Smart home technology is moving fast, and it can be hard for even savvy users to keep up with all the news and advances. Amazon is a big player in the smart home space, selling their own suite of digital smart home assistants, Echos, as well as many of the top brands that make the products that connect with those assistants.
There are a lot of people out there that might be interested in purchasing an Echo, but they don’t know how to start with installation or with how to use it. There are a lot of blogs and videos with information that can be accessed, but those options don’t allow for error or give the user a way to ask questions.
Amazon has addressed this issue by offering professional set up services for people purchasing an Echo. Using this service will help you get the Echo connected to your home and also show you how to use it. The technicians arrive in uniform so that you can identify them as legitimate Amazon technicians
Here’s how it works:
- The first step is to set up an appointment. You do this online on the Amazon site, and you get to select an exact appointment time – unlike the cable company which gives you an appointment window.
- Appointments are available from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm, so anyone can find a time that works best for them.
- Once you set up your appointment, you’ll get a confirmation by email that includes all the details (date, time and set-up required).
Those using the service just need to make sure their WiFi is working, and that they know the network and password. Your technician can also do a WiFi assessment to make sure you have a good signal strength.
The technician will personalize your flash briefings, activate your desired skills, show you how to connect and voice-control compatible devices, and troubleshoot any issues you have. Amazon says that most set-up sessions last for about an hour and that the technicians can also recommend, bring and demonstrate other smart home devices that are compatible with the Echo devices, including smart plugs and smart locks. If you are interested in those products, you can purchase them, also.
Once your Amazon set-pro is done, you will be equipped with everything you need to control your smart home.
I do want to note that this service isn’t available everywhere (yet). You can punch in your zip code to find out if the service is available in your area. I typed in a few zip codes that I know – my own and some of my friends and family – and wasn’t able to get a return where the service is available, but I didn’t try very hard to find an active area.
I have seen the service advertised for free in the past, but I am not seeing it currently for free. The Amazon in-home expert setup for Echo page mentions a money-back guarantee, so it seems the service does have a price tag.
