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Version 0.0
Version 0.0
In The Beginning there was a Facebook Portal. For years, I have made it my mission to keep my mother engaged and connected through various technological means. Initially, I utilized the Facebook Portal; however, it soon became challenging for her to remember the voice command, "Hey Portal, answer," when a call came in
Version 1.0
Version 1.0
I transitioned to Amazon’s Echo Show, which responds to specific voice commands, such as "Alexa, call Dennis Pike." One of the significant advantages of this system is the ability to execute any voice command through an “Alexa Routine,” which can be scheduled by day and time. As a result, my mother can see the person she unknowingly calls at predetermined times.
The Nitty Gritty:
First you start with installing the Amazon Alexa app on a cell phone. Both will need to be on an account (my Mom's in this case)
Then you start connecting devices on the same wifi network, like an Echo Show display, Smart Plugs, and even Roku TV's are compatible connectable devices that will appear in the Alexa App
Alexa Routines wirhin the Alexa App on the phone, are the key to controlling things. With the Version 1.0 configuration there are dozens of routines triggered by day and time schedules. Routines to power on the TV each morning. The more complicated stuff is making a call. i.e. Tell the TV to turn volume down, tell the Echo show to turn the volume up, tell the Echo Show to call (xxxx) . This is exactly why calls cannot be made TO mom. The call can be made, but she can not communicate because she can not hear you with her TV up and he Echo Show volume down and she does not possess the wherewithal to adjust the volumes.
Version 2.0
Version 2.0
Enter Amazon Cube. As seen below it is hard wired to the TV. It is a full blown Smart TV in a cube, minus Antenna or cable connections / features.... And an Alexa device that links to the App on the phone. In a nutshell, ALL routines will now execute against the TV. And with the addition of a web cam, the TV can make (and better yet Receive video calls). all the volume issues go away.
So I have ordered the cube for mom and bought one for me. I have been feverishly writing routines against my cube to be copied to mom's. Then when I go to Mom on Monday morning I will put it in place. There are far more features that stream line the Ver 1.0 service as well.
Playing YouTube Videos:
Playing YouTube Videos:
With the prior Version 1 configuration the only controlling of the TV was Power on/off, volume and channel. Playing any videos could only be accomplished on the Echo Show. And then... only a selection of TEN different videos via URLs installed in an Alexa Skill called MyPage. And then... only after the URL was properly formatted to go full screen, auto start and avoid Ads which I did in an Excel Sheet.
In the new version 2 configuration a simple one liner command plays it on the larger TV.
"Alexa, Play Good Mornin' on YouTube"
And now the possibilities are endless. Not just any shoRt video, even hour long recorded concerts.
"Alexa, Play ABBA - Wembley Arena - London - 1979 on YouTube"
And The hits just keep on comin' using Prime Video.
"Alexa, Play the movie Red One"
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