By Rich W Woods

On November 26, Amazon quietly introduced the Amazon Echo by simply adding it to their web site. It was available by invitation only (and still is) and to my knowledge, no one received an invitation for almost a month. I received mine on December 24.

The first question one must ask himself is “Why?” Why do I want a voice assistant in the living room? The answer is actually pretty simple. When you need an answer, it’s there. Ever since Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007 and then the iPad in 2010, we seem to have this perception that every new technology should be something that we are constantly using, rather than something that will simply enhance our lives.

Continue reading Amazon Echo Review: Siri in your Living Room →

By Rich W Woods

On November 6, Amazon quietly announced the Amazon Echo, a Siri machine that sits in your living room. The idea makes sense. We have these voice assistants on our smart phones but does anyone ever use them? When I’m walking down a street in New York City, do I ever see anyone talking to Cortana or Siri? Of course not.

After all, to use Cortana or Siri, you have to have your phone out. You have to press a button on your phone. Once you’re already touching your phone, you may as well just use your phone directly. If you try to use Siri or Cortana or even S Voice, there is a really good chance that they are going to say that they can’t understand you or they can’t do what you want them to. After trying it a few times, you get to a point where you just do it yourself.

Note that I’m talking about Siri, Cortant, and S Voice. Moto is always listening so it does provide some useful tasks. In fact, Siri is sometimes listening. assuming the iPhone is charging.

Continue reading Amazon Echo: Unboxing and First Impressions →