Amazon has a long-standing history of kinda being in Ireland. We depend on Amazon.co.uk for our online shopping needs, using services like Parcel Motel to fill in the gaps. One of Amazon’s latest innovations is the Echo and its little brother, the Echo Dot. We look at what it is, how you can get the Echo Dot in Ireland and some tips to get you started.
A really sunburned Martin wonders if you should get the Echo or Echo Dot
Posted by Goos3D on Sunday, April 9, 2017
What Is the Echo and the Echo Dot?
The Amazon Echo is a voice-controlled smart hub for your home. It’s about the size of a Pringles can. Powered by Amazon’s voice service, Alexa, you speak commands to control smart devices and services. My own personal favourite is Spotify, as the Echo also has built-in speakers. Once you sit down to dinner, just say “Alexa, play dinner music in Spotify”, and she’ll look after the rest.
The Echo Dot is a smaller, cheaper device with all of the functionality of its bigger sister. The Echo Dot also has a speaker built-in and while it’s not as good as the Echo, it’s great in a small space. Weighing in at €175 for the Echo and €60 for the Echo Dot, the Echo Dot packs more than enough punch to get you started.
Will the Echo Dot Work in Ireland?
We recently just got our paws on the Echo Dot and got it working really quickly. However, there are a few important things to note:
The Echo Dot Depends on Android and iOS Apps
Amazon finally provides official support for the Alexa App in Ireland. Just pop along to your relevant app store to download it for free.
Which Irish Services Available for Amazon’s Echo?
We’ll admit, the Irish content on the Echo is in it’s earliest form. RTÉ is the best-known service on there. There’s also an unofficial Dublin Bus app which is a very interesting concept. There are also loads of services that will work in Ireland, like Spotify and Fitbit. Down the line, we’re also likely to get the likes of Just Eat and Uber.
We’ve launched our own Flash News Briefing app which ensures you can keep up with the latest Irish tech news through your Amazon Echo Dot.
Where Can You Buy the Amazon Echo Dot in Ireland?
Amazon.co.uk is the best place to pick up the Echo Dot. They officially support the device in Ireland now, so you won’t neccessarily have to use Parcel Motel to get it delivered either. With that said, always check the delivery cost to Ireland as sometimes you can actually save money by shipping with a service like Parcel Motel. Buying Amazon products directly from Amazon ensures you’ll also get the best customer care should something go wrong.
If you’re looking for an official retailer to buy the Echo Dot in Ireland from, Littlewoods Ireland is probably the best spot. They are shipping the Echo Dot for €60.
Bonus: Testing Our App on the Amazon Echo Dot
Goos3D playing with the Amazon Echo Dot
Goos3D got a new toy and we're trialing out Flash News Brief
Posted by Goos3D on Saturday, April 1, 2017
