What good is Alexa.

[Bazzer]

On a less intimate tangent, around 6 weeks ago we had a new boiler fitted and (without being asked) the plumber fitted a Hive as part of the installation. A few days before Christmas, the wall control/thermostat unit wouldn't connect to the unit which switches the boiler off and on, so we had no heating or hot water. Efforts to connect them using the online instructions failed so I contacted the Hive call centre.
After some 10 minutes or so of further guidance the units still would not connect. I was told, "I'll put you on hold for a couple of minutes while I try something at this end." About a minute later the lights on both units showed they had connected. The chap at the other end of the line then returns asking if it was now showing as connected.
Perhaps it is just me, but I found it quite disturbing that whilst I could control my home heating from my 'phone, I did not expect others to have that capacity.

 

[Yellow Fang]

I reckon these Alexas will eventually start killing their owners like they do in the films. You'll get in the shower and it will be set to 95°C. Or she might give you some misinformation like rubbing deadly nightshade into your scalp is good for hair loss. Or she might play the OK Computer album on loop until you decide to end it all.

 

[screenman]

I find the idea of having a listening device in my house rather disturbing to be honest but then I am not obsessive about gadgets and the 'latest thing'. To me it is a very expensive toy that will soon loose it's appeal along with all the other fads.

If that is your thing go for it

Expensive £25 for a decent radio that has many other uses?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

On a less intimate tangent, around 6 weeks ago we had a new boiler fitted and (without being asked) the plumber fitted a Hive as part of the installation. A few days before Christmas, the wall control/thermostat unit wouldn't connect to the unit which switches the boiler off and on, so we had no heating or hot water. Efforts to connect them using the online instructions failed so I contacted the Hive call centre.
After some 10 minutes or so of further guidance the units still would not connect. I was told, "I'll put you on hold for a couple of minutes while I try something at this end." About a minute later the lights on both units showed they had connected. The chap at the other end of the line then returns asking if it was now showing as connected.
Perhaps it is just me, but I found it quite disturbing that whilst I could control my home heating from my 'phone, I did not expect others to have that capacity.

Worth clarifying exactly what data Hive (the company) collects from the device in your house. I presume you have not given explicit consent to any data collection.

 

[Blue Hills]

Are you two the only ones who open your fridge door? Ah, so sad to be all alone in the world!

It's true purpose is to spy on your loved ones. Now you don't have to nod sympathetically when your spouse bemoans they can't lose weight, you can get the phone and show the series of images of the left over cake getting smaller and smaller.

Edit: Ugh. That's a TMN to Blue Hills.

several issues with this post, slightest TMN.
?

 

[Brads]

Ok I haven't read the whole thread, but why would anyone let google listen, record, and sell everything they said in the privacy of their own home.?

 

[Blue Hills]

Quite. Agree 100 per cent. The simple "stupid" questions are often the best.

And a thought.

Alexa is an existing human name isn't it?

What do you do if you live with an Alexa?

Get the unfortunate soul to change their name?

At the very least during sex?

 

[Edwardoka]

What do you do if you live with an Alexa?

Get the unfortunate soul to change their name?

At the very least during sex?

As if anyone who owns an Amazon Echo ever has sex

 

[Markymark]

As if anyone who owns an Amazon Echo ever has sex

I own one and I’m having sex right now.

 

[Blue Hills]

I own one and I’m having sex right now.

Well i pity your playmate then.

 

[vickster]

Well i pity your playmate then.

I'm not sure the inflatable types worry too much if they don't have the full attention of their playmate

 

[Markymark]

Well i pity your playmate then.

Most seem to be enjoying themselves.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

I own one and I’m having sex right now.

With yourself doesn't count

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Perhaps it is just me, but I found it quite disturbing that whilst I could control my home heating from my 'phone, I did not expect others to have that capacity.

I can assure you you are not

 

[jefmcg]

Most seem to be enjoying themselves.

Sorry, how many people are you having sex with right now? And how do you find time to post to CC?