Amazon Echo Australia Release - Early 2018

Finally, some good news! Amazon has made an official comment about the release of Amazon Echo in Australia. It's also been confirmed by Mashable, CNET, PC World and more. 

We were hoping that the Amazon Echo release would coincide with the launch of amazon.com.au in Australia. But no such luck :( 

Either way, we've now been officially notified by Amazon that the Echo is just months if not weeks away. 

“The customer response to Alexa and Echo has been incredibly positive, and we’re excited to make them available for our Australian and New Zealand customers early next year,” said Toni Reid, Vice President, Amazon Alexa"

It's a little surprising that Amazon has not tried to take on Google Home Mini for its share of Christmas Shoppers - but it speaks to the fact that Australia really isn't a large market in the grand scheme of things. 

Nimbull has been in R&D mode with the Echo in our showroom since the start of the year. We're ready to bring you the latest and greatest "Alexa Skills" and "Smart Home Integrations" on day one of release.

Here are the top 5 things to get excited about!

1) Flash briefings:

"Hey Alexa, what's the news". This has changed the way we get news and is now our go-to source every morning. What's better than keeping your eyes on your cereal bowl as you hear handcrafted news read to you? Better than battling with a soggy newspaper! Here's what our current flash briefing looks like below. We like to get stuff in this order - 1) weather 2) news from the left and right side of politics 3) sports 4) the word of the day!

2) Most used Alexa Skill - "7-minute workout":

Alexa guides us through a 7-minute workout every day "for a happier healthier life". Thanks for caring Alexa!

3) Drop-ins:

Use your smartphone and any Echo Dots as walkie talkies! What better way to spy on the wife when you are at work?

4) Smart Home Integrations:

No Hub required for most products! Smart Light Bulbs and Smart Switches can automate your home and work out of the box, without the need for complicated Z-Wave or Zigbee hub devices.

5) Free Music! Try these:

"Hey Alexa, play 102.3 The Beat on iHeart Radio"

"Hey Alexa, play ABC Radio on Tune In".