Echo Tips

In this episode we catch you up on all the Alexa AI Beta news from several episodes, going all the way back to our first experience in episode 278. We discuss the basics of launching the Beta, the types of information you can solicit, hallucinations, Conversation Mode, new hardware, and child safety features. Check out this omnibus episode to catch up on all the AI goodness!

In this episode we revisit an episode from our archives. Its a classic and historically very popular episode, that deals with how to set your Alexa alarm to wake you up to music, radio stations, and a whole lot more!

In this episode we play with some features in the Alexa AI Beta, which seem to suggest a capacity for various English accents. That right, have your Alexa talk like a southern from deep in Alabama, too a pirate on the high seas, and much more.

It looks like a version of the new AI Voice, for Alexa is here. Back in the September Amazon Event, we were told and even got to hear a small segment of what the new Alexa Voice would sound like, join us as we dive into the Alexa Beta and test out the new voice. Its hard to tell whether this is the same voice demonstrated on stage or a slightly less advanced version, but the natural sounding quality; pronunciation and timing has improved from our dusty old Alexa Voice. So have a listen as we delve into this topic.

In this episode we discuss the Conversation Mode on the newest Echo Show 8 (3rd Generation). How will this influence the natural feel of having a conversation with the Alexa AI Beta? Does it apply outside the Beta? And how do you turn it on? That and more are discussed in this episode of the Echo Tips Podcast.

In this episode we take a look at Amazon's all new Alexa Accessibility Portal, where you can learn about various features and tools that make these devices usable by nearly everyone.

In this episode we revisit Amazon Kids Plus. We take a look at how easy it is to surface content on the Echo, using the Kids Plus features. An annoyance I have with Amazon blocking Podcasts entirely for parents using the free tool, and not granting some sort of whitelisting option.

In this episode we have a listen to two voices for Amazon Kids Plus, subscribers, I'd never heard before. The Tiger and Panda voices. We also, learn Kids can't listen to Podcast, unless their part of the Amazon Kids Plus package. That, an more on this episoe.

In this riveting episode, we delve into the intricate world of Alexa’s AI Beta. Buckle up as we revisit key discussions from previous episodes (286 and 262) and uncover the truth: blocking this elusive Beta is akin to chasing shadows. Blueprints, tools, and even routines stumble in their attempts to shield us from the AI Beta.

Why the fuss? Because Alexa’s Beta isn’t your run-of-the-mill digital assistant. It’s a Pandora’s box that can conjure anything—from innocent queries to downright eyebrow-raising content. Imagine your curious kiddo innocently asking about dinosaurs, only to be presented with fake information or worse presented with inappropriate content, for his age.

But fear not! We’ve got a glimmer of hope: Amazon Kids, the trusty sidekick. It wields the power to thwart Alexa’s Beta, but—brace yourselves—there’s a catch. The Parental Dashboard, designed with all the grace of a hippo on on roller skates, leaves much to be desired. And don’t get us started on Amazon Music’s Explicit Filter—it’s like a sieve trying to catch Niagara Falls.

Our host and fellow listeners are passionate about their Alexa devices. We’re not here to bash them; we’re here because we care. So join us as we navigate the murky waters of AI, parental controls, and the delicate dance between convenience and caution.

HOW TO PROVIDE FEATURE FEEDBACK TO AMAZON

1. Open Alexa App

2. Go to "More" Button in bottom right.

3. Tap on "Help & Feedback", then feedback.

ALTERNATIVELY

1. Say to your Echo, "Alexa, feedback".

AMAZON MUSIC FEATURE REQUESTS

https://bit.ly/AmazonMusicFail

In this episode we discuss the newly released Echo Hub. We'll compare it to the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) and the Echo Show 15.

Additional Resources and Reviews

https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/amazon-echo-hub-best-features

https://www.thurrott.com/smart-home/298199/amazons-echo-hub-is-now-available-at-179-99