Echo Tips

Apr 17 2024 6
Echo Tips Podcast artwork

Brief educational episodes highlighting and demonstrating features of the Amazon Echo. Commands for Alarms, Timers, Phone Calling, reading books, and much more are all laid out by New Vision's technical instructor David Ward. These episodes are especially helpful for new ones to the platform and seniors who are learning how to use their new device.

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Episode 295 The Many Accents of Alexa!

Apr 17 2024 16 mins  
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.

Episode 294 Alexa's New AI Voice

Apr 09 2024 19 mins  
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 natura

Episode 293 Conversation Mode - Are You Look'n at Me!?

Apr 03 2024 24 mins  
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.

Episode 292 Amazon's New Alexa Accessibility Portal

Mar 26 2024 13 mins  
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.

Episode 291 Surfacing Content with Amazon Kids Plus on the Echo

Mar 20 2024 20 mins  
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.

Episode 290 Tigers, Dragons, Bears, and Owls Oh My! Voices for Amazon Kits Plus

Mar 13 2024 17 mins  
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.

Episode 289 Amazon Let Little Johnny Down!

Mar 07 2024 25 mins  
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 ru

Episode 288 New Echo Hub Smart Panel But Not a Smart Buy!

Feb 28 2024 14 mins  
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

Episode 287 Alexa's Voice Makeover, When and What to Expect?

Feb 20 2024 18 mins  
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.

Episode 286 Blocking Alexa AI Beta and Firewalling it Off

Feb 14 2024 20 mins  
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’ pare