Like-New Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Smart speaker with Alexa - Charcoal

I held out for years on getting an Echo device. I didn't really need one, I wasn't using Amazon enough to justify a Prime account, concerns about hacking and spying, selling information to third parties, not wanting to be one of those tech-dependent junkies, etc. Then I started procuring WIFI enabled gadgets that work with Alexa, and it really got me to thinking about the convenience an Echo device provides. Don't get me wrong, being able to control things from a phone app was already convenient, but the possibility of not needing to dig out a phone and find the app, that was pretty tempting. Finally, I saw the price of this unit and decided to give it a try. Within minutes of setting it up, I was in love. I was running around the house turning lights on and off like a little kid. Then my girlfriend got in on the action, asking questions, going through a list of Easter eggs, playing Skyrim, and having a ball the whole time. I'm surprised Alexa didn't go on strike after being grilled and run ragged for three solid hours.Alexa actually fills a void in my heart. A few years ago I had an assistant app (Sam) that was bought out by Google and taken offline, and I never found anything that came close to replacing her. Alexa actually does a lot of things I came to depend on Sam to do, and a lot more! If only the phone version had an awake prompt, and could access apps and stored files on my phone, my heart would be whole once more.The Dot itself is really great. Smaller than I expected, but also heavier. Add the weight of the device to the rubber bottom, and I have no fear of the unit getting batted off the table by my cat. The speaker is very impressive. I was fully prepared to plug some old computer speakers into the Dot, but I instantly realized that the Dot was louder than the speakers I brought out of storage. I actually love this device so much that within a few hours of unboxing it, I ordered an Echo Show so I can bring Alexa into my kitchen and make full use of my Ring and Blink devices. Can't believe I'm excited for an Echo device to arrive, but that should tell you just how cool this Dot is.

It's not the product..........It is the set up that was a problem. I worked on it several times over two days and could not get it to connect to my wifi. I tried in vain with the instructions that were included. I kept getting error messages one after the other, and just could not make it connect at all. I then tried it on my wife's phone, again no luck, same problem. I was just about ready to pack it up and send it back. I then saw the web address for support. It was a .com address with a dot after com. No such address........So, I called the support number on my phone to get help. My call was answered by, you guessed it, someone talking like he had marbles in his mouth. He asked if I had a network security program. I said yes, I have virus, malware etc. He then said, well Alexa won't work unless you have this network program. He went on to tell me that's just the way it is. I told him I saw nothing mentioning any thing like that from all the research I had done. Well, he said, let me try to help you get this working. He tried very hard to sell me a $249.00 special security program to make Alexa work. He said without it you won't be able to use Alexa. I thought this a bit strange..... So, I tried the Amazon address without the dot after com. I found instructions on how to set it up. I had it set up and running just fine after a few min. I don't know what Alexa app I put on our phones, but they just wouldn't work at all. I find it odd to download the Alexa app on our phones and not be able to connect with it. So, if you buy one of these, and have trouble setting it up, DON'T CALL THAT SUPPORT NUMBER THAT SHOWS UPON YOUR PHONE. I can't believe that Amazon would engage in such stuff. Amazon, if you read this, check it out. It is a big scam. My Alexa is working just fine now without that (special) network security program. Just make sure your firewall is turned on, and follow the instructions on your computer and all will be fine.....We are having fun with it.

I now have three 3rd Gen Echo Dots. One each in the Den, Main Bathroom and Main Bedroom. I also have a 4th Gen Ball. The Dots integrate flawlessly the Ball and 6 Feit Smart Bulbs. The Alexa app is very versatile and acts as the setup hub for all my routines. The app also acts as another devise listening for "Alexa" and connects to any or all of the Dots and Ball through Bluetooth. Using Skills I've linked my Alexa devices to Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, and tons of other music, podcast and TV services.Start off setting up the basics and over time you will find it easy to add devices, smart bulbs, controllable AC wall outlets, doorbells and more. Highly recommended.About the hanger falling out of the wall outlet. As outlets get older the spring mechanism that holds your plugs blades get weaker. Hard to notice when plugging in a lamp cord. When I moved in, there were several outlets that had such with weak contacts the iron's plug would fall out as I ironed. Suggestion if you're up to it. Lowes or Home Depot has replacement outlets for 3 or 4 dollars that have strong contacts. If you're a DIYer, bring your Dot and hanger with you and try out a few sockets. Loose sockets scare me even for a lamp.

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