Amazon Echo

[2DoorImpala]

I might just buy it for the hell of it, I listen to a lot of music so it would be cool to say play a song or group and have it play it or tell it to order things from amazon without going to my phone

http://www.amazon.com/oc/echo/

[theOJW]

It listens to everything you say, all the time. This is the ultimate privacy killer. The marketing pitch even positions it as a family member. This is the next generation of "big data" collection. I see the gadget-ness appeal, and can find positive use of the application. Weary to the max.

[WallyGeorge]

I'm excited to get one, if they use it for home automation, sonos type stereo, etc.

Fully understand the privacy concerns, but figure I already have cell phones and other devices that can do the same and that I have less control over.

[lorax3]

Always listening so it can serve me targeted advertisements? No thanks

[echoThreeOneSix]

seems cool but sort of unnecessary...

[joefrank64k]

Like an Echo Chamber

[AgentX]

Is this any better than just buying a Bluetooth speaker and linking it to your iPhone/Android? You can just play Spotify/iTunes/Slacker/Youtube on your phone and it will automatically stream to the speaker. Plus you don't have Amazon listening to everything you say and using the info to sell to marketers.....

[Redlion]

Is this any better than just buying a Bluetooth speaker and linking it to your iPhone/Android? You can just play Spotify/iTunes/Slacker/Youtube on your phone and it will automatically stream to the speaker. Plus you don't have Amazon listening to everything you say and using the info to sell to marketers.....

Try talking to your phone without touching a button first. Echo eliminates that step.

Which tech company nowadays does not collect browsing data for their operational advantage? Just saying...

[Merc1138]

And when amazon sends you a reminder to buy toilet paper because it heard you discussing it the other day... yeah no thanks.

[Redlion]

And when amazon sends you a reminder to buy toilet paper because it heard you discussing it the other day... yeah no thanks.

How is this a bad thing? Would you rather find out you need toilet paper before or after you unload your bombs?

[QuarterBoreGunner]

And now for the reality:
thanks to /u/The_Invincable from reddit

Uhm, a few f-bombs, but still funny:

[Merc1138]

How is this a bad thing? Would you rather find out you need toilet paper before or after you unload your bombs?

If I was verbally discussing it, I'm already aware of it, and don't need amazon sending me ads about it.

Now kinect on the other hand, can see me bring the groceries in and count how many times someone heads to the crapper to warn me in advance about low inventory of TP. Also creepy and unnecessary.

[texterter]

pretty cool product, thank you.

[Zorba]

Privacy issues aside - I just don't see the appeal. Yet another expensive, useless gadget.

Now get of my lawn!

[yellowsulphur]

Try talking to your phone without touching a button first. Echo eliminates that step.

Which tech company nowadays does not collect browsing data for their operational advantage? Just saying...

With Android Kitkat and lollipop one just needs to say "OK Google" The correct settings need to be turned on and if plugged in voice activation even works from a sleep.