I Was Given An Amazon Echo Dot For Christmas

[Stargazer]

and I don't want it. I can't think why I would want one. What are your views on these space invaders?

[jackthehat]

I get mine to act as a Kitchen-timer and to read me stories.
My dad gets his to help with his crosswords.... :o)

[sunny-dave]

Useful for home automation (lights and sockets etc) and playing music or talking books - also for googling when your hands are full/grubby

[pixie374]

Really like them, unlimited music, will read your kindle, read out recipes, weather, whatever you like and you don't need to touch them.

[andres]

Just another automated gadget taking over our lives . In a few years time our brains will have shrivelled up due to lack of use!

[Buenchico]

These links suggest things that you can do with your Alexa device:
https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/the-best-things-you-can-do-with-amazon-echo/

https://www.tomsguide.com/uk/round-up/best-alexa-skills

However I can't think of any reason why I'd need/want one myself. I'm usually sitting right by my computer (and my internet radio, for playing music), my light switch (with a dimmer) is only just behind me and I'm perfectly capable of using the internet myself to find information.

[gness]

Not so, Andres....we love using Alexa for quizzing. Great fun if you choose the right quizzes and there's no arguing with the quiz master.

[Mozz71]

//Just another automated gadget taking over our lives . In a few years time our brains will have shrivelled up due to lack of use!//

It's no different from having a set of encyclopedias, but without the hassle of looking stuff up. I use alexa on my tablet occasionally, especially when compiling quizzes.

[pixie374]

Speak for yourself, andres :-)

[Stickybottle]

Would not have one even if it was for free
Quite often gets the wrong track when asked or tells you that the track you want is not available on Amazon etc

Will stick to my iPod and I do not need another device to set a timer for me because I can do that on my phone or oven !

[gness]

So have you tried one, Sticky?

[andres]

Only time will tell!

[pixie374]

SB, we do have unlimited music... apparently over 40 million songs. I have tested, but haven't found one that it doesn't know yet.

[windywillow]

I set mine to remind me when to take my tablets, when to put the bins out, when to switch off the tumbler dryer, when to switch off the dishwasher (just before the drying cycle starts).

To remind me when my chosen programmes start, to remind me of my dental, hospital, hairdresser, chiropody appointments, to name a few.

I thought I wouldn't use it when I was given it as a gift last year. I was wrong.

[gness]

Exactly, Windy. When techy Dave first started with them I thought...here we go. I was wrong.
Been great and fun too.

[Dagman]

I play "pub quiz" and "beat the intro" great fun. Also play radio channels through it or whatever is on my phone.

[Stickybottle]

gness
So have you tried one, Sticky?

Only when I pop to see my lady friend
We always revert to my iPod because if we want something of the beaten track I tend to already have it in my library
Plus I hear some good remixes on YouTube that are unavailable elsewhere which I download then convert and add them to the iPod
Much less hassle than shouting : Alexa stop
every few minutes

Each time their own I just find them frustrating far too often

[Stickybottle]

*off not of

[Cloverjo]

I haven’t got one but Young clover has one. He uses it for kitchen timers and playing whatever music he wants. I’m sure there is more you can do, but I can’t really be bothered with it.

[bednobs]

i like mine. I can call everyone for dinner no matter what they are listening to and at what volume. I use it for kitchen timers, cfree calls to my parents, adding things to my shopping list so i remember what we need, music, audio books, crosswords to turn my xmas lights on and off withut having to fish for the socket, to find my keys. I have a show so i also use it as a digital phto frame, and to see who's at the door. Of course i could do all that with by various other means, but not so conveniently

[Musictv2019]

I got one for Christmas and I love it