Amazon Echo

This Forum is the main messageboard to discuss all things Claret and Blue and beyond
Post Reply
basil6345789
Posts: 2703
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:22 pm
Been Liked: 481 times
Has Liked: 2289 times

Amazon Echo

Post by basil6345789 » Fri Dec 14, 2018 11:48 am

I'm 66 today and they've bought me an Amazon Echo. Another woman, called Alexa, talking to me! She even told me off when I swore at her.
She wants me to subscribe to Spotify and Unlimited Music to play tunes.
Does anyone know of an alternative but free, please?
This user liked this post: FactualFrank

FactualFrank
Posts: 25445
Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2016 12:46 am
Been Liked: 6930 times
Has Liked: 11660 times
Location: Leeds

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by FactualFrank » Fri Dec 14, 2018 11:49 am

I think Spotify has a free version, but it plays adverts between songs.

Imploding Turtle
Posts: 19799
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:12 am
Been Liked: 5483 times
Has Liked: 2540 times
Location: Burnley, Lancs

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by Imploding Turtle » Fri Dec 14, 2018 11:51 am

Spotify is free. Use that.
The adverts aren't so bad and they're only played occasionally so you're not bombarded after every song.

basil6345789
Posts: 2703
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:22 pm
Been Liked: 481 times
Has Liked: 2289 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by basil6345789 » Fri Dec 14, 2018 11:56 am

Thanks lads - I'll set about it.
Greatly appreciated.
UTC

Imploding Turtle
Posts: 19799
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:12 am
Been Liked: 5483 times
Has Liked: 2540 times
Location: Burnley, Lancs

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by Imploding Turtle » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:02 pm

Now you can enjoy the "Alexa, play Despacito" meme.

ElectroClaret
Posts: 17774
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:07 pm
Been Liked: 4044 times
Has Liked: 1846 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by ElectroClaret » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:02 pm

The problem with the free version of Spotify is that you now can't play which individual
tracks from an album you want to. You have to use "shuffle play" which is basically
a random pot luck method.

However, there are a couple of vids on YouTube showing how to get round this.

Imploding Turtle
Posts: 19799
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:12 am
Been Liked: 5483 times
Has Liked: 2540 times
Location: Burnley, Lancs

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by Imploding Turtle » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:05 pm

ElectroClaret wrote:The problem with the free version of Spotify is that you now can't play which individual
tracks from an album you want to. You have to use "shuffle play" which is basically
a random pot luck method.

However, there are a couple of vids on YouTube showing how to get round this.

I've got the free version and i have no such problem. I'm listening to Remedy by Little Boots right now. Track #5 of Hands album.

Maybe you suck at Spotifying. :P
This user liked this post: ElectroClaret

FactualFrank
Posts: 25445
Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2016 12:46 am
Been Liked: 6930 times
Has Liked: 11660 times
Location: Leeds

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by FactualFrank » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:05 pm

Basil, if you have family members who also use Spotify, I believe you can get a sort of 'family pass', which makes it cheaper.

ClaretAndJew
Posts: 8020
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:08 am
Been Liked: 2814 times
Has Liked: 503 times
Location: Earth

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by ClaretAndJew » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:07 pm

To be fair Spotify premium is worth every penny

ElectroClaret
Posts: 17774
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:07 pm
Been Liked: 4044 times
Has Liked: 1846 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by ElectroClaret » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:07 pm

Imploding Turtle wrote:
Maybe you suck at Spotifying. :P
I'll try it again.

FactualFrank
Posts: 25445
Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2016 12:46 am
Been Liked: 6930 times
Has Liked: 11660 times
Location: Leeds

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by FactualFrank » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:09 pm

3 months for 99p. Then a tenner per month after that:
https://www.spotify.com/uk/premium/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

dushanbe
Posts: 1010
Joined: Sun Jan 03, 2016 5:20 pm
Been Liked: 396 times
Has Liked: 52 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by dushanbe » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:22 pm

I've literally just this minute changed my subscription from premium to family so they can avail themselves of bluetooth speakers and suchlike that might be brought by Santa. As C&J says, its worth every penny and is a model for the distribution of digital media which makes piracy not really worth the while.

basil6345789
Posts: 2703
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:22 pm
Been Liked: 481 times
Has Liked: 2289 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by basil6345789 » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:32 pm

Needs some careful thought this. I've downloaded Spotify free to my mobile but when I try to connect it to Echo bloody Alexa comes on again saying I must link my Spotify Premium account. I've tried to reason with her but she seems to have dug her heels in - bitch! I suspect the software will be configured to reject the free version and make you pay.

FactualFrank
Posts: 25445
Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2016 12:46 am
Been Liked: 6930 times
Has Liked: 11660 times
Location: Leeds

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by FactualFrank » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:36 pm

basil6345789 wrote:Needs some careful thought this. I've downloaded Spotify free to my mobile but when I try to connect it to Echo bloody Alexa comes on again saying I must link my Spotify Premium account. I've tried to reason with her but she seems to have dug her heels in - bitch! I suspect the software will be configured to reject the free version and make you pay.
Basil, it appears you're right - you need a Premium account to connect to Alexa.

https://community.spotify.com/t5/Closed ... -p/1700722" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This user liked this post: basil6345789

basil6345789
Posts: 2703
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:22 pm
Been Liked: 481 times
Has Liked: 2289 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by basil6345789 » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:37 pm

Additional - if I'm going to subscribe to something then I'd prefer to be able to play tracks through Alexa but also to be able to download, convert to mp3 then save the track to my laptop (like I do now with youtube + youtubemp3converter).
Anyone any ideas please?

claretonthecoast1882
Posts: 10088
Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2018 1:59 pm
Been Liked: 4161 times
Has Liked: 57 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by claretonthecoast1882 » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:38 pm

Try amazon music you get 30 days free and if you like it thinks its under £5 per month to have it on one device
This user liked this post: basil6345789

dushanbe
Posts: 1010
Joined: Sun Jan 03, 2016 5:20 pm
Been Liked: 396 times
Has Liked: 52 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by dushanbe » Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:40 pm

basil6345789 wrote:Additional - if I'm going to subscribe to something then I'd prefer to be able to play tracks through Alexa but also to be able to download, convert to mp3 then save the track to my laptop (like I do now with youtube + youtubemp3converter).
Anyone any ideas please?
Not possible as far as I'm aware with Spotify. You can download tracks onto devices, but only for as long as your subscription is valid.
This user liked this post: basil6345789

Rileybobs
Posts: 16684
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 4:37 pm
Been Liked: 6893 times
Has Liked: 1471 times
Location: Leeds

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by Rileybobs » Fri Dec 14, 2018 1:04 pm

basil6345789 wrote:Additional - if I'm going to subscribe to something then I'd prefer to be able to play tracks through Alexa but also to be able to download, convert to mp3 then save the track to my laptop (like I do now with youtube + youtubemp3converter).
Anyone any ideas please?
Why would you need to save tracks to your laptop if you have spotify? Not being an arse, just curious.

FactualFrank
Posts: 25445
Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2016 12:46 am
Been Liked: 6930 times
Has Liked: 11660 times
Location: Leeds

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by FactualFrank » Fri Dec 14, 2018 1:09 pm

basil6345789 wrote:Additional - if I'm going to subscribe to something then I'd prefer to be able to play tracks through Alexa but also to be able to download, convert to mp3 then save the track to my laptop (like I do now with youtube + youtubemp3converter).
Anyone any ideas please?
I'd consider the 3 months for 99p on Spotify (link further up). After 3 months you can then decide whether you wish to pay the £10 a month.
This user liked this post: basil6345789

basil6345789
Posts: 2703
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:22 pm
Been Liked: 481 times
Has Liked: 2289 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by basil6345789 » Fri Dec 14, 2018 1:31 pm

Rileybobs - cos I DJ (yes, still at my age). I play soul, particularly Rare Soul, much of which is not kown to Spotify, etc but some collectors upload singles to youtube to share or often to demo for sale (singles worth hundreds and thousands of pounds), so I download them and save for onward playing. I never play tracks from live downloads as it's too risky - if you pick up a virus or something it messes up the show (once saw a digital dj whilst playing at a wedding - disaster!)
So I play everything thru Virtual DJ on my laptop from external hard drives.
This user liked this post: Rileybobs

Rileybobs
Posts: 16684
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 4:37 pm
Been Liked: 6893 times
Has Liked: 1471 times
Location: Leeds

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by Rileybobs » Fri Dec 14, 2018 1:38 pm

basil6345789 wrote:Rileybobs - cos I DJ (yes, still at my age). I play soul, particularly Rare Soul, much of which is not kown to Spotify, etc but some collectors upload singles to youtube to share or often to demo for sale (singles worth hundreds and thousands of pounds), so I download them and save for onward playing. I never play tracks from live downloads as it's too risky - if you pick up a virus or something it messes up the show (once saw a digital dj whilst playing at a wedding - disaster!)
So I play everything thru Virtual DJ on my laptop from external hard drives.
Fair play sir. I dabbled myself with mp3 decks - don't get the time any more.

RalphCoatesComb
Posts: 8049
Joined: Thu Jul 14, 2016 2:38 pm
Been Liked: 2415 times
Has Liked: 2115 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by RalphCoatesComb » Fri Dec 14, 2018 1:51 pm

I taught ours to say:

"No Nay Never, No Nay Never no more... "

I thought there was going to be a problem with the word B****** but no, she carried straight on.

Yep, you're right, Juvenile but, it is funny coming from a computerised woman ! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Bosscat
Posts: 25361
Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 9:51 am
Been Liked: 8426 times
Has Liked: 18095 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by Bosscat » Fri Dec 14, 2018 2:02 pm

RalphCoatesComb wrote:I taught ours to say:

"No Nay Never, No Nay Never no more... "

I thought there was going to be a problem with the word B****** but no, she carried straight on.

Yep, you're right, Juvenile but, it is funny coming from a computerised woman ! :lol: :lol: :lol:
I always laugh at our Satnav she pronounces Burnley as Burnleh ..... hilarious .....

FactualFrank
Posts: 25445
Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2016 12:46 am
Been Liked: 6930 times
Has Liked: 11660 times
Location: Leeds

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by FactualFrank » Fri Dec 14, 2018 2:11 pm

Bosscat wrote:I always laugh at our Satnav she pronounces Burnley as Burnleh ..... hilarious .....
I had B. A. Baracus on mine, but the SatNav would stop working whenever I asked him to direct me to the airport.
These 2 users liked this post: kaptin1 Bosscat

Imploding Turtle
Posts: 19799
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:12 am
Been Liked: 5483 times
Has Liked: 2540 times
Location: Burnley, Lancs

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by Imploding Turtle » Fri Dec 14, 2018 2:22 pm

basil6345789 wrote:I'm 66 today and they've bought me an Amazon Echo. Another woman, called Alexa, talking to me! She even told me off when I swore at her.
She wants me to subscribe to Spotify and Unlimited Music to play tunes.
Does anyone know of an alternative but free, please?
Remember to film your grand kids using it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5p0gqCIEa8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fretters
Posts: 2531
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:56 am
Been Liked: 1034 times
Has Liked: 543 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by Fretters » Fri Dec 14, 2018 2:55 pm

I've been struggling to decide between an Echo or a Sonos for a while now. So much so that I'll probably die before I ever make a decision. Has anyone experienced both? I imagine Sonos would have greater sound quality (and offers multi room with another speaker) but you can't beat telling something what to do, can you?

dushanbe
Posts: 1010
Joined: Sun Jan 03, 2016 5:20 pm
Been Liked: 396 times
Has Liked: 52 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by dushanbe » Fri Dec 14, 2018 3:02 pm

Fretters wrote:I've been struggling to decide between an Echo or a Sonos for a while now. So much so that I'll probably die before I ever make a decision. Has anyone experienced both? I imagine Sonos would have greater sound quality (and offers multi room with another speaker) but you can't beat telling something what to do, can you?
I’ve got both. I don’t really see them as the same thing. The sonos is far superior sonically and therefore more expensive but you can get a Sonos with Alexa functionality now.

Fretters
Posts: 2531
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:56 am
Been Liked: 1034 times
Has Liked: 543 times

Re: Amazon Echo

Post by Fretters » Fri Dec 14, 2018 3:04 pm

dushanbe wrote:I’ve got both. I don’t really see them as the same thing. The sonos is far superior sonically and therefore more expensive but you can get a Sonos with Alexa functionality now.
Is that so? Game changer!!

Post Reply