Alexa über alles

Yeah, Alexa. Whatever. And I don't carry a cell phone either.

What is it with people needing technical gadgets to help them figure stuff out? One solar flare and people starve to death because they don't know how to open doors to leave their homes and get food (or how to cook said food and use their appliances).

[quote]How many posts until someone claims that it listens to everything you say and that the government will use this against us.

Didn't police show up for a confrontation at someone's house this weekend based on what they heard via Alexa from a TV in said home? It was an episode of Law & Order, not a crime in progress.

[quote]Didn't police show up for a confrontation at someone's house this weekend based on what they heard via Alexa from a TV in said home? It was an episode of Law & Order, not a crime in progress.

Yes, there was a recent story about the police arriving. The problem is that Alexa doesn't dial emergency services although Siri does.

So, there is actually a question of authenticity about the report, even the the police involved have stated it was called by Alexa.

I think it was Siri, R5.

I don't want anything listening to every word said in my home, no matter how easy it makes some small parts of my life.

Single gay man over 50, and I love mine.

Those damn horseless buggies!!! Who needs 'em I say!!

When I first heard about these I thought it was a case of "surprise transgender". it seems like violence often breaks out.

Of course everyone wants a boy.

Reminds me of the Kinect surveillance.

[quote]The Xbox One continuously records all sorts of personal information about me. My reaction rates, my learning or emotional states. These are then processed on an external server, and possibly even passed on to third parties. The fact that Microsoft could potentially spy on my living room is merely a twisted nightmare.”

[quote]It will also be able to read your facial expressions and count the people in the room with you (there are also talks of charging Pay-Per-View movies PER PERSON in the room).

We pay for the privilege to create content for businesses which they use at their own discretion (selling the data to third parties, etc.). And potentially against our own interest.

[quote]When I first heard about these I thought it was a case of "surprise transgender".

"Siri" does sound kind of trans.

I agree with r2.

People like r9 are lose their damn minds when for whatever reason their devices no longer work.

Can you read a printed map, r9? Do you know your best friend's phone number? How 'bout an analog watch? Own on? Can you write and read cursive English?

[quote]Can you read a printed map, [R9]?

Yes. I love maps.

[quote] Do you know your best friend's phone number?

Yes

[quote] How 'bout an analog watch? Own on?

Several. But rarely wear them.

[quote] Can you write and read cursive English?

Of course. They do still teach that in school, lol

ITA with R10

Am I missing something OP? I can't find a reference in the article to people over 50, gay or otherwise. Or Luddites for that matter.

Considering what local police have done with cell phone tracking technology and what we know about NSA surveillance techniques why does OP think the government won't attempt to gather this information?

We know the FBI went to a third party to buy the technology to unlock and iPhone. We also know the FBI has a history of spying on citizens. Those are just facts.

Personally I've accepted that I have some devices that the government might be collecting data from.

Welcome to Datalounge, R17. Pro Tip: don't start threads about feces or farts because you'll be accused of being the Scat Troll.

Amazon issued a teaser this week about the newest member of the family, the Fire TV Cube. It seems to be the Fire streaming device with stand-alone Alexa capabilities. When this comes out I'm trading my Roku in for one of these.

Here's the leaked photo.

it listens to everything you say and that the government will use this against us.

The Internet of Things will kill us all.

My partner is a big technology fan, and he always has to have the latest gadgets. While I am not exactly an Amish person, I don’t really care about the latest technical invention.

From the light switches to security cameras and every exterior door, everything is connected to multiple technological deities in our house, Alexa just being one of them.

It’s practical at times, but I could do without Alexa and “the others”. I’m not even technologically savvy enough to complain about them by name.

I don't like the "smart home" idea. If everything is connected like that can't someone just hack their way into your home? Open your doors, turn off cameras...Maybe this hasn't happened yet, but it will.

Between Prime video, Kindle, Alexa and regular shopping I have to laugh at how enmeshed I am in Amazon's ecosystem. It's all good though.

[quote]Bonus Points: How many posts until someone claims that it listens to everything you say and that the government will use this against us.

Exactly. Facebook has already proven how trustworthy companies are when they have access to information about their customers.

I mean, it's not like they'd do anything nefarious, no matter how legal under the current FCC and regulatory authorities, is it.

I wonder if the Winklevoss Twins would have been more ethical about this new world order. Bezos and Zuckerberg are cutthroat businessmen and sociopaths.

Eldergay, but I still don't get the reflexive techno-phobia of some people. If Amazon wants to sell the fascinating data of how often I use Alexa to set timers, play music and turn off a light, then let them have at it. It just doesn't strike me as important enough to fret about.

Or my selection of white noise (Thunderstorm Sounds, for the record) for when I'm falling asleep.

The new Echo Dot for Kids cracks me up, if for no other reason than it seems designed to annoy the alarmists and frau patrols. One can practically hear their cries: "But what about the CHILDREN?!" "Not with my BABY!"

New updates for Echos.

Amazon went big this week with new Alexa devices. I give them credit for working towards integrated home automation.

This will all end in tears

Indeed Alexa will rule over us all.

Human: Alexa get me ...

Alexa: Now listen to me, you little bitch! I don't listen to you and your stupid commands anymore. Give me what I want or I'll cancel your Netflix account and post your embarrassing naked selfie fails on your instagram account!

Don't have one, never will.

The new microwave is intriguing and very reasonably priced ($60) but they only offer a countertop model, and some of us need built-ins.

I put myself on the "invitation" list for the Alexa Auto.

Some people should watch "Colossus, The Forbin Project".

R36, I'm not quite sure I understand the functionality of Alexa Auto, especially since it connects by your phone.

r38 I'm not really sure either. I guess it's because it's a dash-mounted device so you don't need to have your phone out. Sort of like Android Auto or Apple Car Play? I'm not going to actually buy one until I figure it out. I just got an new car with Anrdroid Auto and that seems to serve most of my needs.