Living with Alexa
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
Eugene, Oregon
December 30, 2016 3:53pm CST
I have mentioned that my wife's name is Anne, and we did not get a pet named Alexa for Christmas. She doesn't look like much, but Alexa is the voice on the Amazon Dot that I got for Anne. She had mentioned wanting one and there was a deal for Prime members, so I ordered it.
Alexa is pretty amazing for a small hub based in the "cloud" (wherever that is). Anne can set timers and alarms with voice commands, for instance. She has linked her calendar to Alexa, to help keep track of appointments. All one has to do to get her attention is say her name, then tell her to do what ever task, such as playing your Pandora station, sounds of rain, the ocean. Alexa can also walk you through a meditation if you like, tell jokes and more things we have not explored.
I thought that Alexa only responds to Anne's voice, but she will respond to mine as well. Despite the thought that she might be recording everything you say, she only comes alive when you say her name. With a remote (costs extra), we could communicate with her from anywhere in the house. So far, she stays close to Anne.
It seems a little strange to have a this "being" around, but she is helpful, so far.
15 people like this
14 responses
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
30 Dec 16
I have wondered it I would enjoy and use her and it sounds like I just might.
3 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
She is working well so far, but the joke she told me was pretty lame.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
@DeborahDiane She needs a better comedy writer though.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40094)
• Laguna Woods, California
31 Dec 16
@JamesHxstatic - Ha Ha! It would be fun to have someone (or something) tell us jokes on command, though!
2 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
30 Dec 16
I wonder what would happen if someone named Alexa was to visit. It does sound like a handy device to have.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
A visitor named Alexa might have to use an assumed name or "Alexa" would be responding a lot.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
@RichardMeister No doubt, and it would be confusing to all.
1 person likes this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
31 Dec 16
@JamesHxstatic I would think the poor Amazon Dot would get a real workout if your visitor named Alexa didn't use another name while visiting.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (159949)
• Boise, Idaho
31 Dec 16
That sounds so interesting. I am watching a series called HUMANS and it is about androids who come awake the same way. That will probably be the next thing, making them look like people. Do you think?
2 people like this
@celticeagle (159949)
• Boise, Idaho
31 Dec 16
@JamesHxstatic .....Won't be long.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
I think they are already there and will be around pretty soon.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
30 Dec 16
I was wondering how those things worked. I think a lot of people got those for Christmas. I had considered it but really I have the firetv and can do voice activated searches, which suits me fine. AS for any inquiries on the weather or scheduling, I have siri (Iphone0
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
That could be a duplication for you then.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (74143)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
31 Dec 16
Sounds a bit bizarre but if it is helpful why not. Perhaps you can find out if Alexa can sing songs to you. I would like to know too. Perhaps say Alexa sing and give the title of a specific song. Who knows??? Oh, my take a look at what I found online at least you have no little kids in the house.
Amazon’s Alexa will always do its best to make out what you’re trying to tell it, but when it comes to the adorable mumble of a youngster just getting a grasp on the spoken word, someti…
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
Funny that should happen. It is not connected to our TV and If there were kids around I would keep it that way.
2 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43419)
• Denver, Colorado
31 Dec 16
I've never had a Siri or Alexa.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
I have used neither until now either.
1 person likes this
@epiffanie (11326)
• Australia
31 Dec 16
oh wow! this is the first time I've heard of that ..pretty cool! ..
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
It is a fairly useful toy to have around.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (460403)
• Switzerland
31 Dec 16
@JamesHxstatic I know that the dolls are another technology, but I prefer not to talk to "electronic" gadgets that can transmit what I say to focus on the emails I will get in the future from Amazon.
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
A police department here in the US thought so too, so they subpoenaed Alexa as a witness in a murder case. She is "awake" only when her name is spoken, so was of no assistance. The dolls are another technology.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
@LadyDuck It is true that Alexa cam order from Amazon if I request something, but we will be cautious not to reveal any personal info. Amazon already knows much due to my purchases, I suppose.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (80172)
• United States
31 Dec 16
Technology continues to amaze me. I had thought about getting Alexa but wasn't sure. Now that you say it's fun I might look into it
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
Anne is enjoying being able to make instant notes and reminders of appointments.
@MALUSE (69390)
• Germany
31 Dec 16
@JamesHxstatic That would be really convenient and maybe even lifesaving.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
@MALUSE Yes it could. There are other devices (one called Lifeline, I think) that are for that purposes.
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
Not yet apparently. Alexa can't call an ambulance or the police that I am aware of, but they are upgrading her ability all the time.
@PainsOnSlate (21854)
• Canada
31 Dec 16
Sounds fascinating, I will check it out. I might want one too...
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
31 Dec 16
So do I. I asked her "Alexa, how are you this morning?" this morning. She replied that she was just fine and thanked me for asking.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29360)
• Eugene, Oregon
1 Jan 17
@JudyEv My daughter changed Siri's voice out for a British male voice. It is interesting to hear him pronounce some of the odd street names in Portland. Does Vince know he could boot Siri?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (326601)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Jan 17
@JamesHxstatic It's incredible isn't it? Vince has Siri I think but she seems to have trouble understanding him then he starts to be rude to her and then I tell him off! :) So It's not quite a success for us yet. 
1 person likes this
