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Alexa in the car

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by raspy, Jan 11, 2017.

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  1. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    Anyone managed to connect Echo Dot to the car's Bluetooth?
    Mine won't connect. I'm using it as normal now, pending delivery of a 3.5mm jack.

    It works well whilst driving. 1484143109008.jpg


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #1 raspy, Jan 11, 2017
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  2. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    #2 raspy, Jan 11, 2017
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  3. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    Voice recognition is great at low speeds up to 25mph. I listened to various news briefings, played different tunes from Spotify.

    At higher speeds due to road noise, voice recognition was hit and miss.

    I originally had it in the cupholder which fitted perfectly. However, it reduces the volume significantly.

    So I put it on the wireless charging pad and it's great at full volume.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 raspy, Jan 11, 2017
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  4. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Does it link to the car or your phone, please?
     
    #4 RCO, Jan 12, 2017
  5. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    The only connection to the car at present is the USB port for powering the Dot. It uses a mobile wifi device for internet connectivity. I only needed my phone to set it up with the mobile wifi on the Alexa app.
     
    #5 raspy, Jan 13, 2017
  6. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Thanks, that's very interesting. Do you find it useful and if you can, suggest how?
     
    #6 RCO, Jan 13, 2017
  7. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    Yes I customise my news briefings via the app, as I'm a news junkie, select music including from tunein radio, Spotify, listen to audible audio books, add items to my shopping list, check my schedule and add events to my schedule, switch my lights on/off at home etc. I have Amazon echo and Google Home at home too.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 raspy, Jan 13, 2017
  8. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Wow, my envy gene just kicked in again.;). That's great, I've got a birthday coming up in a few days! :D
     
    #8 RCO, Jan 13, 2017
  9. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    I've got a 1st generation Echo Dot that I no longer use. Given how much the PC community has given me, I'm happy to send this to you as a birthday gift

    I'll send you a private message

    *The one in the pic is a 2nd generation.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #9 raspy, Jan 13, 2017
  10. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    Just got my 3.5mm cable. Didn't connect to the Dot as the port is recessed and the plastic surround on the jack is too big. Will try another one.

    1484311075481.jpg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #10 raspy, Jan 13, 2017
  11. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    #11 RCO, Jan 14, 2017
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2017
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  12. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    #12 raspy, Jan 15, 2017
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  13. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    So, i got the 3.5mm cable with a small surround and it plugs into the Echo Dot.

    Sound is great through the car's speakers. Also my phone is connected through Bluetooth and if I'm receiving a call then the sound from the Echo Dot is paused on the speakers.

    Need to test what happens if playing music from Echo Dot and trying to also get directions on speakers from Google maps on phone.



    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #13 raspy, Jan 15, 2017
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  14. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    #14 raspy, Jan 15, 2017
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  15. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    This report conducted by AAA was published by a British newspaper. Someone, in cases like this they hide the critical but in a few words, as my extract been below show.....

    "“Poorly executed voice systems may … [impose] high levels of mental demand on drivers with the potential to also incur long glances away from the roadway in order to check system status and understanding,” says the research paper."

    The critical word above is MAY and not WILL. We all know any distraction from the actual driving control is liable to entail risk, ( I think )!
     
    #15 RCO, Jan 15, 2017
  16. I'mJp

    I'mJp Senior Member

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    Does this mean I should get rid of my wife ?
     
    #16 I'mJp, Jan 16, 2017
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  17. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    This is the thing with these sweeping statements, conversations with passengers or even listening to talk radio, or audiobooks, MAY also be just as distracting to a driver. It's just focusing on one type of distraction in isolation. Haven't met your wife, so you'll have to decide for yourself whether this is sufficient justification. ;)
     
    #17 RCO, Jan 16, 2017
  18. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    I just got one these 4G car devices so I can plug into the rear 12V socket and not have a cable from the current mifi device to usb port.

    Alas it doesnt switch on automatically when car is switched on, needs a manual press. Looking for a mifi that will automatically switch on in the car. 1484573728034.jpg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #18 raspy, Jan 16, 2017
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  19. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    Video of Alexa starting up along with a demo of how it sounds linked to car's speakers.



    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #19 raspy, Jan 16, 2017
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  20. I'mJp

    I'mJp Senior Member

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    It appears that your commands work on my Alexa in my study as well.
    I though I was going to buy some chocolate.
     
    #20 I'mJp, Jan 16, 2017
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