill (note: I am not the publisher of this skill. just a fan)

I have seen people setting up integration with RM-Bridge but that was too clunky for me. Im leveraging a custom Alexa skill and a local NodeJS server that utilizes python-broadlink and BlackBeanControl. I bought two Broadlink RM3 mini's for controlling a TV and Apple TV upstairs and a entertainment center downstairs.

It works pretty well and as soon as I clean up the code and write a how-to I plan to publish this to Github.

Yes, you would. I recommend you get the hub + remote anyhow, it's just so useful.

Logitech Harmony Companion All in One Remote Control for Smart Home and Entertainment Devices, works with Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3RFC4G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_hm-fybCM2E7YT

Awesome guide! I've just added Slate to mine.

I would also recommend This Week In Tech. I had replaced Daily Tech with TWIT a while ago because, as you pointed out, Daily Tech can be lengthy. TWIT is perfect in length, depth, and personality. And despite the name, it IS updated daily.

Put in any light fixture and bulbs you want and use a Lutron Caseta in wall dimmer switch. First light switch is about 100 bucks,

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-P-BDG-PKG1W-Caseta-Wireless-Selected/dp/B00MXCRAX8/ref=sr_1_3?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1482958038&sr=1-3&keywords=lutron+caseta

This includes the Smart hub needed to make it internet accessible.
Each additional switch thereafter is around 50$.

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Caseta-Wireless-Dimmer-150-Watt/dp/B00KLAXFQA/ref=sr_1_2?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1482958148&sr=1-2&keywords=lutron+caseta

You can also purchase them with remotes for $60

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Wireless-600-watt-150-watt-Multi-Location/dp/B00JJY0S4G/ref=sr_1_1?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1482958148&sr=1-1&keywords=lutron+caseta

and you can purchase plug in versions that allow you to control standard lamps and such ($60)

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Caseta-Wireless-Dimmer-300-watt/dp/B00JJY1QG0/ref=sr_1_7?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1482958148&sr=1-7&keywords=lutron+caseta

Lutron Caseta is not only compatible with alexa, ("alexa turn my living room to 50%" "alexa turn off my bed room" "alexa turn my living room to 10%" etc.) it is also fully homekit enabled. ("Hey siri, set my chamber to 2%" ) and utilizing the home app on your iDevice, you can set up schedules and such, for example my bedroom light turns on to 10% 30min before my alarm, and up to 50% 5 minutes before my alarm. This really helps me wake up on time.

Lutron caseta work great. worth the money

I got this one for the same purpose (without realising the speakers I was trying to connect had an auto-sleep function sigh) but the mixer seems great quality and I've kept it around because it might be handy in future.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-MX400-Micromix-Noise-Channel/dp/B000KGYAYQ

Apologies for the UK link if you are from elsewhere. You should be able to find the same item on your local store though. As mentioned you'll want to get some 3.5mm-1/4" adapters as well though.

I've made a post on this here.

I would say try these as your Flash Briefing for a few days:

1. Word of the Day - Concise, entertaining word of the day
   
2. Weather - Is what it is and it's decent
   
3. NPR Hourly News - Good US news
   
4. This Week in Tech - Short tech news
   
5. BBC - Good world news

You can use the Lutron Caseta for 3 way switches or more. Install the full Lutron Caseta switch in one box, and use remotes for the other boxes. You can put another switch anywhere, even if there isn't wiring there.

Lutron Caseta Wireless In-Wall Dimmer, 600/150-Watt, Single Pole, Works with Amazon Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLAXFQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_BazDyb4YRKZ8B

Remote with wall bracket
Lutron PJ2-WALL-WH-L01 Pico Remote Control with Wall Mounting Kit, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JR202JQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ObzDybQ8C594T

You need the hub as well

Hub, 1 switch, and 1 remote
Lutron P-BDG-PKG1W Caseta Wireless Dimmer Kit with Smart Bridge for Amazon Alexa and Selected Models, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MXCRAX8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kdzDybXVZ4ZGM

They sell the wall brackets seperate as well
Lutron PICO-WBX-ADAPT Pico Wallplate Bracket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JZRAFEA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nfzDybQX74B01

Basically you can get a 2way solution for $100, and add a 3rd switch for $20

The Yeelight strip does everything Hue does. Great price at $29.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LRT0B56/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_X0eCzbAAFJVMQ

If you want cheaper, there are "magic home" wifi controllers on eBay for about $7 into which you can plug super cheap eBay led strips

Just in case you're interested in the harmony hub, I don't know how long this will be on sale but it's a really good deal and the remote is freaking great... simple and a perfect addition to the hub with out being overly complicated.

I already have a set of nice speakers in my living room so I bought this Logitech bluetooth adapter to allow my Echo Dot to connect to those speakers wirelessly. The only downside is that the adapter reconnects automatically no matter how many times I tell Alexa to disconnect bluetooth, so it has to be powered down (unplugged) if I ever want to just use the Echo Dot's internal speaker. To solve this, I plugged the bluetooth adapter into a Wemo switch, which I named "stereo". Now, if I want to play the Echo Dot's audio through the nice stereo, I just say "Alexa, turn on the stereo"...Alexa turns on the wemo, which gives power to the Logitech adapter, which then auto-connects to the Echo and I'm in business. Saying "Alexa, turn off the stereo" powers down the Wemo/Logitech Adapter and the Echo Dot returns to playing through its internal speaker.

I recommend the Yeelight bulbs. I now have a bunch in my house since they are pretty inexpensive and do not require a hub. They work flawlessly with my Echo. They are $25 right now I believe and they were about $45 when I bought them so it's a steal.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LRTWQJ0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1499480989&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=yeelight&dpPl=1&dpID=31GyDmq0I%2BL&ref=plSrch

Edit: I forgot to mention they have a White version where you can only adjust the temperature of the whiteness, they are cheaper. They also have RGB strips that work with Alexa, and flawlessly too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LRT0B56/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499480989&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=yeelight&dpPl=1&dpID=41zF9u6IqQL&ref=plSrch

Hey, ihatefall! Thank you for your submission, unfortunately it has been removed from /r/amazonecho for the following reason(s):

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If you’re looking for a reasonably priced option, check out the Anker Soundcore Minis . They are less than $30 and can be paired together before connecting to Alexa device. It’s not a true “surround sound” but it is stereo sound with a pretty dynamic sound for the price.

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hue/dp/B01LWAGUG7

Hue Smart Home skill is not compatible with scenes from the Philips Hue app Gen 1.

Compatible with: Philips Hue Bridge V2 (square shape) to add support for Philips Hue scenes and rooms. On, off, and dimming of lights is already supported on both Philips Hue Bridge V2 and V1 with Amazon manufactured Alexa products (e.g. Echo, Dot, FireTV).

For a small speaker in a compact space I recommend the Anker soundcore mini. Very clear vocals and a bit of bass. I really like this speaker for light listening.

It can stay plugged in and doesn't sleep for me, I have it plugged in to the dock with an aux cable.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-SoundCore-Bluetooth-Speakers-Super-portable/dp/B01HTH3C8S/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1482786755&sr=8-8&keywords=anker+soundcore+bluetooth+speaker

Take a look at the House Band skill for JRiver Media Server. Requires JRiver, about $50 US (free trial available), but well worth it and highly recommended.

House Band

JRiver

Quick demo

I have tried several on Android and I would have to say Reverb is best.

I also use the product below and like it.

https://www.amazon.com/ZeroTouch-Mount-Android-Phones-above/dp/B01CEAYXFG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488232674&sr=8-1&keywords=logitech+zero+touch

I used the same relay as /u/upnorth77 https://www.amazon.com/Enclosed-AC-Protection-Bounce-Terminals/dp/B017743I7S/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1503427639&sr=8-10&keywords=dry+contact+relay+120v and a TP Link smart switch https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0178IC734/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . Pretty simple to hook up if you have a switch that turns your gas fireplace on/off.

You can get a Bluetooth receiver and connect it to your receiver. Then you pair your Dot to the Bluetooth receiver when you want and it will play through your audio setup. I'll find an example on Amazon and post back.

Edit - something like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IQBSW28/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1480902563&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=bluetooth+receiver&dpPl=1&dpID=41UR6fEoZTL&ref=plSrch

It depends on a few factors, namely what you want to spend overall, your aversion to DIY solutions and, to a lesser extent, how picky you are about your lighting.

I personally dislike the Hue bulbs. I think they're far too expensive (generally double or more than a standard LED bulb) and kind of a gimmick....but that's just me. I like medium cool lighting (~4k) with no need for color schemes. Any device or home lighting fixture you have that you can put a Hue bulb in you can also control using any combination of smart switches or outlets.

As far as the effort is concerned, there's a metric TON of things you can do with automation. I'd give /r/homeautomation a look if you're into tinkering. I'm not, but again it boils down to preference. My Echo works great with my Smartthings Hub which can control zwave or zigbee appliances. The Echo also works natively with the Hue, but once you get into Stringify and IFTTT then you're going down a cloud based rabbit hole. Echo is already server driven as is Smartthings so if either system is lagging or BOTH are lagging or somehow dependent on another system you're going to start seeing lag or general functionality problems. That said, you can get a Hook hub which allows you to run non-smart outlet switches via Echo or Smartthings. The cost per appliance goes WAY down.

tl;dr - go with a well supported hub (Smartthings, Vera, HomeControl, etc) and outfit everything with automated outlets and/or switches. The fewer steps in the chain, the better. And cheaper.

Because the skill that I have pulls data from another service ( https://darksky.net/dev/ ) pulls 42 forecast points to get an idea of the cloud cover in a grid to the west (for sunset) or east (for sunrise) to make a prediction of what the quality of the sunrise will be.

For me, 1000 requests/day isn't something I'll hit. 200 people asking "what will the sunset be like" each day and I'm starting to pay money for API calls (not to mention the cost of hosting - insignificant for me, not so much if there are more people using it).

There is already a free built in (no special invocation necessary) forecast. There are scores of other ones by local news stations (that are reminding you that its KAMZ giving you the weather). There's also already a skill that uses Dark Sky API - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GU4MBM4

If you've got the service and its the publicity that you are after, or are facilitating sales to a service (snow report for Sugarloaf mountain) - thats one thing. If you're just a random developer who would start having to pay out of pocket for strangers to use the program with no way of monetizing it - that's a completely different thing.

I think mainly you need Product with Harmony Hub included. I have Harmony home control which includes Remote and Hub.

http://amzn.com/B00N3RFC4G

TP link: Just bought one, works great!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HXM8XHO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is definitely not a solution if you are looking to control streaming content through Sonos. But if you are looking to control your local music collection:

https://www.amazon.com/Philosophical-Creations-House-Band/dp/B01ATZM6N4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-skills&ie=UTF8&qid=1480192306&sr=1-1&keywords=house+band

This is a ready made solution. You still need power though.

Flush Dot Mount https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072TLJQK1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8ksMzbFCVHP7M

I don't have any bulbs that change colors, so I have not tried it, but it does show that it has that capability here. Of course, you need to have a bulb that is capable of changing color for it to work (not all are).

The setup you're wanting sounds like it could benefit from a mixer and some bluetooth audio receivers. You would need one receiver per echo and the audio would be mixed, so you'd need to remember to stop playback on one device before starting playback on another.

CHEAP OPTION: Find a USB powered speaker you like and is in your budget and just get a cheap 2 port USB wall plug. I wouldn't mess with splitters/adapters when you're talking about power. It won't sound great because you really can't get a whole lot of power through USB. It only runs 5V at 2A which is 10W.

WHAT I DID IN MY KITCHEN: I bought one of these outlets to run 2x 120v plugs and 2x USB plugs. This solves your problem if you're handy. you get the 120v for a nice speaker and USB integrated to run your dot.

BETTER OPTION: Figure out a budget. If you're looking for under $50 I'd get the highest reviewed portable speaker that has a headphone jack on it. Get a 2x usb wall plug and 2 cables that are the same length and a 1' acc cable.

Something like this?
Lutron Caseta Wireless In-Wall Dimmer, 600/150-Watt, Single Pole, Works with Amazon Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLAXFQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lQcAybR2S3GG7

House Band skill + JRiver Media Center(not free) does this:

https://www.amazon.com/Philosophical-Creations-House-Band/dp/B01ATZM6N4

and eventually some of us hope SONOS will access our personal libraries...

I did the same thing. Your favorite alexa-enabled wifi plug and one of these should do the trick.

Even something small like the Anker Soundcore Mini will be a big improvment if used for music. For voice alone the internal speaker is acceptable.

Cheaper solution is a Broadlink RM and the unofficial skill.

I have the Dot in my study, connected via an audio mixer, into an amplified speaker. You can then use the mixer to set the level of (in this example) 4 inputs. Now, any of those inputs can play at the same time, and you can use the mixer to control the level of each input. This might be better for an amplified speaker than a stereo, but might give you some ideas.

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-MicroMIX-MX400-Low-Noise-4-channel/dp/B000KGYAYQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1464220713&sr=8-2&keywords=audio+mixer

You could get an Alexa compatible IR blaster for around $25: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FK2SDOC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then you can do things like have Alexa turn on your TV and change the volume/channels (which I know is the exact opposite of going outdoors)

It sounds like you're describing Mastermind, (Android App/Alexa Skill) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0HFLPG

Watch a video of how to use Mastermind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGgNa4OYARc

Buy a WeMo then power a relay like this to convert the Ac WeMo to a DC switch. I use this combo with smarthings to open my garage door.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017743I7S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481691193&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Enclosed+AC%2FDC+Power+Relay+with+Protection+%26+De-Bounce.+Screw+Terminals.+120V+Trigger+Input.

Maybe skip the brick and get something like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IAZIU5Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_iy4nybNHD8GA4

Looks like it's $81.99 now

It looks like for a little more this would work without the need of an always on Android device: https://www.amazon.com/Hook-Smart-remote-controlled-outlets/dp/B01ITSEU3C

Here was my solution.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IAZIU5Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ouISybSQ422WN

Also if you live in the States there is something called Amazon Tap too, cant get it in the UK yet so dont know a huge amount about it but it seems to be a speaker for Alexa.

Amazon Tap - Alexa-Enabled Portable Bluetooth Speaker
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BH83OOM

Nope, bought it off amazon. Here you go.

The Tap is, unfortunately, discontinued according to the Amazon product page. It looks like they found a box of them in a warehouse somewhere as there are a few new ones still listed now, but when I was looking for a device a couple of weeks ago, only refurbished models were available. I've been really happy with my refurb Tap, but unfortunately since the product is discontinued/abandoned, it's doubtful there will be any further software updates.

Don't they work with this? https://www.amazon.com/Hook-remote-control-outlets-Amazon/dp/B01ITSEU3C

[Do these also work?] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HXM8XHO/ref=twister_B01M7XAVH1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)

I use the Big Sky skill. It has more accurate weather.

I have this on the way.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FK2SDOC/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_u4ogAb6FWVTK1

I believe it’s exactly what your looking for.

https://www.amazon.com/YEELIGHT-Changing-Smartphone-Compatible-Lighting/dp/B01LRT0B56/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I don't have one, but this exists.
https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-ZeroTouch-Hands-free-Assistant-exclusively/dp/B01CEAYXFG

Are you in the UK? Here is a link to it on amazon.co.uk:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mastermind-Text-Messaging-Phone-Calls/dp/B01N0HFLPG

Which receiver are you using? The one I use seems to power off after inactivity and I have to re-pair it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IQBSW28/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 <- don't buy this

Do you have a particular spot in mind?

https://www.amazon.com/Flush-Mount-Built-Speakers-built/dp/B072TLJQK1

If you're in the states this is even cheaper: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Smart-Control-Black/dp/B00BQ5RYI4/

If you are willing to leave the amplifier on and set to auxiliary, then you can cast to this device:

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Bluetooth-Audio-Adapter-Streaming/dp/B00IQBSW28

The V1 hub does not allow for changing colors via the Hue Skill and that is the only way the Echo can natively change hue bulb colors. Says so right in the skill description. Are you saying you can say "Alexa, set <bulb name> to <color>" with a V1 hub and it works?

Here is the Hue skill description for reference.

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hue/dp/B01LWAGUG7

I think this might work for you

Took me a lil bit to get used to it but it's automatic for me now when I sit in my car i just drop my phone on my vent and open Alexa with my voice.