How to Mount your Amazon Echo Dot on the Wall, Ceiling, or Under the Counter

Mounting Amazon Echo Dots around your home is easier than you think!

If you’re looking to turn your house into an Alexa-enabled Smart Home, there’s no better way than with the Amazon Echo Dot. It’s plenty powerful, but most importantly it’s small, allowing it to blend in with the decor of your home.

Out of the box, the Dot is designed to sit on a countertop or end table and that’s pretty good, but there are plenty of options for mounting your Amazon Echo Dot in clever ways around your home. That way, Alexa is always there to answer your questions or control the lighting around your home without being right there on the table.

We’ve rounded up some of the best options for mounting an Echo Dot (2nd Gen.) around the house, and the best news is they’re just as affordable as the Dot itself.

• The Flush Mount by Mount Genie
• CloverTale Home Outlet Wall Mount Holder
• CUVR Silicone Case and Mounting Pad
• Cozysmart Magnetic Wall Mount
• Fintie Wall Mount with Hanger Loop

The Flush Mount by Mount Genie

If you own your home and are looking to permanently install some Echo speakers throughout your house as part of a smart home renovation, you need to consider The Flush Mount by Mount Genie. It lets you mount an Amazon Echo Dot right into a drywall wall or ceiling.

It will take some handy work to complete, but once you’ve cut the hole with the accompanying template and run your cables to a power source and optional speakers the mount and the Echo Dot are held in place by a combination of pressure fit and wire placement.

Since the speaker on the Echo Dot is at the bottom of the device, Mount Genie designed the mount with a channel that effectively provides an unmuffled result. The Flush Mount sells for $19.99 each or as a 5-pack for $89.99. This is certainly the most elegant solution to mounting Echo speakers around a home, although it’s also the most intensive installation.

See at Amazon

CloverTale Home Outlet Wall Mount Holder

So you’ve got an Echo Dot in your kitchen, but you’d rather not have it right there on the countertop or deal with that cable running to the outlet. You need this clever outlet mount from CloverTale, which solves both problems by allowing the Echo Dot to take up about as much space as a nightlight.

The mount comes with 3M adhesive tape for extra security but essentially hangs from the plugged connection to the outlet. It works no matter the orientation of the outlets and could actually greatly improve the microphone’s reception depending on where you’re able to better place it in the room.

There’s no installation or tools required here — simply pop the Dot into the cradle and plug it in with the included USB cable. It’s a quick and easy way to mount an Echo speaker in any room in your house and can be easily moved without much fuss. Get yours for just $9.50 from Amazon!

See at Amaozon

CUVR Silicone Case and Mounting Pad

The CUVR is an Echo Dot case that doubles as a way of mounting your Echo Dot to a wall, on the ceiling, or even on the underside of a table.

The case is made of soft silicone and precisely designed to fit the form of the Dot Echo with cutouts for the cables and speaker. It looks stylish being used normally on a coffee table, or you can use the included 3M mounting pad to stick your Echo onto nearly any flat surface. Walls, plastics, woods, metals, tiles, glass — you’re really only limited by the cable.

With six colors to choose from, this is a great accessory for dorm rooms and bachelor apartments. Available for just $10, so get one for each of your Dots!

See at Amazon

Cozysmart Magnetic Wall Mount

The Cozysmart Magnetic Wall Mount is another versatile mounting solution that lets you place your Echo Dot on the wall without too much fuss or installation. The mount uses magnets and a metal plate adhered to the bottom of the Echo to keep the speaker firmly in place. The suction cup lets you mount this on a wide range of surfaces and materials.

But you can use this wall mount for more than just mounting an Echo Dot speaker. The metal plate can also be attached to a tablet or phone so you can watch your favorite show or follow along with a recipe with your device up and out of the way as you cook.

Priced at just $12, you might be tempted to get one for all of your Echo Dots along with an extra one for your phone or tablet.

(Also be sure not to miss the Skull Statue speaker holder that’s apparently been linked to the same Amazon listing)

See at Amazon

Fintie Wall Mount with Hanger Loop

If you’re not looking to fuss around with adhesive pads, cutting drywall, or any of that business, you might just be looking for this simple and elegant wall mount by Fintie.

Made of sturdy metal with a nice little hanging loop, all you need to do is hammer a nail or use a 3M hook and boom! You’ve cleared a bit more valuable counter space for yourself.

This is a great option for anyone who just needs to get the Echo Dot and its cables up and away from children or pets. Its also quick and easy to install or move. They’re available in black, rose gold, or white to match your decor and start at $13.

See at Amazon

Where would you place an Amazon Echo Dot?

Have you tested different placements for your Amazon Echo Dot? Let us know your best locations in the comments!

Amazon Echo

• Tap, Echo or Dot: The ultimate Alexa question
• All about Alexa Skills
• Amazon Echo review
• Echo Dot review
• Top Echo Tips & Tricks
• Amazon Echo vs. Google Home
• Get the latest Alexa news

See at Amazon

Get a Python Network Programming bundle for just $24

Python is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, thanks to it being able to run on plenty of systems. In order to build, automate, and secure networks, Python is often used.

Those of you looking to break into the coding world, Python is a great place to start, thanks to it being so popular and so widely used. The world of Python is quite large, and focusing on a certain area is not a bad idea.

Right now, Android Central Digital Offers has a deal on a focused Python course that will help prepare you for a career in the field. Instead of paying $697 for the Python Network Programming Bundle, you’ll pay just $24. That’s 96 percent off the regular price.

This bundle contains three courses, all primarily focused on networks. There’s over 28 hours of content in these courses, which include:

• Python Network Programming: Build 7 Python Apps
• Python Network Programming: Multivendor Environment
• Python Network Programming: Scapy & Security Tools

Access to this course remains open forever, so even if you don’t have time right now, you can always jump in later. Don’t wait too long to pull the trigger; this deal won’t last forever.

Verizon brings back the option to stream 4K video — for an extra $10/month

Verizon will once again offer full-quality streaming for mobile users, but at a cost.

Back in August, Verizon split its former single unlimited plan into two, complicating the narrative for millions of customers looking simply to connect to LTE for a monthly price. The cheaper option, Go Unlimited, starts at $75 and offers unlimited LTE, but the traffic can be throttled at any time during the month. It also supports streaming at just 480p, and hotspot speeds are limited to 600Kbps.

The more expensive option, Beyond Unlimited, which starts at $85 for the first line, throttles only after 22GB of bandwidth per month, and supports full-speed mobile hotspot and streaming quality up to 1080p (though only 720p on phones).

Now, after Verizon announced a successful third quarter where it gained around 275,000 new phone users, says that for an extra $10 per month it will allow customers on either unlimited plan to stream at full resolution — even 4K. The company doesn’t expect too many people to pay for the privilege — few people have complained about the drop in streaming quality since it was implemented in August — but starting November 3 the add-on will be available for those who want it.

Which unlimited plan should you buy: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint?

Don’t leave home without this $5 two-port car charger

Stay powered through the ride.

Is this deal for me?

Having a car charger to power your device can end up being a lifesaver, but I’ve recently learned that sometimes, one standard charger isn’t enough. A road trip with your family will teach you that you do need more than one port on your car charger if everyone wants to be on their phone for the ride.

RAVPower’s USB Car Charger has two 2.4A charging ports and you can grab one for only $4.99 when you enter promo code URPVC006 at checkout to save $3.

RAVPower’s compact charger can charge two devices at once. It utilizes iSmart technology to adapt power currents to be suitable for your device, and provides protection from over-heating, over-current and over-charging. There’s also an LED light to indicate when your device is properly connected and charging.

TL;DR

• What makes this deal worth considering? – At just $5, RAVPower’s car charger is a steal to keep multiple devices charging in your vehicle at the same time. This product is also backed up by a 4.7 out of 5 star rating with almost 2,000 reviews.
• Things to know before you buy! – This car charger comes with a lifetime warranty.

See at Amazon

Pharrell Williams will co-own Roli’s modular instrument business

There’s no question that Pharrell Williams has had at least some fondness for technology (his Daft Punk collabs and gold-tinged smartphones were big clues), but now he’s taking that appreciation to Will.I.Am levels. Roli has revealed that Pharrell is not only becoming its Chief Creative Officer, but will invest in and take co-ownership of the modular instrument startup. He’ll have a vested interest in Roli’s success, in other words. The company hasn’t outlined the terms of the deal, but the superstar will help develop “revolutionary” digital instruments that are accessible and “iconic.”

The first output from the team-up is a Pharrell sound pack for Roli’s Noise app that lets you build tunes using the instruments and vocals of “Happy.” It’s not exactly a brand new piece of hardware, but it’s a start.

It’s easy to be a bit skeptical about the move: just ask BlackBerry how Alicia Keys’ Creative Director role panned out. However, it sounds like Pharrell will be more than a celebrity figurehead. While you probably won’t see him tinkering with prototypes in the engineering lab, he’s clearly interested in shaping Roli and its products. The larger question is whether or not his involvement will have a visible effect — you’ll want to keep an eye out for new controls and other thoughtful touches that you’d expect from a veteran artist.

Source: Roli

Apple reportedly delayed ‘Carpool Karaoke’ due to foul language

When Apple delayed the release of ‘Carpool Karaoke,’ it wasn’t very clear on why. According to a report at Bloomberg, though, the tech titan had to edit and shoot additional episodes because the ones that were ready had too much “foul language and references to vaginal hygiene.” We’re not sure why Apple thought a show featuring celebrities and comedians driving around Los Angeles would be squeaky-clean, but there it is. We’ve reached out to Apple and will update this post when we hear back.

As a provider of technology to the masses, including children, Apple must feel a need to make sure its content is appropriate for everyone, notes the report. Of course, that’s probably how we ended up with the abysmal Planet of the Apps in the first place.

Apple plans to spend $1 billion on original television shows, but it still has to figure out what will work best for its group of viewers, which are Apple customers, says Bloomberg. “I think for both NBC and Apple, it’s about finding that sweet spot with content that is creative and challenging but also allows as many people in the tent as possible,” Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment, told the site.

According to Bloomberg, Apple wants to make comedies and emotional dramas with a broad appeal. The tech giant has already reportedly tapped Steven Spielberg to help make a new Amazing Stories show, which definitely fits the idea of “family friendly.” As more and more technology companies enter the entertainment industry, it will be interesting to see how all the money spent compares to the quality of entertainment. Apple may have the edge as far as devices to watch TV on, but its inherent conservatism may not push the medium forward as much as many may want it to.

Source: Bloomberg

Kaspersky says it briefly possessed classified NSA files

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that classified NSA documents detailing how US agencies defend their cyber networks and how they breach foreign ones were stolen by Russian hackers in 2015. Those reports noted that the files were spotted through Kaspersky security software used by an NSA contractor who had saved the classified documents on a home computer. Well, Kaspersky has now provided some more information about the incident and it has acknowledged that it did in fact have classified NSA materials in its possession, the Associated Press reports.

The company’s founder, Eugene Kaspersky, said that in 2014, Kaspersky analysts informed him that their software had plucked some classified files from an NSA contractor’s computer. Kaspersky said it was immediately clear what needed to be done — the materials had to be deleted. And so they were. However, whether the files in question were obtained purposefully or as a result of normal functions of the security software is still up in the air.

As Kaspersky tells it, the company was already tracking a team of hackers called the Equation Group, which was later revealed to be part of the NSA. The NSA contractor that exposed the files had run Kaspersky software on his computer after infecting it with a bootleg copy of Microsoft Office and while the software cleaned up the viruses, it was also triggered by the Equation Group materials stored on the contractor’s computer. Those were then sent to Kaspersky headquarters for evaluation and as soon as analysts saw that the files were classified NSA documents, they alerted Eugene Kaspersky and subsequently deleted the files.

Releasing this information is part of Kaspersky Lab’s recent push towards transparency as mistrust in the US has mounted over the past few months. Best Buy pulled Kaspersky software from its shelves last month and the US government banned the software in all federal agencies. Earlier this year, the FBI was reportedly discouraging private companies from using Kaspersky products, which have been a focus in government investigations of late and an interest of both the Senate and House of Representatives. Earlier this week, in order to regain some trust, Kaspersky announced that it would allow its source code to be reviewed by third parties and would open three “transparency centers” around the world.

Jake Williams, a cybersecurity expert and former NSA analyst, told the AP that because Kaspersky was trying to woo US government clients at the time, it made sense that it would have chosen to delete the files. “It makes sense that they pulled those up and looked at the classification marking and then deleted them,” he said. “I can see where it’s so toxic you may not want it on your systems.” However, he added the fact that an NSA employee put classified material on an already compromised home computer was “absolutely wild.”

Source: Associated Press

New Patreon tools help creators connect with backers

Running a Patreon page doesn’t only entail creating for your audience: if you amass a lot of patrons, you’ll also have to deal potentially time-consuming admin tasks. To make it easier to run a membership business, Patreon has introduced new tools called App Directory and Developer Portal. App Directory makes it easy to connect a variety of useful services to your Patreon page. For instance, if you have a WordPress-powered website, you can tie it up with your Patreon account in order to create patron-only posts.

Another service called Zapier gives you a way to connect over 750 applications, including Google Sheets and Twitter, to your page without having to tinker with codes. You can also use App Directory to give patrons instant access to your exclusive Discourse forum or Discord chat room. Later this year, you’ll be able add instant invites for a Slack channel, as well.

If you need something more specialized and have the chops to do it, though, The Developer Portal might be more useful for you. It gives you access to Patreon APIs and documentation so you can create whatever you need, such as Q&A platforms and the like — as long as it doesn’t involve any type of adult content — to offer better perks to your fans.

Source: Patreon

Alto Mail is shutting down now that AOL is part of Oath

AOL (Engadget’s former parent company) launched Alto Mail years ago in a bid to make sense of increasingly cluttered email with a slicker look and organizing features like the Dashboard. However, it’s clear that this approach isn’t alluring enough now that AOL has been absorbed into Verizon’s Oath brand. The Alto team is telling customers that it’s shutting down Alto Mail as it transitions to working on “something new and exciting” under Oath’s umbrella. The mobile apps will no longer be available as of November 9th, and Alto is ending support for all apps on December 10th.

This doesn’t mean that Alto’s influence will vanish. On top of that mysterious project, the developers expect to incorporate their know-how into “current and future products and experiences.” It still means that Alto Mail is going away, though, and it’s clear between this and the AOL Instant Messenger shutdown that Oath isn’t keen on preserving legacy services.

As it stands, Alto Mail faced an uphill battle in the market. Many email apps have cleaned up their designs, and it’s harder to argue in favor of Alto when there are higher-profile rivals (like Google’s Inbox) that also make sense of your messages. The main issue is arguably the loss of yet another alternative email client, at least for now. Like it or not, the field has been consolidating around official apps.

Daimler unveils its electric truck weeks ahead of Tesla’s big debut

We’ve known for awhile that Tesla was set to unveil its electric truck this fall; it’s currently set for November 16th, after a few delays. But Daimler AG has stolen its thunder by announcing a new heavy-duty electric truck today, another indication that Daimler is increasingly seeing Tesla as one of its main rivals.

The truck is called the E-Fuso Vision One. Bloomberg reports that it can carry up to 11 tons a distance of 220 miles before it needs a recharge. This model is just a prototype, but the company says it can have the truck on sale within four years in the US, Japan and Europe. It’s ideal for shorter trips between cities, rather than cross-country hauling.

Tesla was set to unveil its truck tomorrow, October 26th, but the company delayed the announcement because of Model 3 production issues. It’s worth mentioning that even that date was delayed, as the original reveal was targeted for September. You can bet that Elon Musk is not thrilled with Daimler AG today.

Source: Bloomberg