Tag: Amazon Alexa

  • Ecozy Smart Ice and Water Dispenser: Modern Cold Drink Solution

    Ecozy Smart Ice and Water Dispenser: Modern Cold Drink Solution

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ecozy’s Smart Ice and Water Dispenser offers advanced features like compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
    2. The dispenser has a user-friendly design with a large display and touch buttons, plus remote activation via the EcozyHome app.
    3. It provides customizable options for water amounts (6 to 24 ounces) and ice types (long-lasting or chewable).
    4. The device includes a self-cleaning feature and built-in LED lighting for a modern look.
    5. Priced at $599.99, it is positioned as a premium smart home addition, with a temporary $30 coupon available on Amazon.

    As the summer heat continues to linger into August 2025 in various areas, Ecozy recommends that those feeling the heat enhance their cold beverage experience with its latest Smart Ice and Water Dispenser.

    Advanced Features

    The company claims that its new device is more efficient and stylish than similar products, featuring compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Ecozy has also engineered the Dispenser to dispense ice from the same outlet as the water, eliminating the hassle and mess often associated with traditional scooping.

    User-Friendly Design

    Equipped with a large, vibrant display that takes up most of the front, the machine includes specific touch buttons for features like a timer. Interestingly, users can also activate this function remotely using the EcozyHome app, available for both Android and iOS.

    Customizable Options

    This Dispenser is designed to deliver precise amounts of water, ranging from 6 to 24 ounces. Additionally, it can create ice in either a longer-lasting form or “chewable” nuggets, thanks to specialized sensors that monitor temperature and total dissolved solids (TDS).

    The device even has a self-cleaning feature, though Ecozy hasn’t detailed how it works, and it includes built-in LED lighting for a sleek, modern aesthetic.

    Overall, this prospective addition to a smart home during a heatwave is being promoted as a premium 3D printer for ice and cold water, and the price reflects that.

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    Ecozy Smart Ice and Water Dispenser: Modern Cold Drink SolutionEcozy Smart Ice and Water Dispenser: Modern Cold Drink SolutionEcozy Smart Ice and Water Dispenser: Modern Cold Drink Solution
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  • Philips Hue App Update Enhances Alexa Integration Features

    Philips Hue App Update Enhances Alexa Integration Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Philips Hue app version 5.45.1 has been released for iOS, following version 5.44.0.
    2. The update allows Amazon Alexa users to manage multiple Philips Hue Bridges per account.
    3. Users must relink the Philips Hue skill in the Alexa app to activate the new multi-Bridge feature.
    4. The update adds support for new Philips products, including the Xamento recessed spotlight and Hue Smart button v3.
    5. The iOS app is available on the Apple App Store; no update timeline for Android users has been provided.

    Philips Hue has rolled out a fresh update to its iOS application. The new version, 5.45.1, comes just weeks after the previous version 5.44.0, which included minor enhancements, bug fixes, and improvements in stability.

    New Features for Alexa Users

    With the 5.45.1 update, there’s a notable enhancement for those who utilize Amazon Alexa. Users can now manage multiple Philips Hue Bridges, a feature that previously allowed only one Hue Bridge per Amazon account. To activate this capability, customers must relink the skill in the Amazon Alexa app. Philips assures that any existing automations and device links will remain intact throughout the relinking.

    Support for New Products

    Additionally, this update introduces compatibility for several of Philips’ latest offerings, including the white variants of the Xamento recessed spotlight and the Adore Bathroom recessed downlight, alongside the Hue Smart button v3 and the Hue Play wall washer, which is currently priced at $219.99 on Amazon. These new products are now fully supported by the Philips Hue Bridge due to a distinct software update.

    You can grab the Philips Hue app version 5.45.1 for iOS via the Apple App Store. It’s uncertain when Android users will receive a similar update; the Google Play Store indicates that the last update for Android was version 5.44.1, which rolled out in June.

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    Philips Hue App Update Enhances Alexa Integration Features

     

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  • Philips Hue Alexa Integration Issue Confirmed by Signify

    Philips Hue Alexa Integration Issue Confirmed by Signify

    Key Takeaways

    1. Philips Hue is experiencing integration issues with Amazon Alexa, affecting voice command functionality for smart home devices.
    2. Many users report that some Philips Hue devices are unresponsive or have limited control, with no error messages provided.
    3. Signify, the company behind Philips Hue, has acknowledged the problem but claims it affects only a “small number” of customers.
    4. The company is working with Amazon to resolve the issue, but no timeline for a fix has been provided.
    5. Affected users are encouraged to contact Philips Hue customer support for assistance, and a Philips Hue Bridge v2 is recommended, though some users report functioning without it.

    Philips Hue has acknowledged an issue related to its integration with Amazon Alexa. This integration is intended to let users manage their smart home devices using voice commands from Amazon Alexa. For instance, you can remotely turn lights on or off, or modify the brightness or color of bulbs like the White and Color Ambiance E26 (currently priced at $43.99 on Amazon).

    Users Report Problems

    Many users have been reporting difficulties with the Philips Hue Alexa Skill for a while now. Some Philips Hue devices are completely unresponsive, while others can be controlled but with some limitations. This issue seems to have come out of nowhere, without any error messages appearing in the Alexa application or on devices that support Alexa. Furthermore, users have noted that reconnecting Philips Hue with Alexa does not resolve the problem.

    Company Acknowledgment

    A recent article by Golem.de reveals that Signify, the firm that oversees Philips Hue, has confirmed that the link between Philips Hue smart products and Alexa is indeed malfunctioning in certain situations. They assert that only a “small number” of customers are experiencing this issue, though they did not provide any specific figures. Reportedly, the company has indicated it is collaborating with Amazon to find a solution. However, there is no timeline available for when users might expect a resolution.

    Customer Support Options

    If you are one of the customers facing this issue, it is advisable to reach out to the Philips Hue customer service department. It’s also important to mention that while Amazon recommends having a Philips Hue Bridge v2 to utilize this skill, many users say they can still operate Alexa without needing the hub.

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  • Amazon’s Alexa Adds Monthly Subscription Fee for Prime Members

    Amazon’s Alexa Adds Monthly Subscription Fee for Prime Members

    Amazon is preparing to revamp Alexa, though accessing its most advanced features may come with a price tag. Reports indicate a potential $5 to $10 monthly subscription fee in addition to a Prime membership to unlock the AI-enhanced Alexa. This upgraded assistant is slated for release in August 2024 and promises several enhancements.

    Enhanced Capabilities

    The new advanced Alexa is expected to offer personalized advice for activities like shopping or art. The need to say “Alexa” repeatedly might be eliminated. The updated version could process and complete multiple requests simultaneously, such as drafting an email and ordering takeout at the same time. It might even adapt to user habits, customizing routines like starting the coffee maker when the alarm sounds. Additionally, this sophisticated Alexa is anticipated to provide nuanced shopping recommendations.

    Free Tier Still Available

    Despite these changes, Amazon will not completely phase out the free tier. A basic version of Alexa with new generative AI features will remain accessible. This strategy appears to be a response to the escalating competition in the AI assistant market, with rivals like Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Apple's improved Siri all vying for user engagement. Alexa’s future strategy seems to focus on a dual approach: maintaining a free basic service while introducing a premium tier with advanced functionalities.

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  • Redmi Watch 4 Update Adds Voice Assistant Support

    Redmi Watch 4 Update Adds Voice Assistant Support

    Xiaomi’s Redmi Watch 4, which was launched earlier this year, has received an update that introduces support for the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. This recent update, identified as version 2.2.80, was initially highlighted by a member on the Xiaomi subreddit.

    Redmi Watch 4 Update Introduces Amazon Alexa Integration

    The integration of Alexa potentially offers Redmi Watch 4 users the capability to execute various tasks using voice commands. This includes setting timers, alarms, controlling compatible smart home devices, creating reminders, and more.

    Regional Restrictions on Alexa Support for Redmi Watch 4

    Discussions on Reddit indicate that Alexa support on the Redmi Watch 4 might have limitations based on specific regions. A user based in the USA reported that despite receiving the update, the Alexa feature remained inaccessible, accompanied by a message indicating "not available in your region."

    How to Test Alexa Support on Redmi Watch 4

    To verify if Alexa functions on your Redmi Watch 4, update the device's software and attempt to utilize voice commands. If you encounter difficulties accessing the feature, it is likely that Alexa is currently not supported in your area.

    Redmi Watch 4 Specifications

    The Redmi Watch 4 boasts an aluminum alloy frame, complemented by a stainless steel crown and a quick-release strap for user convenience. It sports a 1.97-inch rectangular AMOLED display with an LTPS 5Hz screen that offers a refresh rate of 60Hz and a peak brightness of 600 nits.

    In terms of health monitoring, the watch features a 4-channel PPG sensor for heart rate and blood oxygen measurement, alongside an accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS for tracking over 150 sports activities. Additionally, it includes standard smartwatch functions like sleep monitoring, stress tracking, weather updates, a stopwatch, app notifications, microphone, speaker for Bluetooth calling, and a water resistance rating of 5 ATM.

    The device is powered by a 470mAh battery, providing up to 20 days of battery life under typical usage scenarios.

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