[Carl in Tampa]

The enthusiastic reviews that have appeared thus far have neglected to mention one thing. For every light switch that you want to control, you must replace the switch with a specialized switch that connects to your wi-fi system, at costs in the range of $35 each. For small appliances, like an electric fan, you can get a switch that plugs in to a wall socket and powers the fan.

Each device is named by you, and you can then instruct Echo to turn the device on or off with an oral command. It can even do this for (an expensive) front door lock.

The home thermostat is significantly expensive, as is the "bridge" needed to control LED and colored LED lights. The color and intensity of the lights can be regulated.

To fully customize your music choice list you must become an Amazon Prime member. I use the free portion of Pandora.

I did buy the Echo (alternating current power) and the Tap (battery operated) for the purpose of turning on selected lights, especially outside lights, if I think I hear a prowler. The switches that I am using can be controlled by both the Echo and by an application on my Smartphone.

Just remember that the cost can run up quickly as you add more and more switches, devices and features.