It was my wife, Debbie’s birthday a couple of weeks ago and when I asked her what she would like as a present, she said she would like one of those Alexa things from Amazon. I’m not technologically challenged, but I have little knowledge about Alexa. I’ve heard plenty about her as my daughter and son-in-law have one that they shout instructions to, to turn off the lights or turn on the heating in the bedroom etc.
Box of Tricks
So, this box arrives courtesy of Royal Mail and I wrap it up for wifey’s birthday. It wasn’t a surprise as she had asked for it, so on the morning of her special day she opened the box and set about looking for somewhere to put this modern-day box of tricks. I helped her set it up and then sat back to see what all the fuss was about. Like all things technological these days, it’s never a straightforward process of setting up these things.
It’s Him Again
Passwords for this, the BBC, and everything else online. In all honesty, it wasn’t too long before she was up and running and Jeremy Vine could be heard spouting off about bunions and one thing or another with the BBC Doctor. Oh well, Debbie is happy and that’s all that is important.
Silence
Fast forward a week or two and when I get up in the morning, I like to sit in the peace and quiet with a cup of tea. No radio, no television, nothing, just silence. When Debbie gets up she always puts the radio on, or as it is now, Alexa. Of course, she shouts out a command “on”, on it comes. Simple.
What Is That?
I’ve noticed though, that what I hear every morning is, “Alexa, play Crazy T*ts Radio” and on come the dulcet tones of Ken Bruce. I thought at first I must have misheard her and after another week or so I had to ask Debbie what on earth is Crazy T*ts Radio? “Oh, get your ears tested, it’s Greatest Hits Radio!!” Well, I never.
Just Ask
I’ve tried asking Aleska questions myself, like “What time is dinner” to which she replies she doesn’t know the answer. It’s the same with next week’s winning lottery numbers, she is no help. I did think about what my dear old Dad would make of these modern-day devices if he were here. He’d probably call her Blodywyn or Doris and get fed up when she doesn’t reply.
If you’d like to know more about Alexa there’s information here: Website.
I had an alexa on my desk for about a year by the end I was just using it to keep track of whatever food I was preparing. So, essentially, it was an egg timer that listened in to everything I said.
Thank you. That’s funny 😄
💜
Poor you
I know. Thank you, Derrick. 😊
We have three Alexa devices and one Google Home. I didn’t want my first one to be lonely when we were out. I do wish they’d learn to tidy up though!
Ha, I think Debbie thought this one might help with the washing up. Thank you, Peter. 😊
I was given one by my techie son but only used it as a timer. Then I kept forgetting the exact phrase to use and she got fed up with me. The feeling was mutual so out she went!
Lol, I am hearing some funny stories about Alexa. Thank you 😊
I hate it when people tell me to get my ears tested, but perhaps I should.
Yes, always best to get them tested. 😊
“Greatest Hits Radio?” I did a spit-take on that one. I was reading your post out loud to my wife and daughter as we were just discussing this very thing yesterday and TNT said, “That’s sounds like something my dad would hear!” The Google Mini won’t call emergency numbers for you unless you have a subscription and we were wondering about Alexa?
I know very little about them, Herb, but I bet there will be some sort of subscription involved with Amazon. Thank you 😊
Is it called Alexa there too? sometimes I hear my neighbor giving her orders in a very loud voice: who knows if she obeys😉
Yes, it is called Alexa here too. I believe you can change her name, but I don’t think we will bother. Your neighbour sounds like she maybe a bit bossy! Thank you, Luisa. 😊
You’ll learn to love it! I have a Google system instead of Alexa. It turns lights off and on, changes the temperature on the thermostat, reminds me to do things at certain times, acts as a timer or alarm, plays my choice of music or news, answers all kinds of general information questions to save me having to look them up, tells me date, time, temperature, gives weather forecast, can place phone calls. That last is the main reason I got the system. Several speakers around the house so if I fall or something bad happens, I can just tell it to call for help. Oh, and one of its hubs runs a constantly changing display of my favorite photos. It would keep a shopping list for me, but I prefer a handwritten list. One funny thing … my manners keep cropping up. Google will answer a question for me and, without thinking, I’m likely to reply “Thank you” out loud. That’s what living alone can do to you!
Well that sounds very positive to me, Susan. You have made it sound very acceptable. Thank you. 😊
AI makes me nervous. I hate to think that a small appliance is so much smarter than me. A friend has one and talks to it a lot. I have Siri on my iPad because it was part of the package. I programmed it to speak French because it amuses me. My mother would have dropped it in the fish pond but I think Dad would have been intrigued. Probably would have asked for the cricket scores.
Thank you, Carolyn. I find it difficult to actually talk to a machine. 😊
I’m glad that your wife is happy, Trev. I just can’t trust those devices.
I don’t fear it, I have nothing to hide and I can always pull the plug on it. Thank you, John 😊
Greatest Hits Radio …sure. sure…
Honestly. Thank you, June. 😊
Oh no, Trev!!!
Thank you, Rosaliene 😊
My teenage son got one for Christmas last year. I didn’t use it the first couple of months but now I ask about the weather and such. My grandkids on the other hand like telling Alexa to make cart sounds. Yes, Alexa will make fart sounds and she also will make a variety of factors sounds. The grandkids find it hilarious.
Ooh, I must try that, thank you. 😊
Oops lots of errors in my comment. It is supposed to say fart sounds and that Alexa will make a “variety” of fart sounds, not “factor”
I got it. 😄
Alexa took out a restraining order against me.
Lol. I can believe it, Jim. Some of the things I am hearing. Thank you 😊
If only they could tell us the winning numbers!
Yes, wouldn’t that be great. Thank you. 😊
Forewarned is forearmed. ;>) Thanks, Trev!
Neither Alexa nor a Thermomix will ever grace my home 🤣. Enjoy shouting at it, though, Trev!!! 😂
Hi Trev, I would think you have to be very careful with what you say around Alexa. Me I would have to make sure I pronounce every word I say.
You do have to be very careful, she’s definitely spying. It’s the same with the phone, listening to everything. Thank you, Hope. 😊
HA! Crazy T*ts Radio!!!
Yep. Thank you 😊
A coffee spluttering moment!!! Couldn’t resist sharing on FB and Twitter. Cheers!!
Awww, thank you, Judith, that’s very kind of you. I hope you didn’t make too much mess with the coffee? 😀😊
There’s nothing else quite like morning coffee enjoyed with peace and quiet. I’ve come to believe we (anyone who trys) can be at our mental best before the noisy distraction of the world . . . well . . . distracts us. 😊
I agree with you there. Thank you 😊
Our daughter and son-in-law have one. Not for me or my techie husband. I prefer the peace and quiet as you do and no one outside the house listening.
janet
I know exactly what you mean, thank you 😊