multi-step routines

[renegade600]

look like there will soon be multi-step routines for the echo. 

In a demonstration, Amazon device VIP Dave Limp said “Alexa, good morning,” which triggered a sequence of events in the faux-home setting that Amazon set up in its headquarters for the event. First, the lights came on in the demonstration room. Then, a smart window shade rolled up, and Alexa began reading the news. Finally, a teakettle began to boil water.

https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/27/16375050/alexa-routines-echo-amazon-2017

[scottrods]

With a hub or two, you can do that NOW... 

[coyote]

One blue Ring to rule them all, one blue Ring to bind them....

[smeg]

Is the "AND" operator really that difficult to implement in this type of environment? I am surprised that at this point in development I cant say "Alexa, turn off the kitchen AND the porch" or even "Alexa, turn off the kitchen AND turn off the porch".

[malliekm]

I still think (I  mentioned this a while back) that these new features are rolled out a little at a time to keep things interesting for the consumer rather than offer EVERYthing at once.  People will get bored with the device.  This way we're always looking for something new/fresh and improved.  There's little doubt in my mind that all these things that people say "how hard could it be to..." are totally doable.  They just find it better for business to dole it out a little at a time.  I can understand that.

[renegade600]

Is the "AND" operator really that difficult to implement in this type of environment? I am surprised that at this point in development I cant say "Alexa, turn off the kitchen AND the porch" or even "Alexa, turn off the kitchen AND turn off the porch".

but you can create groups in order to turn off both the kitchen and porch.  the problem is telling it to turn on the kitchen and turn off the porch at the same time.   that is why I am hoping the muti step routine will fix that problem.

[scottrods]

I still think (I  mentioned this a while back) that these new features are rolled out a little at a time to keep things interesting for the consumer rather than offer EVERYthing at once.  People will get bored with the device.  This way we're always looking for something new/fresh and improved.  There's little doubt in my mind that all these things that people say "how hard could it be to..." are totally doable.  They just find it better for business to dole it out a little at a time.  I can understand that.

The same way Facebook does things... constant *perceived* improvement.