owing to disability i cant lock the toilet door so i have an echo flex outside my adapted toilet that is tied to my toilet lights so when i'm on the toilet outside the light is red and when i'm outside the toilet (lights off) it's green, obviously it prevents anyone walking in unwanted but also allows my carer to see if i've been in for longer than i should so he can check up on me in case i've "done an elvis" or had a fall.
@@AutomateYourLife , i have tried with motion sensors but things tend to go out of sync unless you use 2 and shield them so they work almost like a infra red tripwire, that way you can trigger different actions through ifttt depending on the trigger sequence (#1 then #2 or #2 then #1) that works so i know if my carer has gone out but doesn't trigger if he accidentally trips one whilst helping me on or off my stairlift. i did consider using the sensor add on in my toilet to activate the lights but again if for some reason i had a fall or stopped moving it would plunge me into darkness AND turn the warning light outside the door green so as it stands other than the 2 for back door access the only motion sensors i use are dumb ones either built into the hallway and landing lightbulbs or small keyhole lighters at the front and back doors.
I actually just received my first Echo Flex yesterday in the mail. Currently I just have it setup with an Alexa routine paired with my wyze contact sensors on my front and rear doors to announce "The front door is open / The back door is open" etc. I'm considering picking up a couple more since they're so cheap just to have them all linked throughout the house so I can hear those notifications in different areas.
I live in UK and bought two of these for convenience, if listening to radio normally connect Bluetooth speaker, but ease of moving device the main attraction.
I quite like the ways you have described in terms of using the mediatek powered echo flex. It is a good choice if a room is not in the range of a regular smart speaker.
My poor X10 is going to the Goodwill untouched, sad. The best idea is for monitoring elderly or sick, you could affordably cover the whole house & use drop in feature on echo show. I wonder if you could still need a separate wifi cam for severe cases.
Great video! Thank you. Purchased few of them for just $14.99 each in Canada and I’m very happy with the way it works. Question... is there a way to control the USB port? Turn on/Turn off?
I am using the Echo Glow ($29.99) to give a persistent notification. For example, when I close the washer door in my basement, I trigger a countdown timer for one hour. When the washer is done, the Echo will make an announcement but if I miss the audio, the Glow will change colors for 15 minutes or until the door is opened (in a different routine) so I know we need to move the wash to the dryer. You could use this for the same thing if you had the light on it.
I'm glad to see that there is now a clock attachment and an IR blaster attachment. I hope to see more additions developed over time - I think it's an underutilized device.
@@AutomateYourLife I meant to say "now", not "no". Typo kinda changed the meaning of the sentence. The clock is nice, but the IR blaster is the most interesting part. I think that makes it about tied for the Switchbot hub mini for cheapest smart IR blaster.
Hey Brian, great video as usual, the SmartThings integration is a bit of a game changer for the Alexa based smart home control in my opinion, most SmartThings integratable motion sensors are more expensive than the Echo Flex & don't offer a smart speaker functionality, nor a night light type function either. It really can act as a multi functional utility
@@AutomateYourLife You've got a knack for spotting these types of simple but very powerful possibilities and you're great at bringing them to automaters attention 👍
Brian I slipped up I didn't even know they had that product! Thank you for pointing that one out. I'm not sure where this would be useful with my setup. Because I've covered most sensors as of now if it'd been a little earlier I could have had great use out of it. Thanks once again that was really educational are our best from Paris stay safe
Hey Brian, I picked up an Echo Flex for my bathroom, amazon had them on sale, so I was able to get it for under $20. My question is, the only plug in the bathroom is GFC, and because of the kind of sink I have, there isn't enough room to the right of the outlet to plug the Flex in Vertically, which is the default orientation. I have a couple wall taps that are cube shaped, and have an outlet on each side. The front outlet is flipped horizontally, and I was able to plug the Flex in that way. Everything seems to work, however I was curious if I was affecting operation in anyway, since the microphones are top and bottom now vs left and right, and the usb port is now on the side vs bottom, or top, depending on how it would be plugged in. I haven't seen any performance problems, and I don't think there is, but wanted to double check since I've never seen Amazon advertising it being plugged in this direction, and sadly, that's the only way I can use it in this location. With that said, I have it paired to a waterproof BT speaker in the shower, the speaker has a mic, as it's speakerphone compatible. Alexa seems to be able to hear though that mic when paired. The way I know this is, she responds better when I'm closer to that speaker, when it's paired vs the device plugged in at the wall. One other note is, I forgot the smart night light is sold separately. So have my automatic LED night light plug in the top stock until I get the smart attachment. The night light skill works, but the pulsing light makes me feel funny so can't use that for long.
That's a great use case Clinton! I think the fact that it's all working tells you everything you need to know though. The mic IS on the side of the Flex, so you could run into issues if it's right up against the wall, but it's more likely that it'll be just fine forever. Bathrooms are usually a pretty small space so I'm not too worried personally!
@@AutomateYourLife Sounds good, by the way the two mic holes are on the front of the Flex, on either side of the Status LED for Alexa, the hole on the side is for the wired audio connection., that is also still accessible, it's face down toward the floor, so I can still access it, but with bluetooth, no need. One other note: I have certain disabilities to keep in mind, so putting Alexa in the bathroom, is a hands free solution for 911, or to call someone who can call them, in the event i can't move, or get to my iPhone.
it's a great little unit but only really useful where sockets are at standing height, which pretty much only means the kitchen for most people (unless you have a workshop or something like that) and i already have a plug mounted 3rd gen echo dot
Or in homes where people with disabilities live. I use a wheelchair to get around and most of my power outlets are about waist height for standing people.
I have a amazon flex and don’t mind it. I kinda wish google made one like it. I love the 3.5 auxiliary input. I use it for my garage stereo making it a smart stereo.
if you go ahead and change your account to the US Region on Amazon's account page, you can do this too! It just changes a few things and I don't mind :)
I got an outlet that looks directly at my sink. I also have a Kasa light above the sink. I think I'll get this with the motion sensor to turn on the light at night and to give my kitchen an alexa.
If you can still get it (and it's sometimes hard to find), then it's a great little solve for those kinds of situations. There's also now a motion sensor/light adapter from 3rd Reality, FYI
I know this is an older video and the Echo Flex is now discontinued but I was wondering if I could use a Flex and the motion sensor plug under my computer desk to automate my Fire TV to turn on and to a certain HDMI when triggered. I am using a newer Fire TV as a 3rd monitor and the HDMI-CED adapter I got doesn't always work to trigger the TV to turn on and sometimes it turns on but doesn't go to the correct input. I also realize this is a very "first world" problem lol but I thought I would ask before spending time and money to find and order the Flex and motion detector for it not to work. If this is another product that would work better please feel free to post an affiliate link reply and I will check it out.
You could, but remember that it'll take you to that HDMI everytime it's triggered. This is where sometimes it helps to do a more complex automation system with something better than just Alexa routines. This video is a very long guide, but it sounds like you're committed. It'll help you understand what I mean by talking about multiple triggers, etc: ua-cam.com/video/c5MF3MnMmJw/v-deo.html
I have a door sensor that when the door opens, an Alexa routine says "The door is open". QUESTION: I want Alexa to continue to say "The door is open" until I physically close the door. How do I do that?
Hey Brian. I've been following you for a month or so now. You seen to spend a lot of time on Amazon products. Did I make the wrong choice in going with a Google based smart home structure? I'd like to see you review and introduce us to more products that are compatible with Google.
Hey Tebow, no I wouldn't say any mistake was made at all! You'll find our channel shifts in ebbs and flows through some of the different systems. It's all intended to help you see the many sides of the smart home and not to say one system is better than another. PS. I have employed Google throughout my home primarily.
Awesome to hear. I'm just starting out automating my home. However, I used to work in the smart grid space a few years ago and have been excited for this technology to be ready. Looking forward to more videos. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Brian as always. Random brain firing... wonder if that USB port has enough power for multiple addons? For example, if someone made male USB on top (as the addons do) but female on bottom to "stack" 2+ devices? It'd be pretty sweet to have motion sensor AND the light at the same time. Or maybe someone creates a "mount" where one USB plug turns into two, and a elegant way to mount the devices, if you can't stack them? Would the Flex even support multiple devices, even if you had enough power? Say via USB powered hub or similar, as an experiment. Maybe with a future version of the Flex, if not? I bought one as a stocking stuffer for my folks for their bathroom, and the light addon. My dad loves being able to play Spotify in the bathroom, and this basically replaced a nightlight they add, so it was a no-brainer to add the light option. Yeah the speaker is underwhelming, but no one expects much for the size. It'd be super cool to have a motion sensor as well. Yes, I could add another sensor and run automations to the Flex, but having a self-contained solution is ideal. Even a simple automation that turns on the light when motion detected would be great, and I'd replicate that a few places around their house.
Hey Peter - Thank you! I think you could connect a USB hub...but to be honest the power is just not enough to attach to many devices. I really hope Amazon does a little work here and ups that amperage opportunity. I agree with you that a Light/motion sensor combo should be on the horizon...like now!
Hey Brian i have a question; can i use a usb splitter to attach 2 motion sensors to 1 echo flex? was thinking of attaching the sensor to each side of the bed to just 1 echo flex to trigger led lights. 😬
You know, I've never tried it. I kinnnnnnnnnda doubt it's going to work out but that's an interesting thing to test out! The USB splitter would have to provide power and data, and it would have to be within the specifications for the Flex too. Just some things to watch!
I've read you can adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensor by switching it off/on 4x - apparently the blue light will change speed to indicate a change of sensitivity. I've not yet been able to accomplish this - am I doing something wrong?
I had no idea that was possible until just now. I don't imagine you're doing anything specifically wrong. I think just unplug/plug the sensor itself though, from what I'm reading. Not the whole Flex.
@@AutomateYourLife to quote your first reply to me on another thread.... you're a bit behind the times :p Yeah I tried both the plug and the USB but so far I seem unable to adjust it.
I know I am late to the party, but does anyone know if the flex has any parental features? I am wanting to use it for an intercom in my child’s room, but don’t really want them talking to it except when I drop in or talk with them through it If that would work 🤷♀️
@@AutomateYourLife ya I kinda figured. Thanks! Do you know if i can still drop in and/or get noise notifications with the mic turned off ? Like if u turn the mic off on the device does it just stop the “hey Alexa” from triggering? Or do you have a recommendation for an Alexa device that would be best for the kids room (unfortunately, I don’t really like the painted kids ones as he’s a little older)?
Since it has a 3.5mm stereo output and bluetooth, you could buy the $3.99/month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited and assign it to that one device. Then just move the Flex around to your stereo{s} or bluetooth speakers and have an amazing music library at your (literally) beckon call. Or buy a Flex for each place you want music and purchase a more robust account for either $9.99 or $14.95.
Original ps3 controllers had to be plugged to some other device while turned on so they could be charged, they wouldnt charge while plugged to a power brick. I found out that the flex is a great solution to charge my ps3 control since it sits by the side of my controllers box.
@@AutomateYourLife Ok let me rephrase my question : What's the difference between connecting Alexa to ST as a voice assistant in ST, and Connecting ST to Alexa as a skill in Alexa
@@AutomateYourLife Ok never mind, I tried it. When you enable Miss A in ST it simply sends you into the Mrs A app and enable the ST Skills, which of course makes all your "thing" show up as doubles, and needs you to manually delete tehm AGAIN one by one ! I would really like to see them address this problem, its really annoying !
So anyone reading this if they have an answer please help, I work at a state at my home in Alabama is entirely set up for Google hugs and Philips Hue Lights so I just moved into a new apartment in Texas and bought a new Google hub and Philips Hue Lights but every time I ask my Google question about the lights it talks about the ones at the house I've made a separate home in the Google app and I've got the two Philips Hue hubs separated I've only set up one room before I did everything thankfully but I cannot get my voice to turn the lights off any ideas?
With the separate home in the Google App, I think you've done everything you should. You may want to just separate into an entirely separate account if you can't get support.google.com to help you through this. Cause it should be good based on what you're syaing.
Brian, I think you drank too much of the Amazon Kool-Aid! I like Amazon, too, but this device makes little sense except in very specific situations. Except for the kitchen and maybe the bathroom, how often do outlets in rooms/halls happen to be where you need/want a motion sensor? This is especially true if you have pets, as outlets are usually low along the walls. You can put a $6 Wyze motion sensor virtually anywhere and do100% of the things you mentioned... IFTTT, Amazon Routines, Wyze Rules, SmartThings virtual switch, etc. This is also yet another WiFi device which adds network complication for many, but also could end up in an area of the house with poor WiFi. I know, you can spend $300-$500 and put in a mesh system, but for real folks?? Since you have and like SmartThings, as do I, just put in a Zigbee or Z-wave motion sensor that could also include a temperature sensor and a light sensor? Or buy a Wyze Sense starter kit for $20 and add a bevy of useful $6 motion sensors...plus shipping. There is a saying in the southern parts of the US that fits here... "This dog don't hunt..." It loosely means something that doesn't work for it's intended purpose. I predict this thing will be gone from Amazon in a couple of years.
What about in the garage like Brian said? I really want a smart speaker there to announce that I’m home and initiate routines, and with a sensor (for security) it’s a bonus.
That,s the idea behind the device. You said it yourself. It,s meant for places the echo dot and other echo speakers can't go. Like the garage, hallways and bathrooms. It,s like an extension of the echo dot. The echo dot can stay in the kitchen but it will look out of place in a kitchen counter. The echo flex blends in, in the kitchen. Amazon should just specify where it should be used on their website.
owing to disability i cant lock the toilet door so i have an echo flex outside my adapted toilet that is tied to my toilet lights so when i'm on the toilet outside the light is red and when i'm outside the toilet (lights off) it's green, obviously it prevents anyone walking in unwanted but also allows my carer to see if i've been in for longer than i should so he can check up on me in case i've "done an elvis" or had a fall.
That's a great solution! You could probably also add in things like motion sensors to help out if you wanted too.
@@AutomateYourLife , i have tried with motion sensors but things tend to go out of sync unless you use 2 and shield them so they work almost like a infra red tripwire, that way you can trigger different actions through ifttt depending on the trigger sequence (#1 then #2 or #2 then #1) that works so i know if my carer has gone out but doesn't trigger if he accidentally trips one whilst helping me on or off my stairlift.
i did consider using the sensor add on in my toilet to activate the lights but again if for some reason i had a fall or stopped moving it would plunge me into darkness AND turn the warning light outside the door green so as it stands other than the 2 for back door access the only motion sensors i use are dumb ones either built into the hallway and landing lightbulbs or small keyhole lighters at the front and back doors.
I actually just received my first Echo Flex yesterday in the mail. Currently I just have it setup with an Alexa routine paired with my wyze contact sensors on my front and rear doors to announce "The front door is open / The back door is open" etc. I'm considering picking up a couple more since they're so cheap just to have them all linked throughout the house so I can hear those notifications in different areas.
That's great usage for this little speaker for sure! Love it Chris!
I live in UK and bought two of these for convenience, if listening to radio normally connect Bluetooth speaker, but ease of moving device the main attraction.
It's very easy to move. That is a great point!
I quite like the ways you have described in terms of using the mediatek powered echo flex. It is a good choice if a room is not in the range of a regular smart speaker.
My poor X10 is going to the Goodwill untouched, sad.
The best idea is for monitoring elderly or sick, you could affordably cover the whole house & use drop in feature on echo show. I wonder if you could still need a separate wifi cam for severe cases.
Great video! Thank you. Purchased few of them for just $14.99 each in Canada and I’m very happy with the way it works. Question... is there a way to control the USB port? Turn on/Turn off?
Sadly you can't control that port!
I have flex in my kitchen with the clock attachment. Gives me a clock and a kitchen timer and also switches the under cupboard lights on and off.
I love that little smart clock attachment. Still waiting for mine to come up to Canada, but I've also got a new little IR attachment to show soon!
I am using the Echo Glow ($29.99) to give a persistent notification. For example, when I close the washer door in my basement, I trigger a countdown timer for one hour. When the washer is done, the Echo will make an announcement but if I miss the audio, the Glow will change colors for 15 minutes or until the door is opened (in a different routine) so I know we need to move the wash to the dryer. You could use this for the same thing if you had the light on it.
That's a really great set of automations you have there!
I'm glad to see that there is now a clock attachment and an IR blaster attachment. I hope to see more additions developed over time - I think it's an underutilized device.
There's a clock now!
@@AutomateYourLife I meant to say "now", not "no". Typo kinda changed the meaning of the sentence.
The clock is nice, but the IR blaster is the most interesting part. I think that makes it about tied for the Switchbot hub mini for cheapest smart IR blaster.
There's a good speaker for it kicking around, made by a company called Nash, like the cars.
Hey Brian, great video as usual, the SmartThings integration is a bit of a game changer for the Alexa based smart home control in my opinion, most SmartThings integratable motion sensors are more expensive than the Echo Flex & don't offer a smart speaker functionality, nor a night light type function either. It really can act as a multi functional utility
I'm glad someone caught the depth there! It's really diverse when you extend out. As always Gareth, you have a way of seeing things!
@@AutomateYourLife You've got a knack for spotting these types of simple but very powerful possibilities and you're great at bringing them to automaters attention 👍
@@garethjones5068 thanks sir!
Brian I slipped up I didn't even know they had that product! Thank you for pointing that one out. I'm not sure where this would be useful with my setup. Because I've covered most sensors as of now if it'd been a little earlier I could have had great use out of it. Thanks once again that was really educational are our best from Paris stay safe
All my best from Canada!
Hey Brian, I picked up an Echo Flex for my bathroom, amazon had them on sale, so I was able to get it for under $20. My question is, the only plug in the bathroom is GFC, and because of the kind of sink I have, there isn't enough room to the right of the outlet to plug the Flex in Vertically, which is the default orientation. I have a couple wall taps that are cube shaped, and have an outlet on each side. The front outlet is flipped horizontally, and I was able to plug the Flex in that way. Everything seems to work, however I was curious if I was affecting operation in anyway, since the microphones are top and bottom now vs left and right, and the usb port is now on the side vs bottom, or top, depending on how it would be plugged in. I haven't seen any performance problems, and I don't think there is, but wanted to double check since I've never seen Amazon advertising it being plugged in this direction, and sadly, that's the only way I can use it in this location.
With that said, I have it paired to a waterproof BT speaker in the shower, the speaker has a mic, as it's speakerphone compatible. Alexa seems to be able to hear though that mic when paired. The way I know this is, she responds better when I'm closer to that speaker, when it's paired vs the device plugged in at the wall. One other note is, I forgot the smart night light is sold separately. So have my automatic LED night light plug in the top stock until I get the smart attachment. The night light skill works, but the pulsing light makes me feel funny so can't use that for long.
That's a great use case Clinton! I think the fact that it's all working tells you everything you need to know though. The mic IS on the side of the Flex, so you could run into issues if it's right up against the wall, but it's more likely that it'll be just fine forever. Bathrooms are usually a pretty small space so I'm not too worried personally!
@@AutomateYourLife Sounds good, by the way the two mic holes are on the front of the Flex, on either side of the Status LED for Alexa, the hole on the side is for the wired audio connection., that is also still accessible, it's face down toward the floor, so I can still access it, but with bluetooth, no need. One other note: I have certain disabilities to keep in mind, so putting Alexa in the bathroom, is a hands free solution for 911, or to call someone who can call them, in the event i can't move, or get to my iPhone.
it's a great little unit but only really useful where sockets are at standing height, which pretty much only means the kitchen for most people (unless you have a workshop or something like that) and i already have a plug mounted 3rd gen echo dot
Or in homes where people with disabilities live. I use a wheelchair to get around and most of my power outlets are about waist height for standing people.
@@leglessinoz fair enough but that's a rare use case
Got a kick out of you showing the Flex connected via Bluetooth to the Nest Hub.
Ahahahahhaa you liked that hey?
I have a amazon flex and don’t mind it. I kinda wish google made one like it. I love the 3.5 auxiliary input. I use it for my garage stereo making it a smart stereo.
Agreed. I wish Google would catch up and make some specialized devices like the Flex!
Hey Brian how did you get the location function on “When this happens” I thought it was not available here in Canada
if you go ahead and change your account to the US Region on Amazon's account page, you can do this too! It just changes a few things and I don't mind :)
I got an outlet that looks directly at my sink. I also have a Kasa light above the sink. I think I'll get this with the motion sensor to turn on the light at night and to give my kitchen an alexa.
If you can still get it (and it's sometimes hard to find), then it's a great little solve for those kinds of situations. There's also now a motion sensor/light adapter from 3rd Reality, FYI
I know this is an older video and the Echo Flex is now discontinued but I was wondering if I could use a Flex and the motion sensor plug under my computer desk to automate my Fire TV to turn on and to a certain HDMI when triggered. I am using a newer Fire TV as a 3rd monitor and the HDMI-CED adapter I got doesn't always work to trigger the TV to turn on and sometimes it turns on but doesn't go to the correct input. I also realize this is a very "first world" problem lol but I thought I would ask before spending time and money to find and order the Flex and motion detector for it not to work. If this is another product that would work better please feel free to post an affiliate link reply and I will check it out.
You could, but remember that it'll take you to that HDMI everytime it's triggered. This is where sometimes it helps to do a more complex automation system with something better than just Alexa routines.
This video is a very long guide, but it sounds like you're committed. It'll help you understand what I mean by talking about multiple triggers, etc: ua-cam.com/video/c5MF3MnMmJw/v-deo.html
@@AutomateYourLife ok thanks I will check it out.
I have a door sensor that when the door opens, an Alexa routine says "The door is open". QUESTION: I want Alexa to continue to say "The door is open" until I physically close the door. How do I do that?
tough one...what other systems do you have access to? Do you have SmartThings? IFTTT?
Hey Brian. I've been following you for a month or so now. You seen to spend a lot of time on Amazon products. Did I make the wrong choice in going with a Google based smart home structure? I'd like to see you review and introduce us to more products that are compatible with Google.
Hey Tebow, no I wouldn't say any mistake was made at all! You'll find our channel shifts in ebbs and flows through some of the different systems. It's all intended to help you see the many sides of the smart home and not to say one system is better than another.
PS. I have employed Google throughout my home primarily.
Oh and I have a few devices coming from Google!!!
Awesome to hear. I'm just starting out automating my home. However, I used to work in the smart grid space a few years ago and have been excited for this technology to be ready. Looking forward to more videos. Keep up the good work.
Industrial plc programmer here! Just as excited as you are I'm sure!
Thanks Brian as always.
Random brain firing... wonder if that USB port has enough power for multiple addons? For example, if someone made male USB on top (as the addons do) but female on bottom to "stack" 2+ devices? It'd be pretty sweet to have motion sensor AND the light at the same time. Or maybe someone creates a "mount" where one USB plug turns into two, and a elegant way to mount the devices, if you can't stack them? Would the Flex even support multiple devices, even if you had enough power? Say via USB powered hub or similar, as an experiment. Maybe with a future version of the Flex, if not?
I bought one as a stocking stuffer for my folks for their bathroom, and the light addon. My dad loves being able to play Spotify in the bathroom, and this basically replaced a nightlight they add, so it was a no-brainer to add the light option. Yeah the speaker is underwhelming, but no one expects much for the size. It'd be super cool to have a motion sensor as well. Yes, I could add another sensor and run automations to the Flex, but having a self-contained solution is ideal. Even a simple automation that turns on the light when motion detected would be great, and I'd replicate that a few places around their house.
Hey Peter - Thank you! I think you could connect a USB hub...but to be honest the power is just not enough to attach to many devices. I really hope Amazon does a little work here and ups that amperage opportunity.
I agree with you that a Light/motion sensor combo should be on the horizon...like now!
Hey Brian i have a question; can i use a usb splitter to attach 2 motion sensors to 1 echo flex? was thinking of attaching the sensor to each side of the bed to just 1 echo flex to trigger led lights. 😬
You know, I've never tried it. I kinnnnnnnnnda doubt it's going to work out but that's an interesting thing to test out! The USB splitter would have to provide power and data, and it would have to be within the specifications for the Flex too. Just some things to watch!
I've read you can adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensor by switching it off/on 4x - apparently the blue light will change speed to indicate a change of sensitivity. I've not yet been able to accomplish this - am I doing something wrong?
I had no idea that was possible until just now. I don't imagine you're doing anything specifically wrong. I think just unplug/plug the sensor itself though, from what I'm reading. Not the whole Flex.
@@AutomateYourLife to quote your first reply to me on another thread.... you're a bit behind the times :p
Yeah I tried both the plug and the USB but so far I seem unable to adjust it.
Bam!
Max is 15amps smart switch right ?,so what is the maximum that u can switch on or off?
With what? The flex? It's voice control so whatever you're connected to. I've seen 50A breaker control from Schneider if that's what you're after
Yes i basically wanted to connect water pump wifi camera along with diesel generator 62.5 kva ,,,I'm yet planning
if only it had a smartplug built in
So close...even if they enable control of the USB it'll be great
Suggest water sensor for basement flooding.
That's a natural extension. Love it
I know I am late to the party, but does anyone know if the flex has any parental features? I am wanting to use it for an intercom in my child’s room, but don’t really want them talking to it except when I drop in or talk with them through it If that would work 🤷♀️
You can't restrict it in this way. You can turn it into a kid's device though like all other echo speakers. That restricts lots of what they can do
@@AutomateYourLife ya I kinda figured. Thanks! Do you know if i can still drop in and/or get noise notifications with the mic turned off ? Like if u turn the mic off on the device does it just stop the “hey Alexa” from triggering? Or do you have a recommendation for an Alexa device that would be best for the kids room (unfortunately, I don’t really like the painted kids ones as he’s a little older)?
Since it has a 3.5mm stereo output and bluetooth, you could buy the $3.99/month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited and assign it to that one device. Then just move the Flex around to your stereo{s} or bluetooth speakers and have an amazing music library at your (literally) beckon call. Or buy a Flex for each place you want music and purchase a more robust account for either $9.99 or $14.95.
It's truly, very flexible! I still like these devices Gary and I'm glad you're finding good worth.
What is the kitchen sink dry in your screenshot??
I'll need a timecode :)
Original ps3 controllers had to be plugged to some other device while turned on so they could be charged, they wouldnt charge while plugged to a power brick. I found out that the flex is a great solution to charge my ps3 control since it sits by the side of my controllers box.
That's a really great use case! How very interesting.
In there a difference between connecting ST to Alexa or Alexa to ST ?
You can't get Alexa into ST.
@@AutomateYourLife Ok let me rephrase my question : What's the difference between connecting Alexa to ST as a voice assistant in ST, and Connecting ST to Alexa as a skill in Alexa
@@AutomateYourLife Ok never mind, I tried it. When you enable Miss A in ST it simply sends you into the Mrs A app and enable the ST Skills, which of course makes all your "thing" show up as doubles, and needs you to manually delete tehm AGAIN one by one ! I would really like to see them address this problem, its really annoying !
I agree!!
brian do you have more info on using iftt google sheet
There's a whole video link down below in the description of this video Beau,!
@@AutomateYourLife I saw the one smartthings but I do not see one for ifttt
@@beauthompson5338 oh you're right Beau! Sorry I haven't finished that one just yet!!
Zero dark 40 and a 3.5mm speaker attachment is going to bug me now...
So anyone reading this if they have an answer please help, I work at a state at my home in Alabama is entirely set up for Google hugs and Philips Hue Lights so I just moved into a new apartment in Texas and bought a new Google hub and Philips Hue Lights but every time I ask my Google question about the lights it talks about the ones at the house I've made a separate home in the Google app and I've got the two Philips Hue hubs separated I've only set up one room before I did everything thankfully but I cannot get my voice to turn the lights off any ideas?
With the separate home in the Google App, I think you've done everything you should. You may want to just separate into an entirely separate account if you can't get support.google.com to help you through this. Cause it should be good based on what you're syaing.
@@AutomateYourLife thanks!
Brian, I think you drank too much of the Amazon Kool-Aid! I like Amazon, too, but this device makes little sense except in very specific situations. Except for the kitchen and maybe the bathroom, how often do outlets in rooms/halls happen to be where you need/want a motion sensor? This is especially true if you have pets, as outlets are usually low along the walls. You can put a $6 Wyze motion sensor virtually anywhere and do100% of the things you mentioned... IFTTT, Amazon Routines, Wyze Rules, SmartThings virtual switch, etc. This is also yet another WiFi device which adds network complication for many, but also could end up in an area of the house with poor WiFi. I know, you can spend $300-$500 and put in a mesh system, but for real folks?? Since you have and like SmartThings, as do I, just put in a Zigbee or Z-wave motion sensor that could also include a temperature sensor and a light sensor? Or buy a Wyze Sense starter kit for $20 and add a bevy of useful $6 motion sensors...plus shipping. There is a saying in the southern parts of the US that fits here... "This dog don't hunt..." It loosely means something that doesn't work for it's intended purpose. I predict this thing will be gone from Amazon in a couple of years.
Ahahahahaha! Hugh!
Wait till you see the review on Friday. I swear you quoted me!
What about in the garage like Brian said? I really want a smart speaker there to announce that I’m home and initiate routines, and with a sensor (for security) it’s a bonus.
That,s the idea behind the device.
You said it yourself.
It,s meant for places the echo dot and other echo speakers can't go.
Like the garage, hallways and bathrooms. It,s like an extension of the echo dot.
The echo dot can stay in the kitchen but it will look out of place in a kitchen counter. The echo flex blends in, in the kitchen.
Amazon should just specify where it should be used on their website.
Thanks Brian.
Thank you Ron!
Mm mines smart bedroom my family thinks it’s creepy
Lol well to each their own!
😁😁😁👍👍👍..nice
Thanks Patty C!
👍👍👍
Thanks Bernard!
wow! you talk alotttt lol
Next video, silence!