Is the Echo Hub a Smart Home Game Changer?

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Күн бұрын

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Question: What type of smart home system do you have?
In this video, I unbox and completely go over the brand-new Amazon Echo Hub. This device is another Alexa-integrated device that gives you an 8" touch display with a UI that is only available with this device. It acts as a "dashboard" for your smart home devices, allows for widgets, and more. This device is perfect in my opinion if you are already tied into the Amazon or Ring ecosystem.
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0:00 Intro
0:46 What is the Echo Hub?
2:27 Unboxing The Device
5:59 Mounting & Power Options
7:21 Setup Of The Device
9:34 Home Page
13:02 Widgets
14:35 Quick Menu & Routines
16:12 Settings
18:03 Final Thoughts

Пікірлер: 29

@totaltechwnc 3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching the video! Tell me in the comments below... What type of smart home system are you running? I would love to know.

@deanawesomer9102 2 ай бұрын

17:26 You went through the hassle of blurring out your address at the start but missed it here

@lasongablackwell6535 3 ай бұрын

I got mines today and I'm loving it so far it's nice having everything in one place

@totaltechwnc 3 ай бұрын

Good deal! I still haven't decided where I'm going to put mine. Need to sort it out. Enjoy!

@lasongablackwell6535 3 ай бұрын

@totaltechwnc as of now it's on my night table in my bedroom still not sure where I want to put it

@CityLifeinAmerica 2 ай бұрын

Funny enough I mounted this thing next to my Echo Show 15. I muted the Alexa on it, and called it a day. I wanted a quick access way to turn on lights, and set the scene, and this fit the bill without having to build my own Home Assistant dashboard.

@894Gogo 3 ай бұрын

Hi! Watching from Mexico. In MX is common that some light switches are really low, sometimes waist height so having the angle is super convenient. I was actually looking for something like it! Great video btw 🎉

@totaltechwnc 3 ай бұрын

Wow! You learn something new every day. Thanks for your insight. So the tilt mount is indeed useful!

@TheDrCarpy 3 ай бұрын

Hey great video! very balanced and fair. I was wondering, what speakers you're using for your computer? The look like Klipsch, but just thought I'd ask. I like the aesthetic and low profile. Thanks!

@totaltechwnc 3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for your kind words. You're indeed correct. They are Klipsch RP-140Ds. They are excellent little speakers. I have them tied to an Echo Amp and analog audio from my PC to the amp. They've served me well, and I got them for free from a client who was upgrading their system.

@polymathism7598 3 ай бұрын

I love mine for my family and our needs . I did home assist and my family hated it. They use the echos. As an IT pro or home auto pro it lacks features, but let’s be honest not all of us use every tool in the tool box, we just like looking at them all 😂. But the echos cover so much ground. Phone, video call, calendar, streaming video and music, clock, todos, intercom, and what this one does better than the other echos, home automation. I also have ring and ring alarm so it just works. It’s cheaper than ADT so, I boxed up the rest of my IoT toys for my man cave later. The family just uses this. No one complains. I’m ok with it until something better arrives and let’s be honest we’ve been waiting a while for that soooo…. Echo wins

@totaltechwnc 3 ай бұрын

This is pretty much where I am at. I have some more advanced dashboards and automations on Home Assistant, but that's really just for me. The girlfriend uses it to disarm security and unlock the door. Alexa is used to control pretty much everything else in my house. Thanks for your comment!

@michaelkirk2 2 ай бұрын

Any recommendations on a zwave hub to pair with it

@bulletman001 3 ай бұрын

My guess would be depending on house layout with the windows and the coverings. The angled bracket might help with glare issues on the screen during the day.

@totaltechwnc 3 ай бұрын

I agree! Another user commented that in Mexico, switches are typically lower, so it would also be useful to him too.

@Richardclarkson7819 2 ай бұрын

No camera so no video calls etc. Not good. That is one thing i would want . I have it on my nest hub max and love it. Also follows you if you're moving around.

@tomgriffin286 3 ай бұрын

I agree 100 per cent.

@totaltechwnc 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@stewartshine5197 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for this video. I’m trying to build a picture of what this thing is all about, so I’m hoovering up everything I can. This is a useful addition to my knowledge base. I’m starting to think it’s a bit of a gimmick and certainly an attempt by Amazon to monetise Alexa, Ring, etc. It’s funny, I think we all started our smart home journeys on the promise that we could do away with switches on the wall and simply talk to a device. Magic. I’m wondering when things will come full circle and someone says “Hey, how about we have little switches on the wall in every room, and as you enter the room, flick the switch and your lights come on. Flick again on the way out”. I know that would make my partner a very happy bunny 🤣

@totaltechwnc 3 ай бұрын

I think you touch on some really great points. I agree to a certain extent. It is a bit of a gimmick. But, there is a fairly large amount of people who want that smart home "dashboard" experience that many of us crave. For a lot of people, a custom setup of Home Assistant and making their own dashboard is completely above them, which is completely okay. I just think Amazon is trying to capitalize on this market. Or, simply just need a single switch to turn off a bunch of lights. Either way, pros and cons to it all.

@TheCornerPlaceCottage 3 ай бұрын

Talking to devices work well when the homeowner knows what has been automated. Most homes, don't have through automations which means only certain devices work with voice control. The hub is a single place, regardless of user, where you control automated devices from. The reviewer also missed really nice integrations with Ring, both camera and alarm. I mounted mine by my front door and love it, really a great device.

@totaltechwnc 3 ай бұрын

I did mention the powerful integrations with Ring's security system and cameras. 😉

@tanialimacosta 3 ай бұрын

Hi. Do you think this could substitute the Homey Pro in terms of connectivity? Thank you

@totaltechwnc 3 ай бұрын

I'd say the Echo Hub is a halfway replacement for something like Homey Pro. I'm not an expert when it comes to Homey, but it seems to have a lot of extra functionality that the Amazon ecosystem doesn't have right out of the box.

@tanialimacosta 3 ай бұрын

@@totaltechwnc Thank you for the help!