Explain Alexa (or similar) to me

[Tincabelle]

I live alone and like the idea of having a gadget to remind me of things, answer questions and play me music etc. Not sure what else Alexa et al are capable of. And unclear what the difference between them is.

How do they work? How much do they cost? Would really appreciate an idiots guide to Alex et al to help me decide if I'd like one.

You'd need an ECHO device and the ALEXA app.
Echo.
Echo dot.
Echo show. Etc.

I use my Alexa to keep my shopping list (which then pops up on the Alexa app on my phone) - very handy to just tell her to add something I realise I've run out of right at that moment. I also use it to listen to music, and in particular I use it to read me my books on Audible while I'm doing something in the kitchen. That's my favourite usage. My grandchildren use it to ask questions of, and I have been known to do that too. For example - if I'm looking at a recipe and I want to convert Celsius to Farenheit (I'm in the US and our stoves don't work in C) or grams to ounces (we also don't use metric measurements) or cups. Quicker than checking on my phone!

Pretty much like everyone else.
Shopping list(can access at shops via alexa app)
Morning alarm for the kids.
Morning routine I. E mine tells tells you weather forecast, any appts on the calendar and then goes to radio.
Announcements for dinner or I need a child and they can't hear me shouting due to playing loud music.
Setting timers or reminders for appts (can sync your calendar)
The screen ones will show you recipes that you swipe through.
My youngest loves just having random conversations with her.