Amazon Echo Show: Older Adults Explore
Our Longevity Explorers have been putting the Amazon Echo Show to the test and exploring its capabilities. Find out what these “seniors” think is (or is not) useful about the show, what questions they have, and what they think needs to be improved.
About Alexa and the Amazon Echo Show
The Amazon Echo Show (2nd generation) and the latest version of the artificial intelligence, Alexa, as explored by our community of older adults, is an artificial intelligence (AI) developed by Amazon and made available in a family of hardware products.
Why Amazon Echo Show is Different from its Predecessors
The Amazon Echo Show has a screen, whereas the original Echo has speakers and a cylindrical form factor, making it extremely easy to make calls (both phone and video calls) to friends and family.
Now Alexa can Call Your Friends for You
You can still connect Alexa to your entire contact list if you want to (see “Issues” and “Setting Up” below). Getting these contacts set up initially is a bit of a pain (see “Issues” and “Setting Up” below).
Making a Call with Alexa: Demo
If you have an Amazon Echo Show and your friend has either the same product or an Alexa App and a smart phone, Alexa can initiate a call to their phone (or cell phone) or to their Amazon Echo. If you have an Amazon Echo Show and your friend has either the same product or an Alexa App and a smart phone, the call is a video call.
Voice-activated Calls are “Easier” (in some scenarios)
“Alexa, call John” commands can be useful in a variety of situations, or you can ask Alexa to look up John’s phone number and call him right away.
Alexa Makes Video Calls “Easier”
In some situations, voice activated audio calls have advantages. One of the biggest advantages of the Echo Show is that it makes video calling extremely simple, and it appears to work well when holding a video call from across the room or with a group on the other end of the line.
Video Calls Can Make Interactions Richer
Viewing a person while talking allows for more in-depth interaction, such as reading a story to your grandchild or showing off your new dress. However, some people find it easier to just “chit chat” when they are watching someone.
Isn’t This Just Like “Facetime” or “Skype”?
If you have an Amazon Echo Show, Alexa can start a video call; otherwise, Skype and Facetime are two other options. Facetime, in particular, is extremely simple and high quality, in our experience; the main benefits are the simplicity and the loud and clear audio.
Could Amazon Echo Show + Alexa Change Your Life?
Alexa and the Amazon Echo Show have been added to our list of 2017 must-haves. Here are some scenarios in which we believe this product has real potential, beyond just being a cool new entertainment gadget (which it is).
Want More (Deeper) Interactions with Remote Friends
Video chats with friends and family who live far away are a breeze with Alexa and the Amazon Echo Show.
Have Trouble Getting Out and About
The ability to have Alexa answer the phone with a voice command, as well as turn off and on lights without having to get up, can be useful for people with mobility issues.
Impaired Cognition
We have not yet put the idea to the test, but we hope to do so soon. For people with mild cognitive impairment, voice-activated calling could mean the difference between not being able to call their family and being able to call them.
Is Amazon Echo easy for seniors?
Alexa offers connectivity with some smart home devices, making it easier than ever for seniors to control indoor temperature and security. Some Echo devices, such as the Echo Show and Echo Spot, have a digital display screen where you can read recipes, make video calls, and play games. Alexa also offers connectivity with some smart home devices, making it easier than ever for seniors to control indoor temperature and security.
Is Amazon Echo good for the elderly?
While Amazon Echo can benefit people of all ages, older adults in particular will benefit from the hands-free management. Here are some of the advantages this smart technology can provide seniors: Makes daily tasks hands-free and simpler with Alexa
Does Alexa help the elderly?
Alexa (also known as Amazon Echo) and similar products such as Google Home can be used to assist the elderly, their caregivers, and younger seniors approaching retirement age. Whether you have an Echo Dot, Echo Tower, Echo Show, or Echo Plus, they can all help you make your home safer u2013 regardless of your age.
How do I set up Amazon Echo for elderly?
For Elderly Users, Getting Started With Amazon Alexa
- Connect the Alexa device to a power source.
- Download the Alexa app on your phone, laptop, or other smart device.
- Select u201cSet Up New Deviceu201d from the app.
- Log in with your Amazon account information.
Do you need a smartphone to use an echo dot?
Yes and no. You’ll need a smartphone to set up the Alexa connect on the local wifi; you’ll do so in the Alexa app by going to settings and adding a new device; Alexa will also sync your smartphone’s contacts with the Alexa contacts.
Do you need to pay a subscription for Alexa?
Is there a monthly fee for Amazon Alexa? No, there isn’t a monthly fee for Amazon Alexa; all you need is a stable WiFi connection to make your Echo work. However, having an Amazon Prime account gives you access to a number of additional features.
Is there a monthly fee for Alexa?
There is no monthly fee to use Alexa on Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, but there are monthly fee-based subscription services available, such as Amazon Prime Services.
What’s the difference between Alexa and echo?
Amazon’s Echo is the name given to the physical products themselves, the speakers that house the AI Alexa. Alexa is the name given to the virtual assistant u2013 the disembodied voice you talk to, ask questions to, and bug with song requests.
What is the lifespan of an Amazon Echo?
Regardless, the Echo Dot is delightful, cutting-edge, and, even after two years, as good a value as you’re likely to see in tech.
How do you use Alexa for elderly parents?
You’ll need to both download the Amazon Alexa app and sign in to your Amazon accounts (you can do this for your elderly parent as well), then sign up for Alexa Calling And Messaging (note: you’ll need separate Amazon accounts). Open the app and go to the Conversation screen.
What can Alexa do for dementia?
Alexa’s voice-activated features are ideal for seniors with dementia: Instantly answers questions such as “what day is it?” and “what time is it?” u2013 it’s a machine, so it won’t get annoyed or frustrated. Plays music, audiobooks, and the news u2013 no need to fiddle with complicated controls. Tells fun jokes and riddles.
Can you use Alexa echo without an Amazon account?
To use Alexa, you’ll need an Amazon account, but you don’t need Amazon Prime. Here, you can add any number of Alexa-enabled devices to your account, from smart lights to smart plugs; however, we’re only interested in Echo devices, so tap Amazon Echo; on the next screen, tap the Echo device you want to set up.
How does Alexa work for the elderly?
Seniors can use Alexa’s voice commands to control the lights or adjust smart appliance settings. Seniors with smart technology can control the thermostat, turn on the TV, adjust the oven temperature, monitor security systems, and more.
Can Alexa drop in on another house?
Turn on the Enabled switch under Communication Enhanced Features in Alexa Preferences, and you can drop in on a device outside your home as long as the person on the other end has given you permission through their Alexa app.
What do I need to set up an echo?
Before you begin, go to the app store on your mobile device and download or update the Alexa app.
- Connect your device.
- Open the Alexa app.
- Select Amazon Echo.
- Select Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, and more.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device.