Alexa, Where is Susan?

[susandennis]

I have heard my house cleaner talk to my Echo before. She doesn't understand that she has to preface everything with 'Alexa'. So she starts with Alexa, xxx but then carries on a one sided conversation and is always confused when, after the first time, Alexa never answers again. But, she's never discouraged. And usually she starts with "Alexa, where is Susan?"

Today after she got here and got settled, I went off to Goodwill. I had unloaded my donation and moved over to the parking lot and was just parked when my phone made a sound I had not heard before...

A month or so ago, Amazon added new features to Echo. You can now use it as an intercom and you can also make video phone calls with the Echo Show. I did not bother setting up either of these features since I have no use for either one. But, apparently, no set up is needed!

I turned on the phone and it said that Home was calling so I punched 'answer' and there was Amira's face on my phone with me in a small corner of the screen! And, I was on the screen in the living room. She was shocked and I was too. She said that she had asked Alexa Where is Susan. We got a huge laugh out of the whole thing and as I was trying to figure out how to hang up, I heard her say "Alexa, shame on you!"

I very nearly wet my pants. Sitting in the parking lot of the Goodwill laughing hysterically.

But, I'm impressed that the function is that easy!

Comments

[topum.livejournal.com]

This is hilarious. I can't wait to see how technology will change the world in say 50 years.

[laura davidson (from livejournal.com)]

That is awesome and hilarious!

But, that kind of ease of use and lack of lockdown is why I will not have one in my house. Not because of paranoid "it's listening" stuff, but because I'm afraid my five-year-old would order all manner of things. (Mostly sugary, I suspect.)

[susandennis]

You hear those stories daily... my kid ordered xxx I don't blame you a bit!

[ani-mama.livejournal.com]

Awesome! We are living in a sci fi age.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

Oh wow--that is so cool! And funny!

[hktkljn.livejournal.com]

looks so coo And funny !
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[rsc.livejournal.com]

My local public classical-music radio station has been running a promo lately in which they suggest that, whenever you want to hear "great music", you say, "Alexa, play WCRB radio", and of course the suggested command is pitched exactly as one if one were addressing such a device. I wonder what effect that has in households where Alexa is in fact activated.

[susandennis]

Amazon TV commercials say 'Alexa, xxxx' and that is, so far, the ONLY time a TV/radio/podcast has NOT triggered the Echo. I've heard that they play some kind of inaudible track in the background that prevents Echo from being triggered.

I'm guessing WCRB is turning on Echo's across their airwaves. Now, what is interesting might be what if you are listening to WCRB via Echo?

So now I am. Stay tuned for answer.

[rsc.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was wondering about that exact scenario.

[susandennis]

Finally! After all damn day, they finally said it!! And...

nothing at all happened. nothing. it was like the Echo TV commercials.

very anticlimactic

But, I seriously like this station, so thanks!!

[mixter11nm.livejournal.com]

This is too funny! Imagine someone trying to cheat on their spouse...the wife comes home and says Alexa, where is John? All of a sudden you see a picture of John with his cute little girl toy looking over his shoulder as he presses answer...

Can you tell I'm bored at work?

[susandennis]

I love it... that is a great visual - reminds me of lyrics to one of my favorite songs:

You were lyin' there with nothing on
But a goofy little grin and a platinum blonde