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[cryptoadam]

So I got a free Echo Dot 3rd Gen because I signed up for Sirus.

So what can I do with this thing? I don't have an Alexa do I need one or its useles?

I have no smart house stuff, my TV is not a smart TV, I don't have a radio in my house.

So is this thing useless for me? Can I return it to Amazon and get credit for it even though it was free?

 

[bucyou]

burn it with fire

 

[cryptoadam]

burn it with fire

After I burn it can I still return it to Amazon for store credit?

 

[bucyou]

After I burn it can I still return it to Amazon for store credit?

in all srs, amazon will let you trade it in but im pretty sure they only offer like $10

 

[Husky]

Cast it into the fire! Destroy it!

 

[haxan7]

Echo dot should have all the same functionality as the full size Echo

I mainly use mine for ambient noise while I sleep and controlling my smart bulbs

You can use it to:

set alarms/timers
Play trivia games
Play music from Spotify etc
Ask it questions and get lengthy info dumps in response
Ask it what times stores close
Ask it the weather

I’d keep it and see how you like it

 

[eddie4]

"Alexa, order 600 pairs of adult diapers, then play Rick Astley Never Gonna Give You Up"

 

[-Arcadia-]

Echo dot should have all the same functionality as the full size Echo

I mainly use mine for ambient noise while I sleep and controlling my smart bulbs

You can use it to:

set alarms/timers
Play trivia games
Play music from Spotify etc
Ask it questions and get lengthy info dumps in response
Ask it what times stores close
Ask it the weather

I’d keep it and see how you like it

To-Do and Shopping lists as well.

It’s a weird bit of tech in that you kind of have to think about how it fits in your life, and adjust your habits, but can be really handy if you make the effort.

 

[poppabk]

So I got a free Echo Dot 3rd Gen because I signed up for Sirus.

So what can I do with this thing? I don't have an Alexa do I need one or its useles?

I have no smart house stuff, my TV is not a smart TV, I don't have a radio in my house.

So is this thing useless for me? Can I return it to Amazon and get credit for it even though it was free?

It is an 'Alexa'. Seeing as you got it free for signing up to Radio use it to listen to the radio.
It's really good for timers in the kitchen or alarms in a bedroom. Getting the news etc.

 

[TDiddyLive]

All Echo devices are Alexa devices, the dot just audio only. They also have some with screens, the Show series. Lots of useful things to save time instead of picking up your phone, like getting weather. You can sync your contact list and make calls with your caller ID showing, like, “Alexa, call John” and John’s phone will show it is you calling.

Alexa Skills | Amazon.com

Skills expand and personalize your Alexa experience. Find the best Alexa Skills for games, audio, health, kids, fun, education, and more. We've curated the top Alexa Skills for the month.

www.amazon.com

I have a bunch around my house so I set it to play my music on all devices around the house so I can go room to room and still listen. Great for parties.

 

[Woo-Fu]

Well, I convinced people to get Alexa awhile back. Over at their house today it was, "listen to this, Alexa, make a fart noise."

I've created a monster.

 

[Allforce]

We've got 3 Echo Dots scattered around the house. Like someone said earlier "Play X on the Whole House Group" (you gotta set up an audio group in the app) lets you play music everywhere. I'll usually throw on ESPN Radio or whatever in the morning so I can listen to Dan LeBatard while I'm putzing around. It's good for holidays and parties, especially if you have a Spotify account since it's integrated and you don't have to say "Alexa, play Wu Tang Clan...on SPOTIFY" every time. Just "Alexa, Play Wu Tang Clan" will start up a playlist.

You can say "Alexa, Guard Mode" and it'll listen for glass breaking, smoke alarms, etc. And then notify you via text. Handy if you're away from the house.

You can make calls through it if you're into that. Also you can set it to find your phone. It'll call it and turn your ringer to loud.

If you've got multiple ones you can talk from room to room. Just "Alexa connect to Family Room" from my bedroom and I can ask for something and can talk in real time.

We get into stupid wars with "Alexa, Announce" and then say weird shit that it broadcasts in your voice around to every device. Or just tell everyone it's dinnertime.

You can set up routines. Buy some cheap Chinese smart bulbs and start throwing them in lights around the house. We've got 3 outside, then Family Room, Play Room, Office. When we go on vacation we set them to go on and off at pre-set times or you can just say "Alexa, Away Mode" and it'll randomize all the lights in the house while you're gone.

Works with my TV, end of the night it's usually "Alexa, shut it down" and the TV turns off and all the lights inside that are on turn off. It'll open Hulu, Netflix, Prime, etc on the TV if you ask her to.

Weather checks are used pretty much daily, usually "Is it going to rain soon" and she'll tell you the exact time rain is expected if there is any. Sometimes you want some random fact and just ask her instead of using your phone. Timers are good, it'll keep multiple named timers going so like "Alexa start a pasta timer for 8 minutes" and then another for something else.

 

[888]

I’ve got like 20 of them. I can move through the house and control everything from lights, temp, tvs, music, make announcements etc. They tell me when doors and windows open. I have it set to turn on all lights, kick on a siren and send text messages as well as make announcements when the alarm is tripped.

You can do a lot with them, granted you are comfortable having them in your house. My thought is, I have multiple cell phones in my house all the time already. They already listen, I may as well get some more use out of them.