got rid of my wemo plugs years ago because got tired of having to power cycling them after power outages or updates. Actually I got tired of crawling under tables and moving furniture to get to them. Though I have a couple of firesticks, amazon smart oven, a couple of buds and frames, I am staying away from other amazon smart devices like their thermostat, smartplugs and more so if I get tired of their ads, it won't be too expensive to leave the amazon ecosystem. I was reading an article a month or so ago about amazon's plans for adding more ads to their devices. Not talking about the recent article about answering questions with ads.
I agree with the Amazon ecosystem issues of ad pushing garbage content... however. A 10 inch Tablet for 150 bucks with ad removal is usually still a good deal for something to keep in the house for visitors to peruse and abuse... They can access their own info without any issues, such as email and cloud content if needed, and I also have a bluetooth keyboard that works nicely with them. It's logitech so the value is usually pretty good there as well. The keyboard can connect ot 3 different devices via a small knob to change device... pretty cool for my application. I have a handful of Grandkids, and it helps with them to slow down after the day and get ready to turn in at night. Other than that my Step Daughter is a busy internet based woman with a ton of needs that she loves coming and using these options so she doesn't need to tote a laptop every time she visits.
I only have the one Amazon outlet/plug... a very specific situation where I couldn't find another option at all. It powers a set of 8 single tube fluorescent (with LED replacement) fixtures. Does the job without having to spend a fortune buying new fixtures and bulbs.
I tried the Chromecast, the Firestick, and before all of that I tried a Boxee Box, before they cratered. I ended up eventually streaming Netflix through the Nintendo Wii. That Boxee Box was a cool device before it's time for sure. Just needed refinement and acceptance... too early for the game. I've had the Apple TV's for so long now I don't know if I'd like any other options. And truly, my wife and I barely even watch anything on the screen anymore. We don't spend much time watching anything on any device, really. We work hard and enjoy our quiet time, since the in-laws take up all our spare time right now.
I figured I needed an update though on devices I am using from Amazon... I have given away almost as many as I currently own as well. I kinda wish they had built a larger version of the SPOT... I like it, as it sets up using Tablet software, instead of the normal Echo Stuff. Super simple and it displays things you ask for. Of course it still throws ads up and things you didn't ask for all the time... but I ignore that stuff, mostly use it for a front door monitor with the ring doorbell.
All in all I'm likely to get rid of most of the Echos that the In-Laws don't use,, and the rest of the house will become apple centric. As soon as Apple comes up with a device with a clock in it.
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