What good is Alexa.

[derrick]

Is Alexa just another gimmick, or is it a really useful thing to have. I know the basic model is cheap. but to get any reall use out of it, you have to spend a fortune on ways to connect it to other devices.
The sound from it is not to good if you really like your music. But if your happy to spend a lump on a sonus system. That ok. Who has one and what does it do for you? Does it just make you lazy.

 

[Joffey]

You don't have to press a button to turn the wireless on. And you can ask it questions.

 

[Gary E]

I have one in my Zwift Room and others in the house. I say "Alexa, drop into Lounge (or kitchen etc)" and it acts as an intercom so I can ask the missus to bring water, call an ambulance etc etc...

 

[derrick]

You don't have to press a button to turn the wireless on. And you can ask it questions.

Our wireless is on all the time, no button to press. I also have a wife who knows everything.

 

[Cycleops]

I think it's great. So fast and much better than Siri on Apple devices.
My kids love it and ask it questions all the time.

 

[Gary E]

I have a lousy memory! I've been known to walk upstairs and by the time I get there I've forgotten what I went up for!!

"Alexa, remind me to........"

"Alexa, add beer to my shopping list"

"Alexa, set a timer for .... minutes"

All can be done wherever I am in the house and whatever I'm doing. I've been known to use it in the shower, on the toilet , in the kitchen with 'chicken hands' and on the turbo etc

 

[Drago]

I can have Planet Rock without lifting a finger, and thus conserve my energy for the air guitar.

 

[Gary E]

"Alexa, turn on the Christmas lights" is all I need to say to turn on the outdoor lights and the lights in the kitchen, lounge, bedroom and on the tree

 

[Milkfloat]

I use mine for - the radio, an intercom, Amazon Music, weather, calendar, controlling my heating, controlling my lights, turning on my heated blanket before I go to bed, dropping in on the family when travelling, but best of all I ask her to make fart noises.

 

[derrick]

Does anyone use it to it's full potential? ie security, tv control, lighting heating and everything else it's supposed to do. and if so at what cost?
Apart from making you fat and lazy,

 

[Cuchilo]

" Alexa , answer derrick for me please "

 

[derrick]

" Alexa , answer derrick for me please "

And what did it come up with?

 

[derrick]

I like the idea of operating the tv, as i can never get hold of the remote, But it looks like you need to buy a fire stick, Or am i missing something, Play lists i can play through a proper sound system,

 

[biggs682]

Another pointless gimmick in my old fashioned eyes

 

[Edwardoka]

It's excellent so long as you don't mind having an Amazon device actively listening to every sound in your house and it calling home 24/7.
I cannot think of any downsides to that at all