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

Amazon's September 2023 announcement mentioned a new high quality voice coming to Alexa. Where is it? When will it get here? More importantly, what can we expect, based on other movers and shakers in the field of voice technology. That and more discussed in this episode of the Echo Tips Podcast.

In the 286th episode of the Echo Tips Podcast, hosted by David Ward, we delve into a crucial topic: how to block the new Alexa AI Beta on your Amazon Echo. If you’re concerned about preventing youths or others from encountering explicit language or content, this episode is a must-listen. We explore whether it’s possible to block this beta feature and whether Amazon Kids’ parental filters can provide a safeguard. Tune in to discover practical solutions and insights! 🎙️🔒🔊 For those unfamiliar with the Echo Tips Podcast, it’s a show that offers brief educational episodes highlighting and demonstrating features of the Amazon Echo. David Ward, our technical instructor from New Vision, lays out commands for alarms, timers, phone calling, and even reading books. Whether you’re a new Echo user or a seasoned listener, this podcast provides valuable tips and tricks to enhance your Alexa experience. ## Show Notes and Links Let's Chat Blocker Blueprint https://a.co/aUpj0cw You'll need to augment the above with Q&A Blue print. Go to blueprints.amazon.com . You'll Need these 9 catch phrases that you set a custom response to, like "Your Blocked!". 1. Enable Let's Chat 2. Enable Let's Chat Skill 3. Enable Skill Let's Chat 4. Talk to Let's Chat 5. Talk to Let's Chat Skill 6. Talk to Skill Let's Chat 7. Talk Let's Chat 8. Talk Let's Chat Skill 9. Talk Skill Let's Chat (Note: Not for certain that the phrase "Talk to" and "Talk" are both needed. One may be sufficient, but in testing we used both.)

In this episode of the Echo Tips Podcast, we look at one of the very first games to demo Amazon's AI Large Language Models. We'll be playing a round of 20 Questions with Volley Inc.'s Amazon Skill called Volley games.

Are you playing with the Alexa Beta, but getting mixed results? If so, we'll show you how to figure out which Beta your on, at any given moment. We will discuss the notion of paying for a smarter AI enhanced Alexa and revisit some of the practical things you could use Character AI for. This an more on this episode of the Echo Tips Podcast.

In this episode we take a look at the all-new Character.AI Skill that was announced at CES 2024.

PopGun Labs announced during CES 2024 their Splash Music Skill on Alexa. Now using only your voice you can generate a song, lyrics, genre, and more simply via a voice command, using cutting edge AI! Have a listen as we go back down the AI rabbit hole!

As announced in September 2023, Character AI's characters are now available in the Alexa AI Beta. Imagine talking to Abraham Lincoln about a thorny political topic or asking Socrates a philosophical or moral question. Or imagine talking to Wonder Woman or Batman?! That's right, that's available and a whole lot more, check it out on this episode of the Echo Tips Podcast.

In recent news it was suggested that some advertising firms were selling info based on recordings acquired from 3rd parties. What's the real story about Amazon Echo's Alexa and her privacy controls? How does the technology work? Does she really listen to everything going on and record it? We'll tackle these items one by one and demonstrate some powerful privacy controls that are a single voice command away or a tap of your finger in the Alexa App.

What can the new Alexa AI Chat-Bot really do! Can it pull live content, can it pull website data, can it write a poem, and most importantly does it hallucinate? This an more, in this episode.

We heard back in September about new AI Large Language Model smarts coming to Alexa, an now we have a demo of these new Beta features to share with you! And as best as I can tell, we're the first to discuss and demo these new features.