The first review I ever wrote for the Gadgeteer was for the Amazon Echo Dot. With Amazon’s AI Alexa, you could use skills to do things such as turn on lights or order a pizza. Since that time Alexa has evolved. Now there are literally thousands of new skills. Some useful, others not so much. In […]
Amazon’s new Alexa Skill Blueprints lets you create your very own Alexa skills Read More
The ecobee Switch + is the smarter light switch with built-in Amazon Alexa. Unlike other smart switches that just work with Alexa, the ecobee Switch + has the voice assistant built right in. Use the built-in mic to ask Alexa for lights, news, music, and more. Or control other voice-enabled devices in your home. Depending
Ecobee recruits Amazon’s Alexa for their new Switch+ smart switch Read More
Is Alexa your BFF? Do you have the Amazon Echo or Echo Dot devices in your home? Digital voice assistants like Alexa are very handy when you want to control your smart home gadgets or when you want to ask questions and play your favorite music without using your phone, or your computer. Being able
Speak Music Muse Alexa voice assistant review Read More
As smartphones have become more prevalent, people have become used to having all of their information and entertainment with them 24/7. That growth has sparked a surge in portable wireless speakers. I always found these wireless speakers to be a bit too “single use”. If I’m going to haul around a device, I prefer to
iLive Voice Activated Amazon Alexa Portable Wireless Fabric Speaker Review Read More
An Echo Dot can serve as your wake-up alarm all by itself, but iHome has created the Bedside Stereo Speaker that makes your Dot look like a regular alarm clock. The Dot (generation 1 or 2) connects to the iHome via AUX cable to play all audio, so you can listen to the music Alexa
Enhance your Amazon Echo Dot with stereo speakers and clock display Read More
Back in October, alongside the launch of the Sonos One, Sonos told us about several forth coming software updates which would include the ability to control Sonos directly from additional partner apps. Making true to that promise, today Sonos announced that you can now control your Sonos system directly through the Pandora app. And for
Sonos can now be controlled directly from within the Pandora App Read More
Give me a speaker, a Bluetooth or wifi connection, throw in a dollop of Amazon Alexa’s brains and witty personality and top that off with a pinch of Spotify or Amazon Music and it looks like a recipe for sheer gadget bliss. The great thing about this recipe is that all the ingredients are accessible through the
FABRIQ Chorus Portable Smart Speaker with Amazon Alexa review Read More
The Honeywell Smart Home Security System was just announced on Indiegogo ahead of its official debut at CES 2018. This DIY, self-installed, all-in-one security solution is centered around a camera base station with an integrated 1080p HD camera and 145-degree field of view. The system is self-monitoring but also serves as an Alexa enabled speaker, so it
The Honeywell Smart Home Security System gives Alexa Eyes! Read More
I love my Amazon Echo Dot and one of the best things about it is its portability, but I always find myself looking for somewhere to put it where it’s out of the way and then trying to figure out what to do with its ugly cord. Say hello to This Dottie, a plug-in mount specifically
Let your Amazon Echo Dot be anywhere with “This Dottie” Read More
I’m an avid Alexa user. I use Alexa to control my lights, my Dyson, and even my air conditioner. I even miss her when I’m staying at a hotel. But until now I’ve been using the Amazon Echo Dots and Echo Taps to boss her around. I also have two Sonos PLAY:1 speakers at home,
“Play mom’s playlist.” We suspected it was coming, and today Sonos confirmed that they are bringing Alexa into their eco-system. A software update is now available that allows Sonos owners to use Alexa to control their Sonos. The update is a beta that will be available for users in select countries, including the U.S.
Sonos One is their first smart speaker with Alexa (Hands-on) Read More
“‘Echo Spot combines the popular small design of Echo Dot [it measures 4.1” x 3.8” x 3.6” or 104 mm x 97 mm x 81 mm], the display of Echo Show, and the features you love about Alexa into an all-new, stylish and compact device,’ said Tom Taylor, Senior Vice President, Amazon Alexa” (according to
Meet the new member of the Amazon Echo family: Echo Spot Read More
I never get tired of trying out new smart-home devices. Whether they are security cameras, home automation devices, or smart assistants, I absolutely love playing with these new gadgets. Imagine the joy I experienced when I heard about Nucleus, a tablet sized Wi-Fi intercom that can function as all of the above.
Nucleus Wi-Fi intercom with Amazon Alexa review Read More
One of the most interesting announcements made today at Apple’s Annual WWDC was the release of the Apple HomePod, Apple’s entry into the home assistant arms race. A straight up challenger to the champ, Amazon Echo and the runner-up, Google Home, Apple’s HomePod takes Siri out of your iPhone and places her squarely, for better
Apple announces the HomePod, challenger to Amazon Echo and Google Home Read More
The Vaux Speaker for the Amazon Echo Dot is a powerful, well-designed, and versatile accessory. For existing 2nd generation Echo Dot owners, this is a must-buy and an easy way to expand your Dot’s functionality.
Vaux Speaker for the Amazon Echo Dot Review Read More
After a week of rumors and leaked images, Amazon today unveiled the Echo Show, the first Echo device with a screen.
Amazon’s new Echo Show, Alexa with a screen Read More
GE and Amazon have developed the “C”, a lamp and clock that is Alexa enabled. It has visual indicators for time on the ring where hands would go, a sleep enabled light with warm colors at night and cool colors in the morning, and tunable light controllable by voice commands for home and office environments.
Combine a light with Alexa – what do you C? Read More
If you think that smartwatches only come from companies that have a fruit or a green robot as their logo, then let me introduce you to Martian smartwatches. While they may not be a true smartwatch with a color touch screen and the ability to run apps, Martian watches offer a basic set of functions and
Martian mVoice PTL 02 Smartwatch review Read More
When I find a gadget that can make my life easier in some way, that gadget tends to stay in my life. And the gadgets that just look pretty usually don’t end up finding a place in my day-to-day routine. So when I ran across the Logitech ZeroTouch car mount (air vent model), with its
Logitech ZeroTouch air vent car mount review Read More