Pete M0PSX, from the virtual club Essex Ham, takes a look at the Amazon Echo Dot, and sees if Alexa can make for a handy shack companion. Using Amazon's Alexa, it's possible to check your amateur radio calendars, check on a ham's APRS location, see DMR usage, check the weather and predict ISS passes. This short video looks at some of the ways that a voice-activated gadget could be a help in the shack. Got a tip on using Alexa in the shack? Add it at www.essexham.co.uk/alexa
Alexa in this house belongs to the XYL and it's not in the radio room. Maybe the XYL will get me one for Christmas this year. 73's de KB8OTK
So we can now "talk" to Alexa with your voice, while working FT8 on your computer? Does Alexa ever give less than a 5 by 9? Crazy stuff in the ham radio world.... Dave W7UUU
"Sorry Alexa - again again again - you are 3 by 3 3x3 beer beer beer not deer deer deer ... do you copy?" Dave W7UUU
Hmmm. We used to be worried about bugging devices and cameras placed in our homes by others. Now we actually PAY to have our homes bugged by non-secure monitoring devices we install ourselves. Wow. Privacy is just a concept, after all.
For those keen to do so, it's increasingly difficult to live "off grid". Devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, laptops, webcams, security systems, car trackers and home automation, not to mention web browsers, online services, social media and email, are all able to monitor us, but for most, it's an essential part of life in the 21st century.
Many people today find that devices such as smartphones, laptops, webcams, tablets, cordless phones, security cameras, etc, are all quite useful to have in the home - most come with microphones capable of listening - it's quite common today, you know!
We have 4 'dot' extensions to Alexa and use it as a high fidelity intercom. In fact, it is an IoT devise, and will 'intercom' anywhere. Reminds me of the Nextel 'PTT' days.... Ham radio with privacy and no license:-(