A quick review of Amazon's new Echo Dot 2 (2nd Generation) with a comparison to the Amazon Echo and some home automation. I have the Echo and Echo Dot working with Samsung SmartThings and Nest Thermostat. I also compare the Echo Dot 2nd Gen to the Echo. The New Echo Dot works very well for playing music since it has an aux port. If you ask Alexa to play music, by default it will play from Amazon Prime Music but it also works with Spotify, Tune-in and a few other music services.
This is a quick review of the Amazon Echo and an overview for use in home automation. I use it in combination with Samsung SmartThings and the Logitech Harmony Smart Control/Home Hub to control my lights, TVs, garage door, Nest thermostats, and house alarm. By default, the Echo plays music from Amazon Prime Music but it also supports Spotify, Tune-In, and other music services. Installation and setup is easy. Download the Alexa App, and walk through the setup process. It links with smart hubs such as Samsung SmartThings, Wink Hub, and the Logitech Harmony Hub.
The Samsung SmartThings hub is a home automation hub that is used to control switches, outlets, dimmers, and sensors in your home. This video explains how the hub works and how to use it for opening your garage door and turning on lights and switches. I am using a z-wave linear relay switch to open my garage doors. I am now using this hub with the new Echo Dot as well as the Logitech Harmony Hub for voice-controlled Home Automation. SmartThings is more flexible and capable than the Wink Hub.
