Pretend you're almost 60. What do you use Alexa FOR?

[Miljea]

😂 (Techy) DH has won one.

What might one use it/her for?

I am a cynic and believe it listens into everything, but heigh ho.

I ask it recipes for.... whatever is in the fridge

It’s like using the internet but voice controlled.

The dc do quizzes on it.

I'm 61 and I've worked with computers since 1985 (still have an original Apple Mac in my collection). I don't use Alexa as I've no need to - my house electrics, heating etc are already controlled by an app, and I have a network of 4 computers in the house.

Not much point in posting then with an answer to a question which OP didn’t actually ask - unless you’re thinking she might say “no I won’t use the Alexa we’ve already got, I’ll get a different app and also set up a network of four computers throughout the house”

Reminders, lists, music, ordering things, asking random facts or history events

But returning to the actual topic - mine is in the kitchen. I use it for shopping lists as when I see something has run out in my cupboard/fridge/freezer, rather than going to find my phone to add it to the list (by which time I’ve forgotten what I actually wanted, as I am older than 61) I can just shout to Alexa to put it on the list.

I got a new oven last year and because of Alexa I will never need to learn to use the timer.

Listening to the radio.

Asking for the Spanish equivalent of English words.

I have the Google mini, which is similar though cannot connect to Amazon.

I use it as a speaker to play music via my phone, as a timer, to check the weather for the day, to ask where my phone is (it rings it even if it is off or on silent). I ask about traffic and train running.

It's reasonably handy but not life changing. Be more fun with kids I think.
I have it in the kitchen.

We use ours for the radio, audiobooks and shopping lists. We have five in total, including one on the patio so I can listen to the radio out there.
They are great until your wifi goes down.
There’s honestly no issues with security, not sure why people get so hot under the collar about it.

My work colleague was in a room with her DH and an Alexa, which they weren't engaging with, but no PC in that room- discussing drain covers, like you do.

She opened FB later, and guess what product popped up in her ads, first? And repeatedly? 😂😏

I'm another one who doesn't really get it, when you say shopping lists, where is the shopping list, and how do I refer to it when I'm in the supermarket?

I'd also be concerned that unless you ask the question in a clear and precise way, she wouldn't understand and she'd just give me a load of rubbish or say that she didn't understand.

It dies listen to everything. Which is why I dont have one (though the phone listens too).
My friend, 58, does and she usually uses it for music. I think she can also turn the lights off and on through it.

I'd sell it, I'm 53. Can't be doing with gimmicks.

Medication reminders daily weekly and monthly, cooking timers, hot tub cleaning routines are set in, birthdays are set in 4 days before so time to post cards music and radio

How do you programme in the reminders? Does it come with an app?

My dad is 70 and uses it to play music and instead of a radio in the kitchen.

Me: Alexa set a ten minute reminder
Alexa: what's the reminder for
Me: close hotub

Me: Alexa set a daily reminder 8am
I always let Alexa ask me what it's for or she gets confused.

For a timer just say Alexa set 25 minute timer

Alarms and timers keep ringing til you stop them. Reminders send a text to phone and Alexa rings twice

I can switch my own lights on - one should keep active
Likewise music
My phone will set an alarm for me if I need one
Shopping lists - don't use them. I'd rather keep my memory sharp

Really can't see a use for her

My dh bought it about 6 months ago and I was very sceptical wouldn't be without it now and if it listens to me counting my crochet and telling the dog how much I love him so what?

57 so don’t need to pretend.
Music
Radio
Timer for cooking.
Um, that’s it.

I’m 53 is that “almost 60”?
Use it turn lights on/off/dim, turn tv on/off, music and timers mostly. My daughter also has one in her room so we can message her from the one in the living room. She likes to play thunderstorm noises to help her sleep and coffee shop noises when she is working (she has adhd and hates silence)

I'm another one who doesn't really get it, when you say shopping lists, where is the shopping list, and how do I refer to it when I'm in the supermarket?

The corresponding Alexa app is on your phone - you set up lists on your phone, then speak to Alexa eg “Alexa, add eggs to shopping list”. The item then appears in the app on your phone which you take to the supermarket with you. Saves having to go & find your phone to enter it manually (though you can do that as well if you want) or go and find a pen and paper to write it down.

Or “Alexa, set timer for 30 minutes” if you’re cooking something - warning sound goes after 30 mins. Or when I get a 10 minute break in my online class, I set the timer so I get a warning sound, then I can be doing things in the house & don’t have to keep checking if the 10 minutes is up.

I haven’t really investigated using it for reminders but I’m sure that would be useful as well.

Really can't see a use for her

Well you’re sorted then, but the OP’s question wasn’t actually whether YOU felt you needed one.

@MrsFezziwig

Really can't see a use for her

Well you’re sorted then, but the OP’s question wasn’t actually whether YOU felt you needed one.

I am.

Aren't I lucky

I'm 64 and I have 2.

Upstairs. News and weather first thing, reading an audible book when I go to bed. I get her to read for 10, 15 or 20 minutes depending on how sleepy I am. I also get her to read more if I wake in the night.

Downstairs, random things I can't remember - I give her clues and she can usually help. Kitchen timers, reminders to phone friends, make or cancel appointments.

Both - operate switches. My TV, Firestick and speakers are plugged into one smart socket, a multi extension, a hall lamp, a bedroom lamp and a fan heater in my dressing room into others. I can switch any and all of these off or on at will. Including an 'All Off' command which ensures the whole lot is off when I go out. My iron can also be plugged into the fan heater socket so, if any time, I think I may have forgotten I can just 'off' again to confirm.
I can also call my kids or any of my friends that also have them with no other appliance.
As I get older, my kids will be able to check on me as often as necessary - and can also be given access to switches as and when necessary. I will also be able to call them if I have a fall (clearly hope this won't be necessary) and I expect I will be able to link it in to other and newer technology as I get older.

Not use it, too much of a security risk

I am in my late 50s. I use it for my kitchen timer, radio, music, the weather , an alarm , Google, to order from Amazon
Love it

DH and I are almost 60 and we can't see any use for one. He listens to a lot of security podcasts, I write software and we're very dubious about the security of 'internet of things' devices. And it's not exactly difficult to operate a few switches or press buttons.

If people have various disabilities then Alexa type devices doubtlessly be extremely helpful.