Hello ALEXA?

[trof]

My son-in-law is a bit of a gadget freak.
I do love him, but when he finds a new gadget he wants us to have it too.

That's why we have a Keurig coffee maker.
I still use my Mr. Coffee.
I guess I'm too impatient, but I like a whole pot of coffee, rather than waiting for an individually brewed cup.
My bad.


That's why we have a 'Dot'(?).
Anyway, her name is 'Alexa' and she answers questions.
You always have to address her as "Alexa".
If you just ask a question you'll just get stony silence.
"Alexa! What's the temperature?"
"The temperature in Bumptey, Bump is 47 degrees. Today's high will be 63 degrees. Tonight's low will be 42 degrees.

I glanced out the window at my completely solar, analog thermometer and sure enough the temp was 47 degrees.
However there was no forecast temperature provided.
Oh well.

There may be more to follow.

[Siwsan]

1. I'm a perc coffee fan, myself. Sometimes a stove top drip pot

I'm afraid to get one of those talkie things. The cats might take advantage........

[trof]

2. Thanks. You gave me a good laugh.

[Lilyhoney]

3. It is all about how you phrase the question.

Next time ask for a forecast. Go from there. Kind of like you are talking to a toddler. It builds on the questions you ask. The more you interact the more helpful it can be. Experiment. Also. Have fun.

[Ohiogal]

4. I'm afraid

To get one of those talking thingamajigs too.

I'm afraid it will be smarter than I am!

[northoftheborder]

14. ditto!

[Pobeka]

5. I won't touch those with a 10 foot pole

They are never "off" if they are to be useful, so always listening ...

Imagine asking your SO for an important password, and they respond verbally "the password for the bank account is xyzzy". Something, somewhere has that audio recorded.

Call me paranoid if you like, but that's my reasoning why these devices are huge security holes put into peoples homes for the sake of convenience.

[Ohiogal]

9. No, you're not paranoid

Anything that is "smart" like a car, an appliance, etc. to me is something that can be hacked for nefarious purposes. Do we really need all this stuff?

[northoftheborder]

15. ditto!

You can just call me Miss 20th Century most of the time. Couldn't live without my smart phone and computer, though. But on second thought, those are really 20th C.

[Docreed2003]

6. Thought youd appreciate this...

Sorry to bust in on the Senior group uninvited, but all threads show up on my mobile version of DU and when I saw your post I immediately thought of this, hope you enjoy!

[northoftheborder]

16. Hilarious - I missed that one on SNL!

[trof]

17. Perfect!

[leftofcool]

7. Welcome to the 21st Century

I finally got one of those 1 cuppers and I really like it. I love hot tea and I don't have to wait for the kettle to heat up. I do not have Alexa and unless she gives blowjobs, my 72 year old hubby says she is worthless.

[Ferrets are Cool]

8. She plays wonderful music into my sleepy ears as I drift off to sleep...

That's what I love about that $30 purchase the most.
As far as the coffee, I ONLY use a vacuum pot. Makes the best coffee I've ever tasted.

[procon]

10. There's an Alexa app on my Kindle tablet.

I don't use it to its full potential, but I really don't know what it can do for me. I check the weather, hunt for a certain book or movie, and the other day I discovered it could find recipes, very much a serendipitous surprize.

[question everything]

11. Make sure you are not talking to a real Alexa

Also, watch for a story about Alexa on TV. There are stories about the robot Alexa ordering something after hearing about it from a TV program.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1018918355

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

12. The main thing about the Keurig is that

buying the coffee for it costs about $72/lb. Or somesuch. It is a hideously expensive way to do coffee.

[marybourg]

13. I got two Dots as an emergency calling device

in case I fall and can't reach my emergency pendant. It can't dial 911, but it can dial a friend or neighbor who will hear you on their cell phone if they have the Alexa App. I would just have to call out: Call Betty!" We tried it out and it works. She could come help me or call 911 for me. I feel more secure living alone now.