Echo firmware v5031

[brantome]

Anyone got it and know what it contains?

[brantome]

The best that Amazon support are willing to release (on a third attempt by different users) is "Upon checking my resources I'd like to inform you that we've made improvements in the areas of Alexa voice recognition and also search intelligence so that it can give you much appropriate information. We've also improved few skills with respect o Alexa compatibility. Kindly note that our technical team is still working on the update and we have released this only in few areas to check the functionality."

[strayfish]

I seem to have it but I've no idea what's new. Ran a search so if you can read German, you might get some clues here https://www.amzecho.de/news-f10/echo-update-version-5031-t1088.html although plugging some of the posts into Google's translate, it looks as thought they're just as baffled as we are!

[brantome]

One poster suggests you can now connect an Echo to a bluetooth speaker, wonder if that's true...

[strayfish]

One poster suggests you can now connect an Echo to a bluetooth speaker, wonder if that's true...

Only one way to find out, if you've got one, give it a go. Don't forget to tell us if it accidentally opens a wormhole to a galaxy far, far away ...

[brantome]

I do, but not yet on that firmware. And if I did get sucked through a wormhole, you wouldn't get my reply

[strayfish]

I'd have a word with Stephen Hawking then, before you try; get that glitch sorted out

[brantome]

So far, it appears that this does allow an Echo to output to Bluetooth speakers, and connect to an Outlook 365 calendar. As the last was one of the screenshots first shown in a US Echo Facebook group which were then taken down, I hope it suggests that the other rumoured facilities like audio synchronisation across multiple echo devices are on their way too.

[strayfish]

You'd think they'd notify users of the new tricks when the update is applied, they way it happens with apps. Unless they believe we think hunting them down is half the fun.

[brantome]

You mean it isn't?

[strayfish]

Yeah, ok! Just glad car manufacturers don't take the same approach to brakes and steering although of course, driverless ...

[brantome]

They're finally owning up, but just to the Echo Bluetooth facility: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602210

[strayfish]

Ok, my Echo/Dot zoo has all the updates so they can bring it on. Wonder if I need Bluetooth speakers or if I'd just like some ...

[jwlv]

You'd think they'd notify users of the new tricks when the update is applied, they way it happens with apps. Unless they believe we think hunting them down is half the fun.

I'm pretty sure that Amazon will not make an announcement until the new firmware is pushed to every Echo device. It appears that the rollout is done in groups over several days or perhaps weeks. It would be terrible PR and a nightmare for tech support if they announced new features when not everyone has the new features.

[strayfish]

Must be fully rolled out then, if they're announcing the BT feature.