Amazon Echo

Looking for some discussion on this product.

Is anyone considering purchasing it for the "Amazon Invite" price of $99? WOULD you consider it for the list price of $199?

If so, why are you considering purchasing it? If you are not, why not (and don't just say it's stupid)?

Do you think the sound system built into this unit will be a decent system or will it suck?

Personally, I think it seems like a great concept - but if you have a computer and microphone in your house... couldn't you essentially just get that sort of software on your computer, and through a more powerful speaker system? Sure, this is portable but it doesn't look like it's got RCA stereo/optical out. And what happens when that "rechargeable" battery dies on you?

For the price, it doesn't seem like it's worth it... Almost like another Amazon Fire Phone (failure). Anyone else on this?

 

makes me sick to my stomach when I see voice recognition software being used in adverts to sell overpriced smartphones. I been obsessed with the traditional PC and value silence. I think voice recognition software can be used in malicious ways and obvious data mining/privacy issues. I want to control the software not have the software control me. I seen some personal assistant software that was supposed to be revolutionary and I disapproved of that as well. These things can be used in insidious ways and I can get by just fine with a traditional pc.